The year that changed our lives

One year ago yesterday (June 1st) our whole lives changed.  Life as we knew it stopped and we started into a new life with cancer.  We where dragged through the wringer and we are all stronger for it.  I started this blog for Erin on June 2, 2010 on year ago today.  It has reached an audience of over 100,000 views in 10 countires.  I hope that Erin's experience will help others who have to suffer with cancer and hopefully raise awareness that we must find a cure for our children.

I have been apprehensive about reaching that dreaded day of June 1st - the day that we found out that Erin had cancer.  There are some emotions and feelings that I don't think I will EVER forget about that day.

June 2, 2010

June 20, 2010

June 1, 2011

Erin endured 146 days & nights spent at Primary Children's, 35 days of high dose IV Chemotherapy, Her ANC (immune system) was zero for 79 days, 6 Central line repairs, 34 Central Line Dressing changes, 4 Echocardiograms, 4 EKGs, 5 CT Scans, 2 MRIs, 1 Ultrasound, 1 Central line placement, 1 Central line removal, 6 Bone Marrow Aspirations, 4 Lumbar Punctures, 2 PEG chemo shots, 13 Blood transfusions, 13 Platelet transfusions, Highest Fever: 104.3 F (40.3 C), 35 different pharmaceuticals, Biggest insurance claim: $102,312.39

"Endurance

is not

just the ability

to bear a hard thing,

but turn it into

glory."

 

- William Barclay

 

Erin is such a beautiful strong little girl.  She has experienced so much in her young life.  She understands and comprehends things that most children never experience in life.  She has taught us all so much.  She has quietly suffered through much pain and sickness and all through it she still smiled.  I love my little air bear so much.  She is a beautiful example to us all.  I know that our Heavenly Father loves little children more than we can comprehend.  He loves my little Erin and I know that she will forever be blessed by this very difficult experience.