I Don’t Have Time to be Sick

By Linda Erickson

4/15/24

Linda Erickson is a 16 year ULMS thriver, from Montana.

It’s not clear when Linda’s uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) started. In 1995, she had a hysterectomy for problematic fibroids and bleeding. But in 2008, after more spotting, a growth in her vagina was removed and confirmed by Mayo to be LMS. The doctor told her there was nothing more to do, since LMS was chemo and radiation resistant.

In 2014, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. They also found some lung nodules. She declined a lung biopsy to see which cancer it was. She had a lumpectomy and went on an estrogen blocker. In 2018, another lump appeared in the same breast. She had a mastectomy. In 2019, her other breast also got a lump. Linda underwent another lumpectomy and radiation. She started faslodex, a monthly shot to block estrogen. She also takes Prolia, to help her prevent bone density loss.

The next year in 2020, a PET scan showed that Linda’s lung nodules were growing. Now she had a tumor in the duodenum (small intestine). She had surgery, which also removed half her stomach. This time the verdict was LMS again. She declined chemotherapy because she just felt too busy. 

In November of 2023, an MRI scan found the liver met grow from 1.1 cm in 2021 to 2.2 cm. The same scan also showed a ping-pong ball sized met on Linda’s esophagus. It was biopsied and confirmed as LMS.  The doctor again offered chemo to help, “slow it down.” Linda is pursuing a second opinion at a sarcoma center, and has for the time being, declined chemo again. Linda shares, “I just don’t have time to be sick.”

Linda and her husband have been married 47 years. They have a blended family of 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. They started two nonprofits for veterans. The first is a food pantry. The newest project is a camp for veterans. All her energy goes towards these foundations, family and reading, her favorite past time.

Linda feels she has been blessed by her cancer journey not effecting her life – she is still enjoying it.  She advises new LMS patients to listen to your body. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself with the doctors. Life goes on… don’t let cancer consume you.

Send us your LMS long term thriver story at info@LMSDR.org and pass the hope forward!