The Long Wait is Over

Ok, so today was the day. I went to see the endocrinologist to find out what needs to be happening. He did a thorough checkup and then explained that due to the size of the nodule currently residing in my thyroid, that it would be best treated by removing my thyroid gland entirely. It is approx 1.2-1.4 cm. He recommended a good surgeon who does a lot of thyroid surgery and I have an appointment with the surgeon next week. According to the receptionist I spoke to when I made that appointment, it should only be 1-2 weeks from the time of my consultation that I would get in for surgery. Happily with some minor adjustments to a test on my schedule that will work out fine. Dr Miner also told me that it is possible, depending on how my surgery goes, that I will not have to do the iodine treatment! That would be great for me!

Lost in Austen

On a completely unrelated note, I just watched the funnest movie I have seen in a long time. It is 'Lost in Austen'. I have always loved all the Jane Austen books and most of the movies that have been made. This story is all about how a modern girl is transported back into the lives of the characters that she so loves she actually trades times with Elizabeth. She then proceeds to make a complete muckery of the situation and falls in love with Mr Darcy. It is a miniseries and as such is a bit long, but the three hours is entirely worth it. I highly recommend it.

Change of Plans

So at the last update I was supposed to go in to the oncologist tomorrow. Well, oddly enough Dr Rich called me personally tonight to let me know that he wasn't the 'right' Dr for me to be seeing and that I really need to go to the clinic that deals with primarily thyroid cancer. He canceled my appointment and is going to have his office contact me tomorrow and tell me what I need to do to get an appointment there....

So more waiting...yay!

My reaction

Ok, so now that all the details are out there, I am still trying to process my reaction to this news. I am feeling scared and upset and I am in a state of confusion because I don't really understand how this is going to impact our lives. Jason has been great and such a good support so far.

I think the hardest part of getting a diagnosis like this is that I don't feel sick. I have nothing to connect to. But I am so happy that I have so many good friends and family that are concerned about me.

Thanks!

The beginning

So, as most of you know I have recently been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. I will be posting updates and all sorts of information on here so that everyone can know what is going on and I won't have to spend all day on the phone. :)

The first hint of anything was when I went to the dr on a Monday just after the new year because everyone had been sick and I was worried that it would become pneumonia and I didn't want to be sick during the beginning of school. My dr is great, and he was checking my neck and noticed that my thyroid was swollen. He said it was most likely due to a cyst that would go away, but he wanted me to have an ultrasound to see for sure.

Tuesday, I had the ultrasound at 8am.

Wednesday, I called the office, my Dr was out but the nurse told me that the 'cyst' wasn't a cyst at all but that it was a solid nodule.

Thursday, My Dr's nurse called to tell me what the other nurse had told me, and to tell me that my Dr wanted to have a biopsy done. The hospital called me later and we scheduled the biopsy for the following day.

Friday, my dad took me down to the hospital for the biopsy, or fine needle aspiration as they like to call it. That was not as bad as I was anticipating although it was nerve-wracking.

The following Tuesday, the Dr's office called to tell me that the Dr wanted me to schedule an appointment so that he could review with me the results of the biopsy. The next available opening was for Thursday.

Thursday, I went in to the Dr's office and he informed me that it was indeed cancer and that it was a really great thing that we had found it so early. He recommended an oncologist, then he called him so that I could make an appointment.

So I have that appointment on Monday and I will have some more information then.