Wednesday, June 30, 2010
RAI date moved up to tomorrow - July 1, 2010
Got a call from the Radiology dept to see if I could come in for my RAI therapy tomorrow (Thursday, July 1) instead of on Friday (July 2). She said if I couldn't make it, then it would be pushed back a bit. I called my vet to make sure they could board the two dogs (the cat was already going to be taken in for boarding tomorrow) at the end of next week when my parents are out of town (I probably should not be feeding pets even a week later), and they were very accommodating. So, I'm going in tomorrow. I checked my TSH level results and they were twice what they needed to be (67.4, but only needed to be 30). I was concerned about some food I had earlier this week since it was processed in a facility that also processed milk, eggs, soy, etc. The Radiologist said that would be Ok, and my ENDO said it was more important that I avoided seafood/sushi. So, I guess I'm good to go.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Labs
I thought I was only having my TSH level taken, but blood was also drawn for my Thyroglobulin level (Tg), which I believe is the tumor marker for thyroid cancer. Little surprised that a Thyroglobulin antibody test (TgAb) was not also part of the blood work taken, although perhaps it is something that will also be analyzed along with the Thyroglobulin level. Or maybe not - further research on the TgAb indicates that I would have been told to fast for several hours before the test, which I was not told to do and was not asked about when I checked in at the lab. I hope I didn't botch up my labs!
Just days away from my RAI therapy dose, and I noticed that the TJ's blue corn tortillas I've been eating are processed on machinery shared with soy and dairy products. Great. Could I be botching up my chances for a good RAI therapy and whole body scans?!? I know I need to stop stressing, but I'm starting to get worried about how good I've been about following the low-iodine diet (from hell) these past couple of weeks and that my TSH and Tg levels are where they need to be. Argh!
Just days away from my RAI therapy dose, and I noticed that the TJ's blue corn tortillas I've been eating are processed on machinery shared with soy and dairy products. Great. Could I be botching up my chances for a good RAI therapy and whole body scans?!? I know I need to stop stressing, but I'm starting to get worried about how good I've been about following the low-iodine diet (from hell) these past couple of weeks and that my TSH and Tg levels are where they need to be. Argh!
Endo says... - Part 2
Got a response from my Endo:
1) I can have my TSH level taken at any lab within my medical group. Lucky for me there is one about a mile away from my house. Everyone at the ThyCa meeting last week suggested that I always get my blood work for my thyroid tests done at the same lab every time, so I guess I'll be going to my local lab for everything going forward.
2) As for my HCC not taking up the radiation iodine therapy, he said that in some advanced cases of HCC it doesn't take up the iodine, but he believes mine will because I was diagnosed under the age of 45, and I should continue to hope for the best possible result. I have to say that from everything I have read in my books and on the internet, I have been glossing right over the age correlation, so it was never clear to me how or why it was known that the RAI didn't work. See the other quirky thing about HCC is that it usually shows up in people over the age of 45. So now it makes perfect sense to me why it doesn't normally take up RAI. When I first learned that I had HCC, I always wondered how it was that not only did I get the not so common variant of the second most common thyroid cancer, but also how on earth did I get the thyroid cancer reserved for people over the age of 45 when I just turned 40 when the lump on my left thyroid was discovered. Why me?!? Well, maybe I now have the answer to that question: Because I truly am lucky that it was found as early as it was and that I did something about it when I did. I'm not home free just yet, but I feel so much more positive and at ease about going through RAI now. This is very encouraging news!
Otherwise, today (Monday, June 28) was pretty exhausting, which is why I am posting this after midnight. My dad's post-stroke appt with his Cardiologist was at 9:30am. He had yet another reason to feel discouraged about his health situation since we were told the clot that caused the stroke may have been from his bypass surgery since he had atrial fibrillation during his surgery. This is why he has a very high risk of having another stroke within in the next couple of months. So, he was taken off Plavix and put on Coumadin, which requires weekly blood tests and a heart monitor. His doc did mention that he should be walking every day. So we need to include that as a daily activity for him in addition to his PT exercises. I remember it took me a while to get past the 'Why me' phase even before I found out I had HCC, so I just keep on reminding my Dad that these are all just minor set backs, that he is very lucky, despite these two major health events he has experienced within weeks of each other, because the outcome could have been far worse for him. Daily encouragement is what I have for him, and I pray that my dad will once again feel good about where is and where he is going with it.
1) I can have my TSH level taken at any lab within my medical group. Lucky for me there is one about a mile away from my house. Everyone at the ThyCa meeting last week suggested that I always get my blood work for my thyroid tests done at the same lab every time, so I guess I'll be going to my local lab for everything going forward.
2) As for my HCC not taking up the radiation iodine therapy, he said that in some advanced cases of HCC it doesn't take up the iodine, but he believes mine will because I was diagnosed under the age of 45, and I should continue to hope for the best possible result. I have to say that from everything I have read in my books and on the internet, I have been glossing right over the age correlation, so it was never clear to me how or why it was known that the RAI didn't work. See the other quirky thing about HCC is that it usually shows up in people over the age of 45. So now it makes perfect sense to me why it doesn't normally take up RAI. When I first learned that I had HCC, I always wondered how it was that not only did I get the not so common variant of the second most common thyroid cancer, but also how on earth did I get the thyroid cancer reserved for people over the age of 45 when I just turned 40 when the lump on my left thyroid was discovered. Why me?!? Well, maybe I now have the answer to that question: Because I truly am lucky that it was found as early as it was and that I did something about it when I did. I'm not home free just yet, but I feel so much more positive and at ease about going through RAI now. This is very encouraging news!
Otherwise, today (Monday, June 28) was pretty exhausting, which is why I am posting this after midnight. My dad's post-stroke appt with his Cardiologist was at 9:30am. He had yet another reason to feel discouraged about his health situation since we were told the clot that caused the stroke may have been from his bypass surgery since he had atrial fibrillation during his surgery. This is why he has a very high risk of having another stroke within in the next couple of months. So, he was taken off Plavix and put on Coumadin, which requires weekly blood tests and a heart monitor. His doc did mention that he should be walking every day. So we need to include that as a daily activity for him in addition to his PT exercises. I remember it took me a while to get past the 'Why me' phase even before I found out I had HCC, so I just keep on reminding my Dad that these are all just minor set backs, that he is very lucky, despite these two major health events he has experienced within weeks of each other, because the outcome could have been far worse for him. Daily encouragement is what I have for him, and I pray that my dad will once again feel good about where is and where he is going with it.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Last two days my energy level has been all over the place. I definitely needed naps both days. I decided to drive myself to the ThyCa (Thyroid Cancer Survivor) meeting Thursday evening, but yesterday I had my mom take care of the driving for me.
My chiro told me about an article he read that THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is found in the cannabis plant) was able to stop cancer cells from growing in certain cancers, particularly one type of thyroid cancer, BUT, he couldn't remember which thyroid cancer it worked for. Interesting. I remember when I found out I had two flavors of thyroid cancer that my younger sister asked if that meant I could get medical grade marijuana. I chuckled because I said I wasn't in any real pain from my cancers. But, you never know. Since the HCC doesn't generally take up the RAI treatment, and if my tumor marker (Tg) showed that I still have cancer lurking around my body after the scans, I wouldn't be opposed to trying anything to stop it from growing more. I suppose that would mean participating in some sort of cancer treatment trial, even if it were for THC.
Anyway, I'm down to six more days on the low-iodine diet from hell and my therapy dose. I emailed my Endo to find out where I need to go on Tuesday 6/29 to have my TSH (thryoid stimulating hormone) level taken. My TSH level has to be at 30 or more in order for me to be able to get the RAI next Friday 7/2. The thyroid cells that are left in my body need to be awake, cancerous or not, so they will be ready to take up the radiated iodine. In the email, I also asked my Endo if I'd be getting any other types of scans due to the fact that HCC doesn't normally take up the iodine. Just asking.
Need to start preparing for my 'isolation' days. The cat will be boarded at the vet. I think the two dogs will be Ok since both have specific places in the house where they like to sleep, which isn't in my tiny bedroom. I've been told that I should throw out my toothbrush after RAI, so I'm thinking I should probably also buy trial sizes for toothpaste, face creams, shower gel, etc. as well so I can throw them all out afterward. I still need to find some sugar-free lemon drops (to keep my salivary glands flowing). I will pick up my first round of Levoxyl (my prescribed thryoird hormone replacement) on Monday 6/28. I start taking that 48 hours after RAI, so on July 4. How ironic that I start taking my thyroid hormone, which I will be dependent upon for the rest of my life, on Independence day.
For anyone watching the World Cup, the US is still losing 1-0 to Ghana and it's 15 or so minutes into the second half. Hopefully we can score two goals to stay alive in this round. Go USA!!!
My chiro told me about an article he read that THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is found in the cannabis plant) was able to stop cancer cells from growing in certain cancers, particularly one type of thyroid cancer, BUT, he couldn't remember which thyroid cancer it worked for. Interesting. I remember when I found out I had two flavors of thyroid cancer that my younger sister asked if that meant I could get medical grade marijuana. I chuckled because I said I wasn't in any real pain from my cancers. But, you never know. Since the HCC doesn't generally take up the RAI treatment, and if my tumor marker (Tg) showed that I still have cancer lurking around my body after the scans, I wouldn't be opposed to trying anything to stop it from growing more. I suppose that would mean participating in some sort of cancer treatment trial, even if it were for THC.
Anyway, I'm down to six more days on the low-iodine diet from hell and my therapy dose. I emailed my Endo to find out where I need to go on Tuesday 6/29 to have my TSH (thryoid stimulating hormone) level taken. My TSH level has to be at 30 or more in order for me to be able to get the RAI next Friday 7/2. The thyroid cells that are left in my body need to be awake, cancerous or not, so they will be ready to take up the radiated iodine. In the email, I also asked my Endo if I'd be getting any other types of scans due to the fact that HCC doesn't normally take up the iodine. Just asking.
Need to start preparing for my 'isolation' days. The cat will be boarded at the vet. I think the two dogs will be Ok since both have specific places in the house where they like to sleep, which isn't in my tiny bedroom. I've been told that I should throw out my toothbrush after RAI, so I'm thinking I should probably also buy trial sizes for toothpaste, face creams, shower gel, etc. as well so I can throw them all out afterward. I still need to find some sugar-free lemon drops (to keep my salivary glands flowing). I will pick up my first round of Levoxyl (my prescribed thryoird hormone replacement) on Monday 6/28. I start taking that 48 hours after RAI, so on July 4. How ironic that I start taking my thyroid hormone, which I will be dependent upon for the rest of my life, on Independence day.
For anyone watching the World Cup, the US is still losing 1-0 to Ghana and it's 15 or so minutes into the second half. Hopefully we can score two goals to stay alive in this round. Go USA!!!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
USA!...USA!!...USA!!!
So stoked that the US team made it through to the 'Round of 16' in the World Cup. It was a nail biting game as we kept on knocking on the door (including yet another disallowed goal) the whole game, so it was such a relief when Landon Donovan scored a goal in the 91st minute to win the game and move on to the knockout round. Beautiful!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Who is that guy?
...I'm just asking myself that question.
Anyway, I had an acupuncture appt this evening. It was too cold in the room for me to get comfortable enough to relax after she put the needles in, but I think it still worked. I've been feeling relaxed since my treatment.
Went to Whole Foods afterwards to get some organic chicken breasts for dinner, then TJ's for more stir fry mix and corn tortillas. For dinner I stir fried some chicken with zucchini, yellow squash, and quinoa in olive oil, garnished with green onions, and topped off with some lemon juice and salt. Delish!
Anyway, I had an acupuncture appt this evening. It was too cold in the room for me to get comfortable enough to relax after she put the needles in, but I think it still worked. I've been feeling relaxed since my treatment.
Went to Whole Foods afterwards to get some organic chicken breasts for dinner, then TJ's for more stir fry mix and corn tortillas. For dinner I stir fried some chicken with zucchini, yellow squash, and quinoa in olive oil, garnished with green onions, and topped off with some lemon juice and salt. Delish!
Monday, June 21, 2010
How does my neck look? 6/21/10
Been waiting for the remaining tape on my incision to peel up, but nothing yet. The sharp pointing thing on the right side of my incision seems a little less pointy/sharp than it did last week though. I keep on forgetting to email my surgeon to ask what I need to put on the left over tape so it will come off. The area right above the incision area looks a lot less puffy than it did a couple of weeks ago, but it is still numb.
So, how does my neck look?
So, how does my neck look?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Encouragement
Today was a much better day than yesterday. Despite yesterday being such a draining day, I actually woke up refreshed this morning. We didn't get to do anything fun for Father's Day since my dad is in the hospital, but he was in good spirits for most of the visit. However, just like when he was in the hospital for his triple bypass last month, he was a bit discouraged about his current health condition.
I feel like that sometimes, but not as often as I did after my first surgery because I remember that what is done is done. I can't go back to before my thyroid operations. Neither can my dad, he can't go back to before his bypass surgery. But I can't get him to see the positive side of either of these very serious events that have happened to him, like the fact that they caught his clogged arteries before he had a heart attack, or that his stroke could've been a lot worse. He's also not so happy about having to change his diet, which is even more important now if he doesn't want to be back in the hospital for another bypass surgery or stroke.
I know exactly how it feels to not be able to eat what you'd like to eat since I'm on the low-iodine diet, but I also only have to endure it for 14 more days. But I won't be completely off the hook after the LI diet since I will have to begin fighting weight gain which is often experienced with hypothyroidism. Fun. But I learned a lot from the "Weight Watchers at Work" program I was on before my surgeries, and I had pretty good results up to that point. So at least I know what I need to do to get my eating habits under control. Diet is just one part of staying healthy and being alive, so I hope my dad will realize that and see all the good that can come out of his recent health wake-up calls. It is definitely something we can do together.
So for Father's day, I just want to say to my dad, "Hang in there, Dad! You are not in this alone. We will both overcome what is before us, and we'll do it together. I love you. ~F."
I feel like that sometimes, but not as often as I did after my first surgery because I remember that what is done is done. I can't go back to before my thyroid operations. Neither can my dad, he can't go back to before his bypass surgery. But I can't get him to see the positive side of either of these very serious events that have happened to him, like the fact that they caught his clogged arteries before he had a heart attack, or that his stroke could've been a lot worse. He's also not so happy about having to change his diet, which is even more important now if he doesn't want to be back in the hospital for another bypass surgery or stroke.
I know exactly how it feels to not be able to eat what you'd like to eat since I'm on the low-iodine diet, but I also only have to endure it for 14 more days. But I won't be completely off the hook after the LI diet since I will have to begin fighting weight gain which is often experienced with hypothyroidism. Fun. But I learned a lot from the "Weight Watchers at Work" program I was on before my surgeries, and I had pretty good results up to that point. So at least I know what I need to do to get my eating habits under control. Diet is just one part of staying healthy and being alive, so I hope my dad will realize that and see all the good that can come out of his recent health wake-up calls. It is definitely something we can do together.
So for Father's day, I just want to say to my dad, "Hang in there, Dad! You are not in this alone. We will both overcome what is before us, and we'll do it together. I love you. ~F."
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Stroke
What a long day. Turns out my dad had a mild stroke. This morning he had double vision and problems keeping his balance when he stood up. He was able to keep his breakfast down, so that was good. At the ER, his blood pressure was really high (184/88 at one point) but his heart rate was consistently between 39 - 43). They did a sonogram on his legs to make sure he didn't have any blood clots down there (he had an appt for this set for Monday 6/21 @ 5pm), a chest xray, and a CT scan (to make sure there was no internal bleeding) and some blood work. Then they decided to have an MRI done on his head as well. An hour after the MRI, a neurologist came in and started asking questions, then the ER doc came in and told us he had a stroke at the back of his head, which is why he was having problems walking. Holy cow! By this time he was less dizzy, his heart rate had increased to between 48-52, and his blood pressure had decreased a little as well. They said it was acute, so it happened within the past few days. They could not tell us if it was a blood clot or if something else was blocked going to his brain (arteries in front of his neck). Wow.
I was at least prepared, food wise. I brought a container of blue berries, raspberries, strawberries and bananas, and a couple of packets of raw almonds. I packed some snacks for my mom as well. Once again, my dad comes to the rescue and does something that helps me keep my mind off my issue, which right now is my low-iodine diet. Sure I kept on thinking about what I'd like to be eating (other than frozen yogurt, fish, a skinny hazelnut latte, cookies, anything I don't have to personally prepare myself.....so many things), but there was enough going on in my dad's ER room to help me keep food off of my mind most of the time we were there (well, at least until he started to ask when he could eat).
He was admitted for observation and further testing which his nurse said wouldn't happen probably until Monday. So, sadly my dad will spend Father's day in the hospital. Before we left him this evening, I asked his nurse to help him change the TV channel so he could watch the World Cup games tomorrow morning. I hope he is feeling much better when we visit him tomorrow.
I was at least prepared, food wise. I brought a container of blue berries, raspberries, strawberries and bananas, and a couple of packets of raw almonds. I packed some snacks for my mom as well. Once again, my dad comes to the rescue and does something that helps me keep my mind off my issue, which right now is my low-iodine diet. Sure I kept on thinking about what I'd like to be eating (other than frozen yogurt, fish, a skinny hazelnut latte, cookies, anything I don't have to personally prepare myself.....so many things), but there was enough going on in my dad's ER room to help me keep food off of my mind most of the time we were there (well, at least until he started to ask when he could eat).
He was admitted for observation and further testing which his nurse said wouldn't happen probably until Monday. So, sadly my dad will spend Father's day in the hospital. Before we left him this evening, I asked his nurse to help him change the TV channel so he could watch the World Cup games tomorrow morning. I hope he is feeling much better when we visit him tomorrow.
Friday, June 18, 2010
No dark chocolate for me
So much for the prospect of being able to treat myself to dark chocolate during my low-iodine diet. It's the only kind of chocolate I can have right now since it doesn't contain milk or butter. I was at WholeFoods today in search of said chocolate. Sadly, just about every single bar of dark chocolate contained soy lecithin (a soy product) or was made on machinery shared by products that contained milk, soy, eggs, or butter, and I'm not even going to chance a trace amount of dairy or soy messing up my RAI treatment. So, I think I should just leave it off my list of what I can eat until July 4th.
I think I am finally starting to feel the effects of not taking any thyroid meds. Several times this afternoon I felt lightheaded. Luckily it didn't happen while I was driving. To be safe, I don't think I should drive until sometime after RAI, when my thyroid hormone levels are back to normal.
Both my dad and my dog had tough days today. I think my dad is battling food poisoning - he was feeling dizzy since this morning, then started to throw up around midday. Anytime he stands up he has had to hurl. His doctor's office said to bring him to UrgentCare if he has pain and a fever. Ok. As for my poor puppy, I think he has another yeast and/or bacterial infection, again. He has been so itchy that he has scratched off some of the fur around his left eye, and he has once again developed patches of dried puss all over his body. Hopefully both of them will feel better tomorrow.
I think I am finally starting to feel the effects of not taking any thyroid meds. Several times this afternoon I felt lightheaded. Luckily it didn't happen while I was driving. To be safe, I don't think I should drive until sometime after RAI, when my thyroid hormone levels are back to normal.
Both my dad and my dog had tough days today. I think my dad is battling food poisoning - he was feeling dizzy since this morning, then started to throw up around midday. Anytime he stands up he has had to hurl. His doctor's office said to bring him to UrgentCare if he has pain and a fever. Ok. As for my poor puppy, I think he has another yeast and/or bacterial infection, again. He has been so itchy that he has scratched off some of the fur around his left eye, and he has once again developed patches of dried puss all over his body. Hopefully both of them will feel better tomorrow.
Stray dog at the park
Since my dog is old and very arthritic, I don't worry about him getting in fights with other dogs while we are out on a walk or at the dog park any more. Today though, I was a little worried about him. Frankie had found his spot on the grass and lay down for his usual roll in the grass at the park when a stray 'spuds mcKenzie' dog came by. I could see Frankie was getting frustrated with this dog. Even though he was trying to just relax, he jumped up to snap at this dog a few times. Great - I could see him in lots of pain later when we walked home. It took us a little longer to get home this time, poor thing. I think he enjoyed the interaction with the other dog, but no so much when the other dog started to get in his face. He hasn't moved around too much this evening, so I guess he's still sore from his encounter at the park.
As for myself, I'm a little more tired today than I was yesterday. That's 2 days without Cytomel and 2 days on the low-iodine diet. Argh!!!!!
As for myself, I'm a little more tired today than I was yesterday. That's 2 days without Cytomel and 2 days on the low-iodine diet. Argh!!!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
How does my neck look? 6/16/10
Today is my first day on the low-iodine diet. This is what I ate today:
Breakfast - a bowl of blue berries, raspberries, and a sliced up banana; green tea with agave nectar
Lunch - TJ's handful of almonds, a small banana, a pear, and an iced decaf venti coffee from Starbucks (didn't eat until after 2pm since my mouth was still numb from my 10am dental appt)
Afternoon snack - white corn on the cob, TJ's oatmeal cranberry cookie (oops! this has 43mg of sodium!!!)
Dinner - TJ's stir fry mix with TJ's organic brown rice stir fried in extra virgin olive oil, pink himalayan salt, and sesame oil
Evening snack - green tea , turbo broiled large sweet potato with agave nectar
Am I still hungry? A little
Complaint of the day: F@<&*#g Android phone! Argh!!! I have not been able to sync my Outlook Calendar (on my pc) with the HTC Calendar on my phone and my Google calendar. Spent so much time last night and early this morning installing/uninstalling HTC Sync. I ended up at the Sprint store this afternoon so a Tech could take a look at it. After everything was said and done, I ended up exporting my calendar into Google, then syncing back only to my phone's calendar. It's still syncing the two calendars. For the Contacts, not all of my contacts made it into my Google contacts, so I spent the last two hours editing or adding my contacts. But, at least I have everything where I need it. Now if I could just find a decent app for Notes and Task List / To do list.....
Breakfast - a bowl of blue berries, raspberries, and a sliced up banana; green tea with agave nectar
Lunch - TJ's handful of almonds, a small banana, a pear, and an iced decaf venti coffee from Starbucks (didn't eat until after 2pm since my mouth was still numb from my 10am dental appt)
Afternoon snack - white corn on the cob, TJ's oatmeal cranberry cookie (oops! this has 43mg of sodium!!!)
Dinner - TJ's stir fry mix with TJ's organic brown rice stir fried in extra virgin olive oil, pink himalayan salt, and sesame oil
Evening snack - green tea , turbo broiled large sweet potato with agave nectar
Am I still hungry? A little
Complaint of the day: F@<&*#g Android phone! Argh!!! I have not been able to sync my Outlook Calendar (on my pc) with the HTC Calendar on my phone and my Google calendar. Spent so much time last night and early this morning installing/uninstalling HTC Sync. I ended up at the Sprint store this afternoon so a Tech could take a look at it. After everything was said and done, I ended up exporting my calendar into Google, then syncing back only to my phone's calendar. It's still syncing the two calendars. For the Contacts, not all of my contacts made it into my Google contacts, so I spent the last two hours editing or adding my contacts. But, at least I have everything where I need it. Now if I could just find a decent app for Notes and Task List / To do list.....
Anyway, how does my neck look?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Spoils of the fair...
The theme of the fair this year is "Taste the Fun." If by 'fun' they mean all kinds of interesting fried food, count me in! If I were still eating on plan for WeightWatchers, I would not have indulged myself. Like I noted the other day, this is my last day before I start the low-iodine diet, so I decided to eat to my hearts' desire today. Here's a run down of my day at the fair...
First of all, I had a little wardrobe problem before my friend Judy came to pick me up...some jello landed on my top, in an unfortunate place:
Luckily it dried without leaving a stain. I ended up wearing a light jacket the whole time I was at the fair.
I also ate Tasti chips (lemon/pepper seasoning), a pork sandwich with waffle fries (fries were not crispy!), and an ice cream cone.
Other than the food options, the only other reason I wanted to go to the fair was to 'open a pearl.' On Saturday, Kayci, my PaulMitchellTheSchool student stylist had mentioned a friend had gone to the fair on opening day (Friday, 6/11), and watched the four people in front of her at this booth open black pearls. Hmmm....that sounded kinda cool, esp since you can have the pearl(s) set at the booth as well. So, I decided I wanted to open a pearl and have a ring made out of it. Judy and I walked through all three exhibition halls and found the pearl booth in the very last hall. Kayci said you are supposed to pick the biggest, ugliest clam, so that is what I did, and this is what I opened:
It's a 6.5 mm blue black pearl, estimated value of $55. I had it set in a silver ring. The vendor said to wait overnight before I wear it. It's beautiful. This is my 'cancer survivor' ring!
And I found somethings for my mom:
She's been bugging me about buying her some new cutting mats and I've been looking for something I can use to fry eggs in that will keep them the right size for breakfast sandwiches. Sadly, I find the perfect kitchen tool but I won't even be able to use it for myself until July 4th. : (
We walked around the fun zone and student photography exhibit before deciding to call it a day.
We weren't at the fair for too long, but we also didn't want to get stuck in rush hour traffic, and of course game six of the NBA finals were on this evening. Overall it was a fun outing despite the wardrobe issue. I indulged in some interesting fried foods, found my 'cancer survivor' ring, and some much needed kitchen gadgets. Couldn't have asked for a better day at the fair!
First of all, I had a little wardrobe problem before my friend Judy came to pick me up...some jello landed on my top, in an unfortunate place:
Luckily it dried without leaving a stain. I ended up wearing a light jacket the whole time I was at the fair.Fair food: Like last year, I decided to try some of the more interesting food options. This time I tried 'deep fried bread pudding' 
and 'chocolate covered bacon' 
I also ate Tasti chips (lemon/pepper seasoning), a pork sandwich with waffle fries (fries were not crispy!), and an ice cream cone.
Other than the food options, the only other reason I wanted to go to the fair was to 'open a pearl.' On Saturday, Kayci, my PaulMitchellTheSchool student stylist had mentioned a friend had gone to the fair on opening day (Friday, 6/11), and watched the four people in front of her at this booth open black pearls. Hmmm....that sounded kinda cool, esp since you can have the pearl(s) set at the booth as well. So, I decided I wanted to open a pearl and have a ring made out of it. Judy and I walked through all three exhibition halls and found the pearl booth in the very last hall. Kayci said you are supposed to pick the biggest, ugliest clam, so that is what I did, and this is what I opened:
It's a 6.5 mm blue black pearl, estimated value of $55. I had it set in a silver ring. The vendor said to wait overnight before I wear it. It's beautiful. This is my 'cancer survivor' ring!And I found somethings for my mom:
She's been bugging me about buying her some new cutting mats and I've been looking for something I can use to fry eggs in that will keep them the right size for breakfast sandwiches. Sadly, I find the perfect kitchen tool but I won't even be able to use it for myself until July 4th. : (We walked around the fun zone and student photography exhibit before deciding to call it a day.
We weren't at the fair for too long, but we also didn't want to get stuck in rush hour traffic, and of course game six of the NBA finals were on this evening. Overall it was a fun outing despite the wardrobe issue. I indulged in some interesting fried foods, found my 'cancer survivor' ring, and some much needed kitchen gadgets. Couldn't have asked for a better day at the fair!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Count down to RAI prep
First of all, just wanted to report that we had a 5.7 magnitude earthquake around 9:27pm PST this evening. They are not sure if it is an aftershock from the Easter day earthquake two months ago, or if it is a new earthquake. There was also an earthquake Sunday evening, but it was on a different fault than the Easter day and this evenings' earthquake.
Anyway, tomorrow (6/15) is my last day on Cytomel, my thyroid med. Then on Wednesday (6/16) I start the two week low-iodine diet. I'm not ready for the low-iodine diet. I have looked at the ThyCa cookbook and reviewed what is and isn't allowed, and nothing really inspires me to go and buy supplies for it. I have a few things to start me off - raw almonds, fruit, quinoa, stir fry mix, pink himalayan salt, portabella mushrooms, corn tortillas, and a jug of distilled water. However, I just keep on thinking that I will end up feeling hungry for the duration (until July 4th, 48 hours after therapy dose, per my ENDO) because nothing will be filling enough for me. Anyway, my mom said to make a grocery list of what I would like to eat, so this is what is on my list so far:
-fresh white corn
-sweet potatoes and yams
-avocados
-cantaloupe
-apple juice
I'm still a bit confused about my meat options. I can have fresh meat, but does that mean I have to go to a butcher for meat or will the fresh frozen meats at Trader Joe's suffice? I'd rather not have to think about it, so I may just forgo meat for the duration.
I think I'm just as unprepared for becoming severely hypothyroid. I'd like to try and get some form of exercise in each day to fight off the need for so many naps. As for getting around town, it will be my dad's turn to drive me to my appts since his cardiologist has given him clearance to start driving again this week.
Tomorrow I'm going to the Del Mar, or rather, the San Diego County Fair! Perfect place to go since it's my last chance to pig out freely before I start the low-iodine diet.
One last note - I finally received an email from a Hurthle Cell Cancer survivor. She's on the east coast and was diagnosed with HCC in 2001. I am looking forward to hearing more about her experiences and getting her take on things.
Anyway, tomorrow (6/15) is my last day on Cytomel, my thyroid med. Then on Wednesday (6/16) I start the two week low-iodine diet. I'm not ready for the low-iodine diet. I have looked at the ThyCa cookbook and reviewed what is and isn't allowed, and nothing really inspires me to go and buy supplies for it. I have a few things to start me off - raw almonds, fruit, quinoa, stir fry mix, pink himalayan salt, portabella mushrooms, corn tortillas, and a jug of distilled water. However, I just keep on thinking that I will end up feeling hungry for the duration (until July 4th, 48 hours after therapy dose, per my ENDO) because nothing will be filling enough for me. Anyway, my mom said to make a grocery list of what I would like to eat, so this is what is on my list so far:
-fresh white corn
-sweet potatoes and yams
-avocados
-cantaloupe
-apple juice
I'm still a bit confused about my meat options. I can have fresh meat, but does that mean I have to go to a butcher for meat or will the fresh frozen meats at Trader Joe's suffice? I'd rather not have to think about it, so I may just forgo meat for the duration.
I think I'm just as unprepared for becoming severely hypothyroid. I'd like to try and get some form of exercise in each day to fight off the need for so many naps. As for getting around town, it will be my dad's turn to drive me to my appts since his cardiologist has given him clearance to start driving again this week.
Tomorrow I'm going to the Del Mar, or rather, the San Diego County Fair! Perfect place to go since it's my last chance to pig out freely before I start the low-iodine diet.
One last note - I finally received an email from a Hurthle Cell Cancer survivor. She's on the east coast and was diagnosed with HCC in 2001. I am looking forward to hearing more about her experiences and getting her take on things.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Pilates class
I did it! - I made it to pilates class today! This was my last chance to go to one of Patty’s classes before I start my prep for RAI. I started attending her Thursday night pilates classes around the spring of 2007. She was very supportive of me when I was working in Monterey Park and Brea and all the stress that had on me, and not surprisingly she was also very supportive when I told her about my thyroid issues a few months ago. So I really wanted to go to one of her classes before I started my RAI prep so I could see her, and let her know I was doing Ok. I have been emailing her updates on my thyroid cancer journey, but I always feel stronger and better about my situation when I get to see and talk to people in my support group. Sadly, I don’t get to see everyone in my support group (you all know who you are!), but it is an extra special treat for me when I get to visit with one or some of them.
I was surprised at how much I was still able to do, with decent form. I’m definitely going to have to work on my upper body strength though as I can’t even do a decent pilates push-up. Felt my calves and feet start to cramp up a couple of times, which was a good way to insure that I didn’t over do it in the class. Afterwards, I was able to chat and catch up with Patty. I told her that I’d be back in a month, after RAI.
After stretching out my calves, I decided to give the treadmill a go – I also wanted to test drive the new Nike Free 5.0 running shoes I got a few weeks ago. These shoes are supposed to ‘work out your feet’ as you run. I liked them because my arches felt supported in them, not like I was wearing my custom arch supports from RoadRunner, but enough to make me think I don’t need arch supports in them. I was hoping to log a quarter or maybe even half a mile on my Nike Sportband, but I didn’t have the chip for my shoe and the battery of the Sportband was almost dead, so I had to rely on the read out of the treadmill. Walking in the shoes felt Ok. Jogging was a little different – my big toes felt like they needed more cushioning every time I took a step. Otherwise, my arches and knees felt Ok on the treadmill. It felt good to run again, even if it was on a treadmill. The 220 I did at 6.4 made my calves scream a little, so I made sure I didn’t go that fast again. I alternated between walking and jogging various distances for a total of 1.5 miles in about 25 minutes. Not bad.
After getting lunch and running some errands, I finally made it home and settled in for my afternoon nap.
I was surprised at how much I was still able to do, with decent form. I’m definitely going to have to work on my upper body strength though as I can’t even do a decent pilates push-up. Felt my calves and feet start to cramp up a couple of times, which was a good way to insure that I didn’t over do it in the class. Afterwards, I was able to chat and catch up with Patty. I told her that I’d be back in a month, after RAI.
After stretching out my calves, I decided to give the treadmill a go – I also wanted to test drive the new Nike Free 5.0 running shoes I got a few weeks ago. These shoes are supposed to ‘work out your feet’ as you run. I liked them because my arches felt supported in them, not like I was wearing my custom arch supports from RoadRunner, but enough to make me think I don’t need arch supports in them. I was hoping to log a quarter or maybe even half a mile on my Nike Sportband, but I didn’t have the chip for my shoe and the battery of the Sportband was almost dead, so I had to rely on the read out of the treadmill. Walking in the shoes felt Ok. Jogging was a little different – my big toes felt like they needed more cushioning every time I took a step. Otherwise, my arches and knees felt Ok on the treadmill. It felt good to run again, even if it was on a treadmill. The 220 I did at 6.4 made my calves scream a little, so I made sure I didn’t go that fast again. I alternated between walking and jogging various distances for a total of 1.5 miles in about 25 minutes. Not bad.
After getting lunch and running some errands, I finally made it home and settled in for my afternoon nap.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
How does my neck look? 6/12/10
I have not been good about updating my blog these past few days. Every time I thought about it, it was 2am in the morning when I was trying, without success, to fall asleep.
Note to self: Remember to either not take any naps between 4pm and 10pm, or keep them to 30 mins so it doesn't completely throw off my sleep cycle!
I did manage to visit my co-workers and go out for sushi with a friend, so that was nice. Today I got a hair cut. The last one I had was a week before my first surgery, which in hind sight I am very glad I did because it would've been much more difficult, I think, to deal with longer hair after both of my surgeries (stiff/sore neck and not being able to wet the area around the incision for a couple of days). My hair has been so much easier to take care of, so I think I'll keep it short for the rest of the summer.
Yesterday I managed to peel off a small section of tape to the right of the cauterized scab, so I was happy. Then I jumped in the shower, and when I got out, I noticed that the cauterized scab was gone. Wow! The area beneath the scab was really pink yesterday. I can still see some tape on or around the scar, so I will continue to wait for it to peel up so I can pull it all off. Now if I could just figure out what that sharp thing is that is poking out from the right side of my scar.....you can't really see it in any of the photos, but I can feel it when I touch that area.
So, how does my neck look?
Note to self: Remember to either not take any naps between 4pm and 10pm, or keep them to 30 mins so it doesn't completely throw off my sleep cycle!
I did manage to visit my co-workers and go out for sushi with a friend, so that was nice. Today I got a hair cut. The last one I had was a week before my first surgery, which in hind sight I am very glad I did because it would've been much more difficult, I think, to deal with longer hair after both of my surgeries (stiff/sore neck and not being able to wet the area around the incision for a couple of days). My hair has been so much easier to take care of, so I think I'll keep it short for the rest of the summer.
Yesterday I managed to peel off a small section of tape to the right of the cauterized scab, so I was happy. Then I jumped in the shower, and when I got out, I noticed that the cauterized scab was gone. Wow! The area beneath the scab was really pink yesterday. I can still see some tape on or around the scar, so I will continue to wait for it to peel up so I can pull it all off. Now if I could just figure out what that sharp thing is that is poking out from the right side of my scar.....you can't really see it in any of the photos, but I can feel it when I touch that area.
So, how does my neck look?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Easy day today...
I did manage to walk Frankie (my dog) to the park so he could roll around on the grass. Came home and did some easy yoga poses and pilates exercises. Not bad. Spent some time trying to fix my laptop issues (crashing & blue screen of death), but didn't make that much headway. Spent a few minutes trying to take off more of the tape from my scar, but not enough of the tape was peeling off so I'll try again tomorrow. Fell asleep looking through Android Market for apps/widgets to download on my EVO 4G. I found the 'Urban Dictionary', 'Google Sky Map', and 'ColorDict'. At least I got my nap in today.
Looks like I'm a mobile blogger now!
Test text.
I can now send blog posts (text format, at least) to my blog from my EVO 4G. Been trying to register my EVO to be able to send MMS/photos, but can't seem to register my phone. So, text posts will have to do for now.
I can now send blog posts (text format, at least) to my blog from my EVO 4G. Been trying to register my EVO to be able to send MMS/photos, but can't seem to register my phone. So, text posts will have to do for now.
Endo says...
My RAI (radiation iodine therapy) is set for July 2, so I asked my Endo when I can start eating a normal diet after the I take the therapy dose. He said to wait 48 hours. So, for the record, I'll be on the low-iodine diet for 19 days total - that's almost three weeks! Argh!!!
I also asked for his thoughts about going on an 'anti-cancer' diet, such as cutting out sugar from my diet since sugar feeds cancer. He said he didn't think a low sugar diet would benefit me in terms of thyroid cancer. Not what I was expecting him to tell me, but I have to say that no one else at the ThyCa meeting last month or on the Thyroid cancer forum I visit on a regular basis has mentioned anything about diet other than the low-iodine diet. I have looked at a few books on anti-cancer diets. They all note that sugar feeds cancer. However a few of the items they suggest are good for fighting cancer (soy, cruciferous veggies) actually interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormones (T4 or thyroxine -- Synthroid, Levoxyl, etc. -- and T3 or triiodothyronine -- Cytomel), so they must be consumed four hours after taking thyroid meds. Interesting.
The nice thing is that he does agree that I should take as much time off as I need to recover from everything, going back to work sooner if I feel like I can handle it. That's good news. My boss is very supportive in the same way. I feel relieved that I can take another month or two off, but I also don't want to over do it. But, I don't think I have managed to relax yet and I'm down to a week before I stop taking Cytomel (and will become severely hypothyroid) and start the low-iodine diet (and will probably lose 10 pounds). I already have a few appts that will require a chauffeur during those 19 days, including the day I get the RAI. By next weekend (June 19/20), I'm sure all I will be able to do is relax if I'm always tired. I guess that will be a good thing then.
I know I need to stay positive about the RAI, but I keep going over all the 'what ifs', like "what if I lose my sense of taste or my salivary glands dry up and I lose all my teeth?", or "what if my entire body lights up when they do the first whole body scan, and nothing disappears when they do the second scan?", or the worst thing, which is "what if the HCC moved else where in my body and isn't taking up the radiation treatment so they think it is gone and it really isn't?" Ok, so I don't focus totally on these negatives all day every day, but I know they are possibilities, for anyone with papillary, follicular, or hurthle cell thyroid cancer, so I'm not going to pretend none of it can happen. So despite what my Endo says about anti-cancer diets, I think I will incorporate my own version of an anti-cancer diet to my arsenal (prayer, positive thoughts, and guided imagery/visualization every day) to fight my cancers and fears.
I also asked for his thoughts about going on an 'anti-cancer' diet, such as cutting out sugar from my diet since sugar feeds cancer. He said he didn't think a low sugar diet would benefit me in terms of thyroid cancer. Not what I was expecting him to tell me, but I have to say that no one else at the ThyCa meeting last month or on the Thyroid cancer forum I visit on a regular basis has mentioned anything about diet other than the low-iodine diet. I have looked at a few books on anti-cancer diets. They all note that sugar feeds cancer. However a few of the items they suggest are good for fighting cancer (soy, cruciferous veggies) actually interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormones (T4 or thyroxine -- Synthroid, Levoxyl, etc. -- and T3 or triiodothyronine -- Cytomel), so they must be consumed four hours after taking thyroid meds. Interesting.
The nice thing is that he does agree that I should take as much time off as I need to recover from everything, going back to work sooner if I feel like I can handle it. That's good news. My boss is very supportive in the same way. I feel relieved that I can take another month or two off, but I also don't want to over do it. But, I don't think I have managed to relax yet and I'm down to a week before I stop taking Cytomel (and will become severely hypothyroid) and start the low-iodine diet (and will probably lose 10 pounds). I already have a few appts that will require a chauffeur during those 19 days, including the day I get the RAI. By next weekend (June 19/20), I'm sure all I will be able to do is relax if I'm always tired. I guess that will be a good thing then.
I know I need to stay positive about the RAI, but I keep going over all the 'what ifs', like "what if I lose my sense of taste or my salivary glands dry up and I lose all my teeth?", or "what if my entire body lights up when they do the first whole body scan, and nothing disappears when they do the second scan?", or the worst thing, which is "what if the HCC moved else where in my body and isn't taking up the radiation treatment so they think it is gone and it really isn't?" Ok, so I don't focus totally on these negatives all day every day, but I know they are possibilities, for anyone with papillary, follicular, or hurthle cell thyroid cancer, so I'm not going to pretend none of it can happen. So despite what my Endo says about anti-cancer diets, I think I will incorporate my own version of an anti-cancer diet to my arsenal (prayer, positive thoughts, and guided imagery/visualization every day) to fight my cancers and fears.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
How does my neck look? 6/6/10
Couldn't get to sleep earlier this morning, so I decided to try and peel off some of the derma bond tape on my surgery scar. My ENT said I could take it off last week (6/1), but I don't think I was quite ready to do it at that time despite the fact that it was already peeling off in some areas around the scar. I think I was more afraid that it might hurt or that the tape would peel off the scab as well.
The tape did peel off the dark color that could be seen through the tape. It kinda looked like it was either a scab or maybe just residual blood that had seeped through the stitching, I don't know. What was underneath though did surprise me. You can see the scar and it doesn't look as bad as it did with the tape on! I was able to peel off about 1/4 of the tape on the right side and a little bit in the center. The area above the scar is still numb and feels uncomfortable when I touch it, so I left the tape in that area. I even tried to removed the scab from the drain site (left side), but it was still a little reddish/pink under it, so I left it there. I will continue to remove the tape as it peels off in this area.
The two photos attached to this post are before and after shots.
So, how does my neck look?
The tape did peel off the dark color that could be seen through the tape. It kinda looked like it was either a scab or maybe just residual blood that had seeped through the stitching, I don't know. What was underneath though did surprise me. You can see the scar and it doesn't look as bad as it did with the tape on! I was able to peel off about 1/4 of the tape on the right side and a little bit in the center. The area above the scar is still numb and feels uncomfortable when I touch it, so I left the tape in that area. I even tried to removed the scab from the drain site (left side), but it was still a little reddish/pink under it, so I left it there. I will continue to remove the tape as it peels off in this area.
The two photos attached to this post are before and after shots.
So, how does my neck look?
Friday, June 4, 2010
New toy!
They said the activation site for Sprint was down at all Sprint stores, BestBuys, and RadioShacks, so if I was limited on time, I could come back later. Since I don't have to be anywhere, they let me in. It only took an hour, but it was well worth it. The phone is beautiful! It's got a huge 4.3" screen, runs much faster than my HTC TouchPro, especially when surfing the web. I've taken the time to download a few apps from the Android Market, but haven't really tried any thing else, not even the 8 megapixel camera or camcorder. One surprising downside is the size of this thing - it doesn't fit in any of the open pockets of my purses. Nah, that's not a downside. ;)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Progress?
I still feel fatigued every day, but I have have not been good about taking my naps for the past couple of days. Today I let myself have an afternoon nap. Once I got up and ate dinner I felt refreshed. But, just like every morning when I wake up, I had a little bit of a headache and my neck/shoulders were really sore. Not sure what that is all about.
I didn't get up in time to make it to pilates class (or perhaps I subconsciously didn't want to go?!?), so I decided to go on a dog walk with my dad. I'm glad I did that because it was nice to get out and walk around the neighborhood, and the dogs had a wonderful time as well.
I also decided to try doing some yoga. I want to start my exercise regimen with something easy, like yoga, but I've been putting off yoga class because every time I bend over, even to pick up something off the floor, I usually feel pressure around the surgery incision area. But this evening, I decided to try a few sun salutations and see how that felt. I am happy to report that I didn't feel any pressure around the incision area while I was in downward dog, but I did notice the tightness in my calves; not surprisingly, I couldn't do a chattaranga into an upward dog, in fact I could barely do a push up. So, I can do the basics, which is enough for me right now.
I didn't get up in time to make it to pilates class (or perhaps I subconsciously didn't want to go?!?), so I decided to go on a dog walk with my dad. I'm glad I did that because it was nice to get out and walk around the neighborhood, and the dogs had a wonderful time as well.
I also decided to try doing some yoga. I want to start my exercise regimen with something easy, like yoga, but I've been putting off yoga class because every time I bend over, even to pick up something off the floor, I usually feel pressure around the surgery incision area. But this evening, I decided to try a few sun salutations and see how that felt. I am happy to report that I didn't feel any pressure around the incision area while I was in downward dog, but I did notice the tightness in my calves; not surprisingly, I couldn't do a chattaranga into an upward dog, in fact I could barely do a push up. So, I can do the basics, which is enough for me right now.
How does my neck look? 6/3/10
Still have the derma bond tape on. It seems to be peeling off on its own little by little, which is good since I still don't have the courage to peel it off myself.
All the other photos I've taken of my neck have been taken in my bathroom. For this picture, I decided to taken it outside, in the sunlight.
So, how does my neck look?!?
Cancer diet?
Some how I have overlooked the fact that what I eat now can either help or hinder the spread of cancer in my body. When my sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer (colon, liver, lung) a few years back, she completely changed her diet. She stopped eating sugar, only ate organic fruits and veggies, and used a juicer among other things. Some how all of that just blew right past me these past few weeks since I was first diagnosed, and I'm not even half way through my treatment. I have been focusing on the low-iodine diet I need to start in two weeks, but that was all I was thinking about as far as diet was concerned. I had made changes to my diet earlier this year when I joined Weight Watchers at Work, so I figured that was good enough since I lost over 30 pounds, but I now realize that my diet will need to be completely tweaked once I complete the low-iodine diet.
What brought me back down to earth was a phone call I had with a good friend, Kristin, a few days back. Since she had successfully dealt with her own health issues a few years back, she shared with me some of the things she did to bring the sanity back into her life, which mostly meant taking better care of herself, including changing her diet. I found a book called "Cancer: 50 Essential Things To Do" that pretty much covered everything she had done and then some. So I've got a few things to work on that should keep me on track to fighting this thing that has taken my thyroid away from me. I'll try to cover some if not all of the topics here in my blog as well as the dietary changes I need to make.
What brought me back down to earth was a phone call I had with a good friend, Kristin, a few days back. Since she had successfully dealt with her own health issues a few years back, she shared with me some of the things she did to bring the sanity back into her life, which mostly meant taking better care of herself, including changing her diet. I found a book called "Cancer: 50 Essential Things To Do" that pretty much covered everything she had done and then some. So I've got a few things to work on that should keep me on track to fighting this thing that has taken my thyroid away from me. I'll try to cover some if not all of the topics here in my blog as well as the dietary changes I need to make.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
How does my neck look? 6/1/10
The one question that crossed my mind today was whether or not I am a cancer patient or a cancer survivor. Sure my thyroid and both flavors of cancer have been removed from my body, but I have only passed the first stage of cancer treatment. My radiation iodine treatment starts on July 2, which will be followed by two separate whole body scans. So at this point we don't even know for sure if the cancers ventured outside of my thyroid. So does that make me a cancer patient then?!? I don't know.
But anyway, how does my neck look?
From zero to thyroid cancer
So how did I get here? It all started when I went in for a full physical last fall (2009) - I just turned 40 and I decided I needed to get a full check up since I had not had one in a couple of years.
Everything was going well until my doc asked me "What is that?... how long have you had that?" while she was examining my neck. I told her I probably had it for at least a year, that I thought it was just a roll of fat on my neck (since I had recently put on a lot of weight). She said my thyroid was the wrong size. I was scheduled for an ultrasound a month later. After my ultrasound, my doctor's office called to let me know that I had a "left thyroid mass" and I was being referred to an Endocrinologist.
In February of this year (2010), the Endocrinologist evaluated my thyroid lump. He said it was a goiter and that there is a 5% chance of it being cancer. He did a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. He was only able to make three passes with the needle, but he said it was enough to send to pathology for analysis. He told me I may have a bruise for a day or two, but if anyone asks me about it, he said to tell them to mind their own business. Interesting advice. The results of my biopsy were inconclusive, but he recommended that it be removed so that cancer could be ruled out. I was referred to an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) surgeon.
A month later, in the ENT's office I was told that I had a 'Hurthle Cell neoplasm' which had a 20-30% chance of being cancer. I was a bit confused - how did my chance for cancer increase from 5% to possibly 30% in less than 5 minutes? I was floored since cancer runs in both sides of my parents' families. Both of my grandmothers died from cancer; two of my dad's siblings died from cancer. None of them had the same kind of cancer, but cancer is cancer. I cried for the remainder of the consult. Although he never said I had cancer (all he said was that my left thyroid lobe needed to be removed), he gave me his version of the thyroid cancer story. He said it was the best cancer to have because it is easily treated with surgery and radiation iodine treatment, then thyroid hormone replacement (such as Synthroid). I told him I needed some time to think about having the surgery. Thank goodness I brought my mom with me to this appointment.
My cancer fears went into overdrive later that day after I Google'd "Hurthle cell neoplasm." I found out that there is no way to tell if it is cancer or not before the lobectomy, and that if it is cancer, it is an aggressive cancer that does not necessarily take up the radiation iodine treatment. Lovely. Who signed me up for that?!?, and how can I get off that list?!?
I decided to get a second opinion - another FNA done outside of my current medical group. Once I made my second opinion appt (April 15), I decided to also make my surgery appt which was set for May 3. My second opinion doc did things a little differently, but she was thorough. She did the ultrasound and a biopsy; she was able to make six passes with the needle, going in at six different angles. She put a little bandage over the area she biopsied so I felt like I had a little 'biopsy badge.' The bruise this time was more noticeable, but I now felt a little more comfortable talking to people about it, but I still couldn't talk to people at work about it.
A week later, I got the news. The same diagnosis with the same recommendation of thyroid lobectomy. Good thing I had my surgery date already set. Nevertheless, I wanted to know what her ENT would say about the procedure. I was cutting it close, but I saw her ENT the day before my pre-op appt for my surgery that was to happen the following week. The second ENT's technique was quite different from the first. He said he would make an incision on the left side of my neck the size of my left lobe and remove it whereas the first ENT would make a 'necklace' incision at the bottom of my neck. If the diagnosis was cancer, both surgeons would use the same incision to go back in and remove the rest of my thyroid (right lobe).
The following week I had my left thyroid lobe removed. The surgery went well. My ENT told my mom afterward that he didn't think it was cancer. But sadly, at my post-op appt the following Tuesday, May 11, I was told that it was indeed cancer, Hurthle cell carcinoma (3.2cm). The rest of my thyroid needed to be removed. Wow. Why me? I didn't cry this time. I didn't need a second opinion. I just calmly asked how soon he could go back in and take care of it. Luckily he had a cancellation the following week, so my second surgery was set for May 17.
Once again, the surgery went well. I already knew what to expect after the surgery - a very sore neck, discomfort talking and swallowing food for a day or two. What I didn't count on was blood oozing from the drain site, which was not even an issue the first time around. I was discharged later than usual the next day so the on-call ENT could check it. The next morning (Wednesday) I went to UrgentCare because it was oozing more than it was the day before. They were able to cauterize it, but instructed me to change the dressing daily until my post-op appt the following Tuesday. Great. Just what I needed, something other than the giant scar on my neck to draw even more attention to myself.
My follow up appt with my Endo was the next day, on Thursday, May 20. He informed me that they found a different kind of thyroid cancer on my right lobe - three small Papillary carcinoma nodules (the largest at 1mm). Could my week get any better?!? Well, it definitely could not get any worse after hearing that I had two types of thyroid cancer hanging out in my thyroid. Thank goodness I had the surgeries and they found the cancers before it moved beyond my thyroid. Treatment for both is the same - thyroidectomy, radiation iodine treatment, thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Despite the fact that Hurthle cells don't generally take up the radioactive iodine, it is still part of the treatment plan.
So what is next? I was put on Cytomel the day after my second surgery. After four weeks of Cytomel, I have to stop taking it, and at the same time start a two week long low-iodine diet to prepare for my radiation treatment. On June 29, if my TSH levels come back at 30 or higher, my radiation iodine treatment will occur between June 30 and July 2. I will probably be kept for a day or two in isolation at the hospital so I don't contaminate anyone with radiation. When I am allowed to return home, I will still need to restrict my contact with people and pets for at least five days. Not looking like I'm going to have a fun 4th of July this year, but I should be able to watch fireworks, alone in the dark.
Everything was going well until my doc asked me "What is that?... how long have you had that?" while she was examining my neck. I told her I probably had it for at least a year, that I thought it was just a roll of fat on my neck (since I had recently put on a lot of weight). She said my thyroid was the wrong size. I was scheduled for an ultrasound a month later. After my ultrasound, my doctor's office called to let me know that I had a "left thyroid mass" and I was being referred to an Endocrinologist.
In February of this year (2010), the Endocrinologist evaluated my thyroid lump. He said it was a goiter and that there is a 5% chance of it being cancer. He did a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. He was only able to make three passes with the needle, but he said it was enough to send to pathology for analysis. He told me I may have a bruise for a day or two, but if anyone asks me about it, he said to tell them to mind their own business. Interesting advice. The results of my biopsy were inconclusive, but he recommended that it be removed so that cancer could be ruled out. I was referred to an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) surgeon.
A month later, in the ENT's office I was told that I had a 'Hurthle Cell neoplasm' which had a 20-30% chance of being cancer. I was a bit confused - how did my chance for cancer increase from 5% to possibly 30% in less than 5 minutes? I was floored since cancer runs in both sides of my parents' families. Both of my grandmothers died from cancer; two of my dad's siblings died from cancer. None of them had the same kind of cancer, but cancer is cancer. I cried for the remainder of the consult. Although he never said I had cancer (all he said was that my left thyroid lobe needed to be removed), he gave me his version of the thyroid cancer story. He said it was the best cancer to have because it is easily treated with surgery and radiation iodine treatment, then thyroid hormone replacement (such as Synthroid). I told him I needed some time to think about having the surgery. Thank goodness I brought my mom with me to this appointment.
My cancer fears went into overdrive later that day after I Google'd "Hurthle cell neoplasm." I found out that there is no way to tell if it is cancer or not before the lobectomy, and that if it is cancer, it is an aggressive cancer that does not necessarily take up the radiation iodine treatment. Lovely. Who signed me up for that?!?, and how can I get off that list?!?
I decided to get a second opinion - another FNA done outside of my current medical group. Once I made my second opinion appt (April 15), I decided to also make my surgery appt which was set for May 3. My second opinion doc did things a little differently, but she was thorough. She did the ultrasound and a biopsy; she was able to make six passes with the needle, going in at six different angles. She put a little bandage over the area she biopsied so I felt like I had a little 'biopsy badge.' The bruise this time was more noticeable, but I now felt a little more comfortable talking to people about it, but I still couldn't talk to people at work about it.
A week later, I got the news. The same diagnosis with the same recommendation of thyroid lobectomy. Good thing I had my surgery date already set. Nevertheless, I wanted to know what her ENT would say about the procedure. I was cutting it close, but I saw her ENT the day before my pre-op appt for my surgery that was to happen the following week. The second ENT's technique was quite different from the first. He said he would make an incision on the left side of my neck the size of my left lobe and remove it whereas the first ENT would make a 'necklace' incision at the bottom of my neck. If the diagnosis was cancer, both surgeons would use the same incision to go back in and remove the rest of my thyroid (right lobe).
The following week I had my left thyroid lobe removed. The surgery went well. My ENT told my mom afterward that he didn't think it was cancer. But sadly, at my post-op appt the following Tuesday, May 11, I was told that it was indeed cancer, Hurthle cell carcinoma (3.2cm). The rest of my thyroid needed to be removed. Wow. Why me? I didn't cry this time. I didn't need a second opinion. I just calmly asked how soon he could go back in and take care of it. Luckily he had a cancellation the following week, so my second surgery was set for May 17.
Once again, the surgery went well. I already knew what to expect after the surgery - a very sore neck, discomfort talking and swallowing food for a day or two. What I didn't count on was blood oozing from the drain site, which was not even an issue the first time around. I was discharged later than usual the next day so the on-call ENT could check it. The next morning (Wednesday) I went to UrgentCare because it was oozing more than it was the day before. They were able to cauterize it, but instructed me to change the dressing daily until my post-op appt the following Tuesday. Great. Just what I needed, something other than the giant scar on my neck to draw even more attention to myself.
My follow up appt with my Endo was the next day, on Thursday, May 20. He informed me that they found a different kind of thyroid cancer on my right lobe - three small Papillary carcinoma nodules (the largest at 1mm). Could my week get any better?!? Well, it definitely could not get any worse after hearing that I had two types of thyroid cancer hanging out in my thyroid. Thank goodness I had the surgeries and they found the cancers before it moved beyond my thyroid. Treatment for both is the same - thyroidectomy, radiation iodine treatment, thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Despite the fact that Hurthle cells don't generally take up the radioactive iodine, it is still part of the treatment plan.
So what is next? I was put on Cytomel the day after my second surgery. After four weeks of Cytomel, I have to stop taking it, and at the same time start a two week long low-iodine diet to prepare for my radiation treatment. On June 29, if my TSH levels come back at 30 or higher, my radiation iodine treatment will occur between June 30 and July 2. I will probably be kept for a day or two in isolation at the hospital so I don't contaminate anyone with radiation. When I am allowed to return home, I will still need to restrict my contact with people and pets for at least five days. Not looking like I'm going to have a fun 4th of July this year, but I should be able to watch fireworks, alone in the dark.
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