In early February I went to see the doctor, an endocrinologist for a (now separate) issue. At this appointment the doctor gave me a full exam and found a 'thickness' on my thyroid. An ultra sound was scheduled and I didn't think much about it.
Two weeks later, the ultrasound confirmed that I had a nodule on my thyroid. I was told that these are very common, especially in Hawaii, and 95% chance it is benign. Two weeks after that I had a Fine Needle Biopsy and that came back inconclusive. This is when I started to worry. They couldn't tell me if the nodule was malignant or benign. They recommended surgery to remove the nodule and the right side of my thyroid. This is another form of biopsy and then they could tell me for sure.
I had this surgery on April 4th. Again, the lab could not tell if the (now) tumor was malignant. They would send the tissue to the mainland and THIS time should be able to tell me. This really was the hardest part, the waiting. To not know and the worry that comes with it is dreadful. Finally, the mainland pathology lab report came back and confirmed my worst fear, the tumor was malignant.
To move forward with treatment, I needed a 2nd surgery to remove the remaining part of my thyroid. I had this surgery on April 18th. Recovery from both surgeries was tough but I got through it. The treatment for this type of cancer is Radiation Iodine Therapy. I went in to the hospital on May 27th and stayed for three days. (Not fun) I went to stay at my mother's home after because you need to have a separate bedroom and bathroom while the radiation leaves your body. Plus Gregg and I have a young daughter and I didn't want to expose her. I am home now.
I went in for a whole body scan on June 1st and just yesterday I learned that there was no additional cancer in my body, meaning there was no spread. This is the best news I have ever heard. I need no additional treatment. I will now be monitored for recurrence with blood work and ultrasound. I pray everyday for great health for myself, my family, and all my friends.
This has been the scariest thing I've ever gone through. I will never be the same. Ironically, many positive things have come from this. I appreciate life so much more, I appreciate my family so much more, I appreciate my body so much more (and no longer put crap in it). I hope that anyone reading this can appreciate those things in your life too. Cancer has been a huge wake up call for me, one I would wish on no one. I am incredibly grateful for my outcome, as I know many others are not so lucky. My gratitude will be lifelong.
I've really learned to listen to my gut. Something was telling me to go to the doctor (for my original issue) for a few months. I finally went in and now I know what my gut was trying to say. If you feel that whisper of something, saying 'go get that checked' DO IT! Don't wait. Our instincts are very powerful.
Lastly, It is true that thyroid nodules are common in Hawaii. Thyroid cancer is the fastest growing (in numbers) cancer in America. It is also true that most nodules are benign. Ask your doctor for a full thyroid exam at your next check-up. We are pro-active in so many areas regarding our health, this should be one too.
Love to all!
