I would consider myself a pretty closed book. I don't like opening up too much, which is why I am kind of hesitant to write this post. But, I do know that I want to remember the experiences I have, and I won't do that if I don't write them down. So I write this more for myself (it helps writing it out). This past year has been a pretty crazy one. Last October on a Saturday I found a lump on my throat and went in that next Monday to the doctors. After getting referred out to my endocronologist, I was referred for blood work, an ultrasound of my neck and a biopsy. This process took over a month or so and on December 22, 2011 I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. Being told you have cancer is the most surreal moment. You kind of expect it when they are doing biopsies and all these tests, but nothing can prepare you for it. The doctor said the prognosis was good, but there would be some hurdles first. I had surgery January 17, 2012 to remove my entire thyroid (I am now on thyroid medication which I take every morning). In April, I did one round of the radioactive iodine treatment to kill any remain cancer cells. That went well and after doing a whole body scan my doctor said the cancer didn't spread and that the radiation worked and everything was where he wanted it to be. I will be following up every six months for a LONG while. I go back in October to follow up. It's been a crazy ride, but I have been able to grow a lot from it as well. I feel grateful for an amazing husband who has been by my side EVERY step of the way. I feel grateful for the knowledge and peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. I KNOW that trials help us to grow, otherwise we just sit around not learning or changing. Life is good:)
Right after surgery
Steinberg Diagnostics, where I became radioactive :)
