Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Good Cancer: The Happy Beginning

My surgery was scheduled for 6.3.2011, a little over a month after Mr. Pancakes and i were married.  The entire time leading up to the surgery, i was anxious. I was anxious for the surgery to be completed so Mr. Pancakes and i can really live our lives as newlyweds.  The anticipation for the surgery date was ridiculous.

Night before surgery, Mr. Pancakes and I hung out at the house with my family just relaxing and taking it easy.  We did take a break to pray with our pastor, which was so helpful.  I cried but it was more out of relief that the surgery date was approaching and i knew that everything was going to be ok.

Day of surgery, we arrived at the hospital too early for me.  But nonetheless, we got there, checked in, got into the oh so ever beautiful hospital gown under my bathroom and waited for my name to be called.  I prayed in the bathroom with my mom (over the phone) and i felt comforted before the surgery.  Mr. Pancakes gave me a big hug and kiss.  After this, i was called into the back room, met briefly with a nurse, completed last minute check-ins.  As i was meeting with the nurse, Dr. W (my surgeon) came in, marked me and assured me "everything will be fine."

I met with the anesthesiologiest, who asked brief questions about any allergies?  I said no.  As i waited, i was given a clothe to cover my legs to keep warm.  There was a lady sitting across from me and i smiled at her.  With my eyes i wished her "well" during her surgery.  The nurse came to get me into the surgery room. 
I noticed the machines and contraptions but i think i was definitely overwhelmed with the situation.  This was after all, the first time i was having surgery (of any kind).

The nurse helped me on the bed.  The anesthesiologist came to myself.  The nurse advised me to relax.  I felt the anesthesiologist prick me with a needle.  And i was itchy all over my body especially around my belly button region.  I remember the nurse asking "are you ok?" Dr. W telling someone his car got a ticket--i know--fortunately i didn't have time to panic about my surgeon making such casual conversation before such an important surgery because i was out in a flash.

When i came to, the nurse was asking me if i can hear her.  I was a little woozy so i couldn't respond but i think i felt ok.  The surgeon came by and said "the surgery went well, everything looks good."  I was glad to hear this.  I was then wheeled into my hospital room.  I remember the nurse saying "do you recognize this lady?" then i heard Mr. Pancakes say, "yes."

When i came to in the hospital room, my neck was bandaged, i had a tube to drain some blood from my neck to measure my calcium levels.  Due to where the thyroid is located, it impacts on calcium development. 
I was also put on IV.  I was in the hospital for two days because they wanted to make sure that all the levels in my body was normal including calcium. 

During the first two days, i was in pain and took several Tylenol 3s.  It was difficult to move my head, eat, talk, go to the bathroom and sleep.  However, i was feeling great.  Dr. W and my Endocrinologist  came to visit me.  Both assured me everything looked good.  On 6.5.11, i was allowed to go home. 

For the next three weeks, i rested and had several calcium levels checked.  I was able to talk and eat without any issues.  It was still difficult to sleep due to my neck hurting but i managed.  Overall, everyday was better than the last.   I have been taking my synthroid medication every morning at 6:30am (breakfast follows several hours later) and so far, everything has been going well.

Almost a month later, i received the pathology tests and it confirmed that i had thyroid cancer.  However, since it was so small and had not spread, i didn't require radioiodione therapy.   I would need to attend follow-ups every three months for a year.  Continue to take my syn-thyroid medication everyday.  This was such great news, i felt fantastic and again i felt completely blessed!

I returned to work almost a month after my surgery.  Mr. Pancakes and i decided i should take the time off to rest and just heal.  My neck was not hurting as much.  The scar would take a while to heal completely but thanks to my complexion, you can hardly tell unless you are staring real hard!


Since i have to live without my thyroid and be on hormone replacement therapy for the rest of my life, it is not really the end of my story.  But the beginning.  A happy beginning.  A life without cancerous cells running around my throat and or possibly body.  Everyday, i feel much stronger and better.  I cannot wait to work out again:-) I decided to take it real easy.

In the end, the good thing about thyroid cancer (in my experience) was that God was good to me. 

29 comments:

CeCe said...

It must have been tough dealing with this leading up to your wedding and then beyond. Glad you are ok. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Claudya Martinez said...

I'm so happy you had love and support surrounding you.

Mrs. Tuna said...

My brother in law had thyroid cancer last year. He had radiation and is doing amazing today. You'll do amazing.

Theodora Ofosuhima said...

You are truly Loved by God and the people he sorrounds you with. God blessings always :).

Kim said...

God is good!

Miesha Roshawn said...

God is good! I'm glad you're feeling okay!

Dee said...

Thank God the cancer is gone!
This post is so positive.
Thanks for sharing.

Natalie said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us! Having a positive outlook is wonderful, I wish you many years of health and happiness!

Alicia said...

I am so happy to hear that your surgery went well and that you are recovering well. Your scar is barely visible! And I love that you have such great energy -- to know that through it all, God will be glorified. He is so good!

Unknown said...

I'm your newest follower from the social parade blog hop!

I was so moved when I read your post. My sister had thyroid cancer right after my wedding nearly two years ago. They removed her thyroid, and got all the cancer! I'm glad that you are cancer free!!

Thank you for sharing your story!

Monica @ theatypicalhousewife.com

Lea said...

I am glad you are doing well. I hope you continue to have a good recovery and live a LONG beautiful happy life with the Mr.

Following from Bee Friendly Hop.

www.mosscoveredpath.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing all this sis!! Prayers for your health and well being. God is good!!!

LaNeshe said...

God is good!

Sophia Chang said...

What a journey you've brought us on! One that I am thrilled to hear ended with a new beginning :) Thank you for the insightful posts about factors and the details of the treatment.

Kim Bee said...

Out blog hopping, stopping by to say hello. Have a great weekend.Love your site. Kim
http://cravingsofalunatic.blogspot.com/
http://losingitlikealunatic.blogspot.com/

Redbabe said...

You are so brave Mrs Pancake :) I hope you get 100% well soon. And, thanks for sharing.

Laura Everyday Edits said...

Newest follower. My good friend had thyroid cancer last summer. She is doing great and figured out her meds etc and is so happy.

Did you write a post on the symptoms. what were your initial symptoms? My friend said her diagnosis was a fluke ...

following from http://imnotatrophywife.com

Heidi said...

I'm your newest follower from the Find New Friends Weekend Hop. I would love if you would stop by and say hi!
www.textbookmommy.com

Style, Decor & More said...

Stopping by to say hello! Hope all is well!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Wow what a story! I'm glad it seems to have a happy ending!

Vanisha @ Vanisha's Life In...Fiji said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. My mother in law died of thyroid cancer two years ago. There wasn't enough awareness and information in Fiji about health and well-being. I'm so glad you're blogging about your experiences. Looking forward to reading more of your blog :)

Unknown said...

I'm your newest follower from the Saturday Blog Hops! Come check out my blog at: http://adventuresofathriftymommy.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

My cousin had to have a partial thyroidectomy when she was pregnant. It was so stressful. Thankfully hers was not cancerous- but just the waiting and wondering is draining.

So glad that you're in the clear. Best of luck moving forward.

(Found you via the Alexa Blog Hop!)

Alida Sharp said...

I cannot imagine going through this right after getting married. So grateful that they caught it early! And I truly admire your courage and openness.

TeeEhm said...

I'm happy you know God. keep hanging on to him, he never fails. I praise God for your life

Mrs. Julius said...

Omg, i'm so glad this story has a happy ending to start a happy beginning. :) Life is so precious...I think about it every day now that I have a son. I'm so happy for you and hope that everything is all good. :)

Mimi said...

Yay!! God is always faithful. Glad to hear that you are doing well and your life is beginning all over again.

Stesha said...

What a journey! I'm so happy that you are cancer free and sharing your story.

Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha

Miss Amy said...

I'm happy you're ok. I never had my thyroid removed, but I have hypothyroidism. I'm also on synthyroid every morning! It's daunting to think I have to take it for the rest of my life....but, it could always be worse. So, I'm grateful they have medicine that helps people like me and you. :)