Heard from the doctor today. News wasn't great, but at the same time not horrible. Turns out they did remove a 1.8 centimeter lesion - papillary carcinoma on the right side of my thyroid. Surgeon gave me two options. 1) Remove the rest of my thyroid and have a radioactive iodine treatment. 2) Start synthroid and observe regularly. You have to start on the hormones so that the left side of your thyroid isn't working too hard.
My doctor recommends and I chose option #2. My logic is this: I have read many stories throughout my research about people that go through hell trying to get their dose of thyroid hormones right. Hot and cold flashes, dry mouth, depression, weight gain/loss. If I had my entire thyroid removed it would mean being supplemented completely by synthetic hormone and having the risks I mention above. I figure that by keeping half of my thyroid and going on a lower dose of synthroid, these risks will be less prevalent. Doctor said that there is a 30% chance that cancer will show up on the left side but that it would take decades to happen if it did.
I was hoping to not have to add another daily medication for the rest of my life - I currently take singulair for my asthma. But I'd rather take it with 1/2 my thyroid there instead of not.
I'm feeling pretty okay about everything. I figure it wasn't the worst news, a) it's papillary carcinoma, the best type of thyroid cancer to get, 97% curable. There is a type of thyroid cancer that only has a 5% cure rate and I didn't get that one and b) they got it all so no need for immediate surgery.
The crap news is that I indeed had cancer. Never thought I'd become a cancer statistic. Very strange.
Thank you so much to EVERYONE for your incredible support throughout this. You ladies are amazing!!
p.s. was 229 this morning...."Well HELLO weight that begins with 22...it's been a while". ;-)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Well I'm sorry to hear the news, but like you said it's not the worst. I'm glad you are having a positive outlook on this, it will greatly help you through. congradulations on the weight!!!
ReplyDeletestay strong sista! sounds like you are thinking about this in the right frame of mind.
ReplyDeleteand looky loo at the girl in the 220s!
Wow... Jen - it sounds like you have a very good attitude about it. I'm so sorry, but know that we'll be here for the days when you might not be feeling as great! You go girl, and know my prayers are with you...
ReplyDeleteS
I'm so sorry you didn't get the news we were hoping for, but I know how far your positivity will take you. One of my best friends dealt with this last year - if you like I could hook you up with her if you have any questions!
ReplyDeletexo
I'm sorry it wasn't the greatest news to get, but you are such a positive person and will make what choice is right for you. My thoughts are with you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful job on the 220's!
Thank you for keeping us updated. The thyroid is such a finicky and important part of our daily lives (and when never think of it until something makes us), so I am glad you feel you have a couple of options and are comfortable with choice #2. I would probably have gone that way too. Congrats on beating me, I mean making it, to the 220's! I guess you deserve it though after the week you have had!
ReplyDeleteJen, I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I am glad the news finally came, even though it wasn't what we were hoping to hear, at least you know you can beat this, and have the tools available to do just that! You will overcome this, just like your overcoming your weight! You have had such amazing results & you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, I was checking in often waiting for one! I'm glad you feel good with the choice you've made and your doctor recommends it too, double bonus. Congrats on the weight in the 22-'s too! :)
ReplyDeleteJen, Sorry to hear that this was not the news you wanted to hear, but thankfully they were able to remove it and that you had options....you will get through this and will make you a stronger woman in the process! Stay positive
ReplyDeleteJen, I'm sorry to hear the news. Stay positive, it sounds like you've researched and thought through your options so I'm sure you're going down the right path.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching the 220's, awesome accomplishment!
Glad you got the better part of bad news. Way to keep a good outlook!
ReplyDeleteOh Jen. Sorry for the news. Weird huh? Glad for the options and it looks like for all the reasons you stated this is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteTake care of you. Congrats on the weight loss. "At least you have that goin' for ya!" (Bill Murray in Cadyshack)
Love, Aunt Amy
Oh, sorry Jen. I think you are right to do option 2. My mom had her thyroid removed and she says it was the worst decision she ever made. She gained tons of weight and many other side effects, and years later, still can't get the right dose of synthroid.
ReplyDeleteBut, so happy for you on the weight loss!
You sound like you are facing this with a fantastic positive attitude! I am very glad that it was one of the better options and that you will most likely not have more surgery! Hang in there, you got a lot of us in your corner.
ReplyDeleteHey Jen, I'm sorry and yet relieved to hear the news. I'm glad it wasn't a more aggressive cancer and the treatment plan sounds do-able.
ReplyDeleteWow, I am thrilled for you on the weight loss. 229 is awesome. I'm 234.5 right now and I know that is "weird" for me, so I'm guessing 229 must be kind of strange for you, too. (strange in a good way!).
When you're feeling better I'd love to see some new photos :0)
So sorry for your news Jen. You are a trooper and doing great though!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to tell you something....both my mom and one of my very best friends have both had their thyroids radioactively destroyed with radioactive iodine...neither of them had any trouble finding the right synthroid levels. They both have to take a pill every morning and get their levels cheked at the endo regularly....just throwing it out ther for you to consider!!
So glad you are doing well!
Jen, sucks that it wasnt what we all were praying to hear as the verdict but I echo all these ladies that your attitude is gonna make a huge difference in your treatment and I'm very realived to hear that the surgeon is so optimistic, that's a very good sign !!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the awesome weight loss !! WOW 220's..imagine that huh ?!! You go girl !!!
Ahh Jen,
ReplyDeleteThat really bites getting the news that you least wanted. On the positive side at least it's in the realm of 97% curable, and with your great attitude you will be A-OK in no time.
Lots of positive thoughts for you xx
Congrats on hitting the 220's. Even with everything going on around you.. you are focussed. Just amazing.
Hugs
Cara
Wow, look at all your support. We are certainly in your corner and I agree with everyone, sounds like you made the best choice! Congrats on the 220s...seems so far away right now, but it will be MINE someday! Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeletePraying for you!! Your strength is amazing!
ReplyDeleteJenn, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Just wanted to let you know also that I have a friend who had the same diagnosis 12 years ago, he leads a wonderful life and has two beautiful sons and is very active. I know that you will have the same experience and triumph over this!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you finally got some news, though I know it wasn't exactly what you wanted. Stay strong!
ReplyDelete