On Wednesday I had an ultrasound my surgeon had requested before the surgery to remove my thyroid for cancer. I didn’t know ahead of time why he wanted this ultrasound, but found out it was to determine if the cancer in my thyroid had spread into my lymph nodes.
I was really upset leaving the ultrasound, and scared. I didn’t want to have to think about another issue with my thyroid cancer. I was told I would have the results in a few days.
Yesterday my surgeon, Dr. S., called me and told me the ultrasound showed the cancer had moved to my lymph nodes. He said I have two lymph nodes that are measuring over 3 cm., and anytime they measure over 1.5 cm., it is a major cause of concern.
Dr. S. told me those nodes will have to be removed during my surgery and they will have to examine my other lymph nodes in surgery to determine if any other ones need to be removed as well. He told me the surgery is complex and will be a minimum of 9 hours now. Previously, the surgery time was about 2 hours-just to remove the thyroid. Dr. S. said I will now be in the hospital for 4-5 days, and have a longer recovery time.
I was completely in shock as I was listening to Dr. S. tell me all of this. My heart was racing and I was having trouble breathing. He recommended I make an appointment and he would fill me in on all the details and the process. Dr. S. told me I still had the papillary cancer, and it was still in the very early stages. He said he was glad I had gotten the ultrasound, because now he had the complete picture of what my health situation is, and he knows before hand, the direction the surgery needs to go in.
I hung up, and sat shocked and numb- staring at my wall. I stared to cry and utter a lot of four letter words under my breath. Ryan and Cole were home, and I didn’t want to have them overhear me calling anyone to tell them. I was too upset anyway to talk.
Since then, I have let my family, friends, and Facebook friends know and the support has been overwhelming. My sister and friends have told me this is bad news, but I am not going to die. When it is all said and done, it is a complication, but I am going to be fine.
A day later, I am still in shock somewhat- just trying to absorb the situation. I am going to make that appointment with Dr. S., to get the rest of the facts and ask questions. I don’t believe I will need to have chemotherapy, but will more than likely have to undergo radioactive iodine therapy.
My family is already making plans to get me the help I need after the surgery, and I know I can count on my friends to help too. I am very grateful for all the support and love I have.
So where do I go from here? I am not sure. I am trying to keep a positive attitude and trying not to freak out. I am trying to remember to take deep breaths and keep everything in perspective.
If anyone has been through this, the removal of lymph nodes, please let me know what your experience was. It helps me to hear what others have gone through.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I need all the positive energy that can come my way. 🙂
12 replies on “My Cancer Has Spread”
((((heather)))) this news does totally suck, but you are an amazing, strong woman and you are going to get thru this. it just might take a little longer than previously thought. i just talked to a woman on twitter tonight who had thyroid cancer and it was in her lymph nodes too. she is cancer-free now. 🙂 you will be soon too. love you. lots of positive thoughts coming your way.
I linked over from @crunchygoddess on twitter. I feel compelled to share with you as I have a similar story. I’m so sorry to hear of what you are going through. I was diagnosed in May of 2006 with thyroid cancer and was immediately sent into surgery 2 weeks later due to the size of the goiter in my neck (causing inability to breathe or swallow). What should have been a 4 hour surgery became closer to 7 because while under they found that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I had a tumor in each node… one papillary and one that was both papillary and follicular(can’t remember what they call that) Bother were about 4mm. I was left with a scar about 2 inches long on my neck that 3 years later is hardly noticeable unless pointed out. Recovery was also not bad. I was back in opera rehearsals (still on vocal rest) after a week and back to work after 2. I did not have children at the time though. What was harder for me was the radiation as you have to remain isolated for 5-7 days after dosing (depending on what dose). I hope everything goes well for you with your upcoming surgery and that treatment works out. 3 years later I go for yearly scans but I feel much better and my levels are regulated.
Baby, I hate that you have to go through this! But, you will have all the love and support from us that you can stand. You are a survivor, and you will beat this. Remember it is still a successful cancer to treat. I love you very much.
Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you, for healing, quick recovery, and peace. I have thyroid issues, but pray that I never have to face the scary “c” word. As a mom, I can’t imagine what you must be feeling, but know that you have prayer warriors at battle for you!
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Thank you for the well wishes, and Aubrey, thank you so much for sharing your story with me. It helps so much to hear from someone else who has been through something similar.
I am not a singer, but it is good to hear you were able to sing again so soon after surgery.
Congratulations on your 3+ years of being cancer free- I hope to follow in your footsteps.
You and your family are in my prayers. Stay Strong! 🙂
thank you so much for sharing your story with me.
You will also need whole body scan to make sure that the cancer haven’t spread to your lungs.
Heather, You are most certainly in my prayers. Keep the faith and hold onto go good thoughts. Thanks for sharing your story, you are an inspiration to all of us:-)
Heather,
I usually just follow you on Twitter but came over tonight after I saw your response to CrunchyDomesticGoddess.
Sometimes life just throws us everything at once. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with a divorce and cancer – that’s a tall order, but you are wise to reach out for support here. Blogging has helped so many women through tough times…
And your comments to your children were age-appropriate and wise.
God bless. I’ll be rooting for you!
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