One of the first things I’ve been asked to do as a member of the American Cancer Society Blogger Advisory Council is to dedicate a blog post to someone I love with cancer. The first “person” who came into my mind was all of my blog readers who have thyroid cancer and have written to me with their stories.
I could write about Holly who is 37, and a mom of three, who after having a thyroidectomy in September, and radioactive iodine last month, is facing the possibility her cancer has spread into her lymph nodes. Holly had been told her lymph nodes were fine, but they discovered an area of high iodine intake. If this spot turns out to be lymph nodes, Holly could be facing another surgery to remove them.
Or I could write about Patricia who is also 37, and a mom of two. During the past year, Patricia had a huge lump in her neck and with the urging of her children’s father, she decided to follow up on it. It turned out to be a 6.5 inch goiter. She had a biopsy done on October 15th, and found out early this month it is cancer. Patricia is facing a thyroidectomy surgery within the next two months.
There is Nicholas, who is a physician with three small children, who had a thyroidectomy and a neck dissection in June. He is still having drainage and medication issues.
These are just three people out of the many who write me about their experiences with thyroid cancer. A common theme in many of their letters, is they are looking for support and someone who understands what they are going through. Despite their cancer, and challenges, these cancer patients and survivors continue on in with their lives. They are there for their children and spouses. They are there for their parents who have medical issues themselves, and for the others that rely on them. Most importantly, they continue on for themselves.
I have never met Holly, Patricia, or Nicholas, or many of the other people who have written me. But I admire and love their spirits of determination and knowledge that they will beat their cancer and will be healthy to be around for countless birthdays. Just the fact that they are sharing their stories, shows that they have taken control of their cancer, so they can fight it.
Anyone can join the American Cancer Society in the effort to celebrate More Birthdays. Just dedicate a blog post to someone you love who has been affected by cancer and celebrate them. You can check out other posts on the American Cancer Society’s Birthday Blog for inspiration.
Birthdays are good! Let’s have as many of them as we can!