Last week I found out that I have to have a biopsy on a nodule in my thyroid. This is a precaution to rule out cancer or any other atypical growth. I was hoping I would be able to get in to the ENT doctor this week and have it done. Unfortunately, they told me initially they didn’t have any openings for 4-6 weeks. I was about to freak out when the receptionist told me they would get me in much sooner for something like this. I wasn’t sure how to take that remark, so I am just assuming when you need a biopsy- you need a biopsy.
They were able to fit me in next Friday, April 10th. I was really nervous, but I have been doing some reading, and have received some great information from my friends. My friend, Sherry, who is a nurse, told me the thyroid only needs 10% of it, to function. I keep being told thyroid cancer is the most treatable cancer, and am hearing stories from so many people who have had it, and they are fine. Sherry also told me the biopsy doesn’t hurt (I don’t like needles), so that is nice to know as well.
I forgot to ask how long it takes to get the results after the biopsy, but I can’t imagine it being more than a few days. Overall, I am a lot calmer and not so scared. Thank you to all my wonderful friends, family, acquaintances, and readers of my blog, who have taken a moment out of their busy days to send me an e-mail of encouragement or to just wish me well. I never knew how many friends I really have, and it has been overwhelming. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
I wanted to share one special gesture to me from my sister, Mara. She is a busy mom to a two-year old, and works as a second grade teacher. As parents, we know our kids get sick. Mara never takes sick days anymore when she is sick; she saves them for when her daughter is sick, so she can stay at home with her that day. Sick days are a precious commodity as a parent. When I told Mara last week I had to have the biopsy, she told me she would be there-just let her know when.
I objected- she had to work. Mara said she’d take a sick day. I told her no, she needed those days for when her daughter was sick. She told me no- it was fine. I decided to stop arguing and let her be there for me.
The truth is I went to the ultrasound by myself and it was hard. I cried for 15 minutes afterwards in the car because I was scared. I texted a friend who called me right away, but I was still crying, and I kept thinking I should have had someone go with me.
My sister doesn’t care she is losing one of her sick days that she could save and spend with her daughter-she is going to be there- because I need her. That gives me strength and comfort- bring on the biopsy! 🙂