I was expecting to find out the results of the PET CT scan to determine if the cancer had spread past my lymph nodes, during my pre-opt appointment with my surgeon. This was scheduled for Wednesday, late afternoon. I didn’t even consider that when I told the imaging center they could send the results to my regular doctor too, they would contact me first.
As I was walking into work this morning, my phone rang and it was the my primary care physician’s office. The office administrator told me Dr. B., had just finished reviewing my scan results, and he wanted her to call me right away with the results. My heart sank. I was preparing for the worst. She told me that they all knew how concerned I was, and then I heard her tell me everything was fine. It was all normal- there was no signs of cancer showing up anywhere else. She said it did show it was in my thyroid, but it had not spread to any other organs.
I felt like a 2,000 pound weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was so happy, and I started crying. I told her thank you so much and asked her to thank Dr. B. for me too, for getting back to me so soon. I ran into my office and told my co-workers. D., was not in the office yet, but I couldn’t wait to tell her. I also couldn’t wait to tell my family, so I went outside and made the call to my family, who have been there for me in ways I couldn’t imagine, since this whole ordeal started.
I couldn’t stop crying as I called them- and my heart was filled with joy that I finally, finally, had good news to give them, instead of always the bad news that seemed to keep getting worse. I could hear the happiness and the relief in their voices. As bad as all this has been- as emotionally draining as it has been- as many tears as I have cried- none of that mattered this morning when I could tell my family that the cancer had not spread. Before I went back to work, I posted the good news on Facebook, because so many of my friends have been there for me too- every step of the way. I would not have made it through these last few months without them either.
D. was out of the office until the afternoon, and I started crying before I could even tell her the result. I told her I knew- the cancer hadn’t spread any further, and I was so relieved. She was so happy for me as well, and gave me lots of hugs. I had to run some office errands before I left, and I picked up a card for D. I wrote her a heart-felt thanks, and gave it to her as I was leaving. She didn’t open it in front of me, but I wanted her to know how much her kind gesture touched me, and to thank her again. I would not have the peace of mind and the knowledge that after Friday, after the surgery is done, I can start to move on, totally sure that cancer is out of my body.
I know all the prayers, well-wishes, and positive thoughts everyone has sent me- through my blog, Facebook, Twitter, cards, and private e-mails has contributed to the happy news today. I can’t thank you all enough. Fighting something like this, you take the good news where you can, and this is the hope I needed to really give me the strength and the determination to make a full recovery. Knowing that I am not alone, and people are pulling for me has made the difference.
My uncle, Mike, left me a comment on Facebook before I knew the results of the scan which said in part, “Heather you will be OK. Too much white light streaming in your direction not to.” I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for all the white light- it created today.