Missing in action

I must apologize for being MIA.  Life has been interesting here ... far too interesting in fact.  So interesting that I seem to have misplaced the camera.  This will be a post sans photos, so I won't talk about knitting!  How's that for compromise?

Back in September, I spoke to my doctor about the lump I found on my thyroid.  She sent me off for an ultrasound, a nuclear scan, and a visit to the endocrinologist.  He sent me off for more bloodwork and a fine needle biopsy.  The biopsy results were "suspicious for cancer." 

Then I saw the surgeon.  The first words from his mouth were "We could just monitor this for a while."  Nope.  I thought removal was a good plan of action.  Next he suggested that possibly just a partial removal would be a good idea.  Nope.  I was all for complete removal.  Then he felt the thyroid, and agreed!

Fast forward two months, and my surgery date was set for March 28.  Off we go to Scarborough Centenerary Hospital.  Can't say enough good about the folks at that hospital -- they were efficient, caring and kind.  One overnight and home again.  Minus the thyroid, but with good thyroid drugs.

I was amazed.  I haven't felt that good  in twenty years.  I could go to sleep at night, wake up in the morning and bounce out of bed.  Go all day without a nap.  My, oh my.  What a difference.

Kids came for a visit over Easter weekend.  We also celebrated Emily's birthday -- which always comes with cheesecake.  Everyone wandered off home by Sunday evening.  So Tuesday morning at 3:00 am, I woke up with a gall bladder attack.  Without getting too graphic, let's just say that I tend to explode from both ends when this happens.  And then I feel better.

I did the explosion thing, but did not feel better.  Finally, at 9:30 Doug and I headed off to the local emergency room.  They poked and prodded, and figured that I was probably having a gall bladder attack.  Scheduled an ultrasound for the next day.  Sent me home.  In pain and almost agony, I must add.  Took some pain killers left from the thyroid surgery.  I would add that I felt so badly that I didn't even take any knitting with me. 

Wednesday morning we went back for the ultrasound.  The surgeon advises that this confirms gall bladder disease.  They were hesitant about trying for a surgical solution because of the recent thyroid surgery.  Dr. Stryde asked me what I'd eaten the day previous.  Half a piece of toast and a cup of green tea.  What was I planning to eat today?  Possibly the other half of the toast and another cup of tea.  He went off to grab the anesthetist for a consult.

Result?  Gall bladder surgery.  More scars.  But I feel SO much better.  There may be damage to the vocal chordss -- but really, I don't care.  I feel better.  And will continue to feel better.  Life doesn't get much better.

But wait -- there's more.  My doctor got the results of the thyroid biopsy and called to make certain that I would be following up with the surgeon.  Yeah, right.  You don't get to call and leave a message like that without spilling the beans. 

So, long story short.  There ws cancer in the thyroid.  Sounds like thyroid cancer (thank heavens not a Non-Hodgkins lymphoma).  I will know more after meeting with the surgeon on Wednesday.  Short term, however, is that there is a cancer. 

You know ... it's the waiting and NOT knowing that is so difficult.  You can't really make plans, or dreams, when you don't know which way it will go.  So now we do, and I'm planning the knitting to take with me into solitary confinement.  That, and reading material!

The best part of all this medical brouhaha, though, is the realization that I have lots of friends -- people who care about me, and want the best for me.  Who will help me when the going gets tough.  And that, more than anything, is what life is about.  Having people who care about you, and you caring for them when their going gets tough.