So the rumors are true...I have cancer. Thyroid Cancer. Papillary Carcinoma to be exact. There, I said it! I'll be honest, it's not the best news I've ever had, and I'm relatively certain that there is nothing that can prepare you to hear the big "C" word.
So for all those inquiring minds, here's the story. The middle of May, I was chatting with one of my coworkers (Wendy) across the table. She looked at me funny and said, "What's that on your neck?" I felt the lump and played it off like it was nothing. After all, I'm 25 and healthy. It's nothing! So I forgot about it for a few days till I worked with Wendy again. Luckily, Wendy is like a mom to me and kept pestering me to have it looked at (she's relentless). So I had a doctor that was rounding on one of my patients take a look just so I could get Wendy off my back! I casually asked Dr. Harrison to take a look, and she was concerned too. She recommended making an appointment soon, and it's history from there! The following are important dates in this whole process.
June 11: 1st appointment with Dr. Harrison. She ordered blood work and an ultrasound. About 4 hours after I left the office, she called and said it was a "solid mass" that needed to have a biopsy ASAP.
June 13: Biopsy
June 18: The biopsy results were in. The verdict: Papillary Carcinoma :(
June 20: Consulation with endocrinologist
June 27: Consulation with ENT surgeon to schedule tumor and thyroid removal (yikes)
July 12: CT scan to check lymph node involvement
July 19: Surgery day!
So today's the big surgery day (they're removing my tumor, thyroid, and surrounding lymph nodes) and as I lay here sleepless, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I know it sounds cliche and it's really not my thing to be all mushy and sensitive, but it's all I can think about. Thank you really just doesn't seem enough for all the love, prayers, support, texts, calls, notes, smiles, and encouragement I have received from this whole ordeal. People are so nice! Words really can't even say how thankful I am for the people in my life, and I will spend the rest of my life figuring out why I have been so blessed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Heavenly Father certainly works in mysterious ways!
Stay tuned for more updates as they come! Oh, and PS...Cancer Sucks :)
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My mom told me about your diagnosis. We have been praying for you ever sense and will continue to do so. Let us know if we can do anything for you.
ReplyDeleteMel I had no idea! I am so sorry, I hope everything goes ok. You are in our prayers :)
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I hope everything goes smoothly. I will be thinking about you. Thanks for your constant cheerful personality and attitude. Please let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteMel, the reason people are so nice is because they are treating you how you have treated them :) Cancer does suck but soon enough it will be in the past. We love you! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteLove you Melanie! My heart just broke when I found out from my mom. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that I found your blog through lindsey's. You are such a trooper! Seriously mel I look up to you in so many ways and any one that meets you adores you! You will continue to be in our prayers and cant wait for you to beat this cancer in the butt :) love you!
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