Life is full of surprises and change. Not all surprises are good; not all change is bad. 

A short time ago I learned I have thyroid cancer. The thyroid and part of an adjacent lymph node were removed on October 15, 2024, by Dr. Stang, my surgeon at Duke. (He was recommended by a friend and she was right; he is great!) 

This is a unique experience and my emotions are running the gamut. However, they are hard to detail. I've been a "take charge" person most of my life. I've always tried to help, but now I might need help and I don't know how I feel about that. However, I didn't have to ask since my mountain daughter and grandson were here to help Pete help me! I was in good hands.

I've done my research and talked to some folks and I'm heading into a completely new situation health wise. Synthroid is the medication I have to take to do the job of the thyroid. In the first week or two after surgery, I had to consume large amounts of calcium (TUMS!) until my parathyroid was back in gear. (It is...). Post-surgery was not nearly as bad as I feared. I knew I'd be prescribed drugs for pain, but I didn't fill that Rx and never needed them. The pain I feared was mild, and Tylenol was all I needed. I used ice packs for a day or two and cough drops when my throat felt dry. Within hours after surgery I could eat and drink. I stayed overnight at Duke where every two hours a nurse "checked my vitals." Rest was not on the menu that night! I was discharged about noon the next day and given many instruction - rest, don't drive, drink plenty of fluids, take TUMS, and Senacol, and contact us if...

I was tired when I got home so I did as I was told, I rested, and when I was done resting, I rested some more! My appetite was easily satisfied by scrambled eggs and toast or a tin of soup. Swallowing was not a problem, but I didn't feel hungry so small meals worked.

I had a post-op appointment this week. The diagnosis is papillary thyroid carcinoma. I have an appointment with an oncologist in a few weeks. He will determine if the cancer migrated to my lungs. From there an endocrinologist is likely next. What I'm learning about treatment is a bit overwhelming, but I won't have the full picture until the treatment is determined.

After the initial surgery I had family to help. It was heartening to know friends were standing by to help if needed, but I required very little care.

The next steps may not be as easy, but many friends have offered help. All I have to do is tell them what I need, and I know they'll provide it. 

God will see me through whatever comes as He has through the surgery. He has been in charge all along and has led me where I needed to be. He has gifted me with good family and friends and medical practitioners. I will continue to trust that He will guide me through the future and all it holds.