I keep going round and round with this, how to post it on my blog…
I’ve been trying to get on here and force myself to post for the past few weeks… but I’ve made no secret of the fact that I haven’t been feeling super great the past several months now… I struggle from time to time with depression, and this bout of it has really knocked me off my feet…
So how do come out of the blue after I’ve been so quiet hiding in my cave, and to let everyone know what’s going on with me… really, there isn’t really a clever or amusing way to post it all… so, I guess I just lay it out there…
Basically, long story short, I went to the Dr. last month for strep throat, and while I was there to get antibiotics the doctor felt that my thyroid was enlarged. I’m actually surprised I didn’t see it before because I have a bit of a lump in my throat you can actually see, and it is very noticeably big on one side. As a rule, an enlarged thyroid usually means some sort of thyroid disorder and so we did blood work (came back normal, so I don’t have an over/under active thyroid) and then we scheduled an ultrasound to see if it there were any cysts or nodes (which was really unpleasant, I’m not a fan of having that us wand shoved into my neck!). The ultrasound found a solid mass, so from there I was referred to a surgical specialist who set me to have a biopsy. The surgeon assured me benign masses or "nodes" are really common on the thyroid and the chances of cancer are sooooo low, but it is important with masses just to be sure…
Well, I had my follow up appointment after my thyroid biopsy on Thursday, and the biopsy shows that it is likely cancer… Surgeon said 
she really hadn’t been expecting to get that result, actually she said usually the notion of cancer isn’t something that she talks about with most of her patients with thyroid nodes because it is so uncommon (90% of thyroid masses are benign), and thyroid cancer is even more rare in people under 40. So she is glad we chose to biopsy it and deal with it even though I am young and statistics were in my favor.
Basically now we have surgery scheduled for May 6th. They’ll remove the thyroid lobe with the mass and while I’m still on the table under anesthesia pathology will look at it and tell us if the tumor appears cancerous, if so they take out my whole thyroid, and after surgery I go on to see an oncologist and we deal with it.
I really highly was NOT expecting a cancerous result, so I am feeling little shocked… but they say this type of cancer really really highly treatable and that this isn’t the kind of cancer that will "get you." It is called Follicular Thyroid Cancer, it can usually be treated specifically with surgery and with this radioactive iodine treatment, and because the thyroid is the only part of the body that absorbs iodine, we should be able to treat it with out all the usual nasty side effects that come with cancer treatments.
They family has been great about it, G is of course being so supportive and strong. I just don’t know what I’d do with out him. (If you are interested, he did a great post on his blog a few weeks ago about this year and how hard its been on our family so far) He is such a rock, and taking up the slack for me around the house and in all areas of life even as we are dealing with this too. I’ll tell you one thing, when it is all said and done, the man deserves a vacation!
As for the boys, they know mom hasn’t been feeling well for a while now physically and emotionally, and they know I have something in my neck that is making me sick and I’m going to have to take it out. We haven’t specifically explained like what cancer is and what it can mean for some people, since we are trusting that this is just in my thyroid and will be treated as easily as that…
We’re all suspecting a little, that the mood problems and energy problems I’ve been having could be related to my thyroid, but we sorta have to wait and see for now, since my first bout of blood work came back normal… I guess after they take it out that is something we will be monitoring…
Anyways… I sorry for the novel… lots of info there… I’m not sure how much I’ll be up to posting between now and the surgery (my vote is for not at all though, since I’ve been posting so super chatty lately), but I will post after my surgery to let you guys know what the final pathology is.
Until then I’d appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
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Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna I will be praying for you! Please keep us updated. Miss you!
Monday, 13. April 2009
((Shawna)), I’m glad you did catch this and that the surgery goes well. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Oh Shawna, I’m so sorry. I’ll be sending lots of P&Pt’s for you and your family.
Hugs Sweetie!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna..I am so sorry to hear this news. I’ll will be thinking of you.
Perrin
Monday, 13. April 2009
Hugs Shawna! I am sorry you have to go through this. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Oh, Shawna!!! Lots of positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Hi Shawna, I know you don’t know me, but I just wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you through updates from La. I can’t imagine the kind of strength It must’ve taken to post this. I will continue to keep you in my payers. Huge hugs.
-Diana
Monday, 13. April 2009
You know I love you and I’m praying hard.
*giant hugs*
Monday, 13. April 2009
Oh Shawna! My heart goes out to you and your family! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! ((hugs))
Monday, 13. April 2009
Lots of prayers and positive thoughts for you and your family Shawna. Cancer is a dirty mistress. I know. Take care of yourself and keep us updated. <3
Monday, 13. April 2009
Oh Shawna, I’m so sorry… this is so sad and unfair. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. (((HUGS)))
Emilie
Monday, 13. April 2009
My best wishes for you, and I hope everything will be okay.
Good luck with the surgery!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Lots of prayers and hugs your way. You are a real inspiration to those of us who have yet to experience true life trials. Props to G for being one of the rare and magnificent husbands out there.
Monday, 13. April 2009
LOTS of prayers coming your way, you can bet on it! As a veteran of thyroid wars myself I can tell you that it is extremely likely that the crud you’ve been feeling IS a result of a problematic thyroid. The average thyroid tests don’t cover all the weirdness that can get you feeling like a lump on a log. The very, very good news is that YES this type of cancer is quite treatable (if you even have it, which I understand is still possibly not a given), and the equally good news is that your energy WILL come back once they start you on thyroid replacement. With a thyroidectomy you won’t have the thyroid dump you usually get with RAI so you’ll get to an even keel even sooner, though getting to the right level of thyroid replacement can take up to a year. So there’s good news ahead
But still definitely praying that it’s just a funky lump and not cancer. HUGS!
Monday, 13. April 2009
I just wanted to add that your husband’s blog post is very touching and heartfelt… Things will get better!! Hang in there!! (((HUGS)))
Monday, 13. April 2009
Awe, Shawna, I can’t imagine what you’re going through and how hard it was to share. You and your family will sure be in my t&p.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna, I am thinking of you mama. I pray that God will heal you and make you better again for yourself, your husband and your boys.
My mom had her thyroid removed over 20 years ago and has done well and had no complications since it was removed. She was under 40 as well.
There is hope my dear and the odds are in your favor. Stay strong, please.
Love ya Lioness!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Oh Shawna! I’m so sorry hon. Thinking of all of you and sending positive thoughts!!!!!!! Huge hugs!!!!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna,
I’m so sorry. I will for sure be praying for you and your family. I know we’re far away but if there’s anything I can do for you all please call, text, fax, email, whatever! anything. Lots of love to you and your family
Monday, 13. April 2009
What a beautiful and brave post to share Shawna. I love you! (((hugs)))
Monday, 13. April 2009
This is a treatable cancer, I know you will be fine. I’ve seen and helped many women with this particular cancer and I know you are as strong as those ladies, even stronger. You have and will continue to be in our prayers. Think positive, never give up……that is the key. Love you.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna-
know that we are all thinking and praying for you!! we are here if you need us, as katie said, call,text.. whatever..
visit the bus when you can! you will always have your little lions here for you!!
XOXOXOX
cheryl
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna,
I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers. My mom had her thyroid taken out when she was 19. She is now 63 and doing fine!!! Let your girls know if you need ANY support. We are all here for you.
Monday, 13. April 2009
I am so sorry you are going through all of this. Please let me know if i can do anything for you. Prayers and lots of positive thoughts coming to you and the whole family.
Monday, 13. April 2009
wow, I knew you had to have testing done and I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully they have caught it early and your treatments will all go smoothly. Take care of yourself!
Thinking of you,
Amber
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna,
I am so sorry you are going thru this. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if I can do anything for you.
{{HUGS}}
Helen
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna-I am so terribly sorry to read this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers continually!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna…. I’m so sorry that you are going through this! My prayers will be with you for a successful surgery and treatment. I’m always here for you if you need anything!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Hue hugs coming your way, Shawna!! I have been so out of the loop that I had no idea….I am so sorry you are facing more hurdles in your life. One day at a time is sometimes all we can do…we’re here for you every step of the way!! HUGS!!
Monday, 13. April 2009
you are in my prayers and i will be thinking about you all the time.
hugs!!
Monday, 13. April 2009
I will be praying for healing for you! It breaks my heart to read this and that you have to go through this!
Monday, 13. April 2009
(((((HUGE HUGE HUGS))) praying for you girl!
Monday, 13. April 2009
I’m praying for you Shawna! You are in my thoughts! I Love you!!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna,
You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. I know everything will be okay! I am so sorry to hear about this. Take good care. Please let me know if you need anything!
Monday, 13. April 2009
Oh Shawna, I’m totally in tears over here, not that you need to deal with my emotions at a time like this, holy moly I’m a dork.
Anyway, yes, you, G, and the boys are in my thoughts. I absolutely know you will be fine. Take care of you!!
Monday, 13. April 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna, many prayers coming your way, know we’re all thinking about you, and may that lift you. ((hugs))
Monday, 13. April 2009
I am so sorry, Shawna! I will be praying that the surgery is successful and that have a swift recovery.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna-
Super big hugs to you. I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna,
Please don’t hesitate to ask for any help you need! Of course, my thoughts and prayers are with you – and especially on May 6th.
You are so incredibly brave and strong! And you have many, many friends who care about and support you (even though your husband is RAD).
Melanie
Monday, 13. April 2009
Sending up a prayer for you, Shawna. My aunt had thyroid surgery last year and is doing well now. She had a benign follicular adenoma in her right lobe. I hope you have a positive outcome in the end to, though I’m sure it is scary right now.
Monday, 13. April 2009
I’m so sorry Shawna! I’ll be keeping you in my prayers…and of course your dh and little men at home too.
Monday, 13. April 2009
Shawna my friend…
One of my best friends in the world just walked this path. I went and held her hand while she was biopsied.
Breathe. It will be ok. You will be ok. Cancer or no. I know that is easy to say, as I am not the one in your shoes, but if you have to get a cancer, thyroid is the ‘best’ to get (I am sure you have read and read and read all the info and know this already).
its ok. Breathe.
If you need a friend, I am so there.~G
Monday, 13. April 2009
I would just like to echo everyone’s well wishes and positive thoughts. Hang in there, girlfriend!!
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
{{hugs}} Shawna….sweetie this has to be so scary for you. Hearing that “C” word is frightening. I had my own scare two summers ago and I almost passed out at the word. You are a strong woman and you have a great support system behind you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the up coming weeks. {{hugs}}
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
praying for you guys, Shawna…wish i could come out and stay a while……much love, becky
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
Stay strong Shawna! I wish you a speedy recovery!
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
Shawna….sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts to you and your family during this tough time…
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way Shawna. Hugs
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
A friend sent me a link to your blog. She did this because I am a HUGE thyroid cancer advocate. I had the exact same story you have when I was 34 just 6 weeks after my son was born. Only they did not do a frozen section during surgery. I had to go back for a 2nd one when it turned out to be papillary thyroid cancer. My FNA was abnormal Follicular cells which suggested follicular cancer but it was really papillary and had spread to a lymph node. Please think about all this carefully and check out my website. There are natural ways to heal that goiter / nodule without surgery. I wish I knew what I do now. I am studying to be a naturopathic doctor now and do research with my doctor and friend Dr David Brownstein http://www.drbownstein.com who is one of the top thyroid docs in the country. When they told you that RAI is great for thyroid cancer because the thyroid is the only thing that takes up iodine they were VERY wrong. Every gland and mucosal lining in your body requires iodine – see my research site http://www.iodine4health.com I went into early menopause suffering damage to my adrenal glands, hypothalamus and ovaries. I had RAI 3 times w/o success. It wasn’t until I did the natural therapies that I have on my website that I began to heal. It took me 6 years to find my current doctor and 3 years to heal. My goal is to save others from this. If I can help in any way please let me know.
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
Oh Shawna…. sending you all of the best thoughts and wishes I can muster up. I know you will pull through this just fine!
Tuesday, 14. April 2009
((hugs)) Shawna. I’ve been wondering how all the testing went. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts, you wanna talk about anything, you know where to find me.
Wednesday, 15. April 2009
my thoughts are with u and ur fam – props to G for his support. Sending positive vibes and looking fwd to ur next ‘i’m fine’ post. ((hugs))
Wednesday, 15. April 2009
Shawna I am so sorry! It sounds like you have some really great doctors on your side and that you are way ahead of the game so I am sure all will be well! Keep us posted and I’ll be praying for ya.
xoxo
Jody
Wednesday, 15. April 2009
I am so sorry! I have a nodule on my thyroid and had to have all the ultrasounds, nuclear scans & finally a biopsy. Mine came out ok, so I have to use synthroid to keep it from growing.
My mom however did end up with cancer. She got a result similar to yours at first & the doctors let it go for several years. About 2 years ago she finally had the surgery.
It is actually one of the better ones to have, not that you want to hear that right now. Plus it is one of the easiest to get rid of. Hopefully that will help you a little in dealing. I seriosly though think the statistics are off for thyroid cancer. I have run into a lot of people that get it & a lot under 40. My mom was 49 when she finally got diagnosed btw. My doctors pretty much told me they will keep an eye on me till I develop it. Fun thought right, lol.
Well take care. I’m sure you will have a speedy recovery! I found my nodule when I had a soar throat as well, was quite shocking.
Blogging what you are going through might be a bit therapeutic for you. You will be in my thoughts!
Friday, 17. April 2009
Hi Shawna! Just wanted to send positive thoughts and prayers your way and to let you know that I was thinking of you!
Wednesday, 22. April 2009
Holy moly, Shawna. I had no idea you weren’t doing well, I’m SO sorry to hear you’re dealing with this…what an incredible shock to you and your family. Please know I’m thinking of you all and wishing this to be a distant memory very soon!!
Wednesday, 22. April 2009
I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this, Shawna! Thank goodness this is one of the easier cancers to treat. Lots of P and PT going out to you and your family.
Monday, 27. April 2009
All my best thoughts for you Shawna! {hugs} I’m sure it’s scary, no matter “how treatable” and all that. Thank heavens they found it now, instead of later.