Vitals

Name:
Dana (dana)

Member Since:
May 11, 2008

Location:
Keller, Texas

Birthday:

Type of Cancer:
Thyroid Cancer

Medical Term for the Type of Cancer:
Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma

Diagnosis Date:
May 8, 2008

Lymph Node Involvement:
Yes

Surgery:
Lymph Node Removal

What I Hate Most About Cancer:
How it effects your family and friends

What I Have Learned From Cancer:
Ask lots of questions!

Things My Supporters Can Do To Help:
Help me to stay positive.

Cancer Symptoms:

None – was having neck/back pain. MRI showed an enlarged thyroid. Been taking thyroid supplements for 20 years for hypothyroidism.

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects:

Total thyroidectomy on May 8, 2008. Found cancer on both sides of my thyroid and into my lymph nodes. Incision area is sore and itchy. Met with the surgeon on May 16 and he removed the bandages. Advises me to use sunscreen daily and my scar shouldn’t be as noticeable. Also had a hard time swallowing for a few days after surgery. Most likely caused by the breathing tube inserted during surgery. A week later and I can swallow without pain. The week after surgery I would feel great for awhile and then become really tired. My calcium level did dip a little and I have been taking calcium supplements that make me nauseous.

Radiation Description, Dates & Side Effects:

Radiation scheduled for June 30 in Dallas.
Body Scan scheduled 2 weeks after radiation. Goal is the radiation will kill any cells remaining in my body.

Dana's Stats

dana's Cancer Blog (3)

  June 13, 2008

  May 13, 2008 continued...

  May 13, 2008

dana's Photos (1)

Community Blog (210)

  discharged from hospice

Community Calendar (43)

  06.22.08 - Treatment Started May 28th Rituxan