dana's Cancer Blog
June 13, 2008
| June 13, 2008 | Views: 276 |
A little update…I went back to work about a week after surgery. Felt pretty good coming back but as the weeks have progressed and my body adjusts to not taking any type of thyroid medicine I find myself increasingly tired. My doctor suggested a B12 shot to help me get through until I have the iodine radiation and it has seemed to help a little. I’m looking forward to being able to take my thyroid med.s again just to feel better. I seem to recall my oncologist telling me I’ll be able to start my thyroid med.s the day after radiation? Need to check on that…all of my friends tell me my new scar on my neck isn’t that noticeable. I still have swelling above the incision and when I press on the area above the incision that is swollen all I feel is pressure. I’m assuming the feeling will come back sometime down the road.
I am having some other issues – I feel really achy all over and my left knee has become swollen. I’m going in on Wednesday for a bone scan on my right ankle. I had an MRI and it showed a ligament tear, but my doctor thinks I might have a stress fracture that the MRI didn’t catch as my ankle continues to remain swollen even after wearing a boot and having therapy. With my ankle and left knee issues I can’t run and running for me was my prozac. I’ve had a couple of weepy moments and feel so self-centered after they are over…I keep asking myself and sometimes mutter outloud, what did I do? I’ll call a friend or do something to help someone else and the moment fades. I know everything will be o.k. and we all go through this for a reason. The reason just isn’t clear yet… :o)
08.16.08 - 
Thanks for your support -
Dana- Thanks for sharing your story and updating everyone on your progress. I have never had thyroid concerns, however we have 2 things in common a cancer diagnosis and the love of running. You are definately a strong positive person, afterall not everyone chooses to tackle a 1/2 marathon- that has to be tough! You’ve had the experience of reaching down deep for that extra energy and persistence that you might need. Doesn’t it seem like when you stop running the emotional affects seem to almost as strong as the physical affects? My thoughts and prayers go to you through this journey!- Hugs your way
self-centered moments seem to be a common thing here and they are not all bad. So many survivors have spent lifetimes taking care of others, that they feel guilty for needing a bit of maintenance themselves.
Keep fighting, but remember you are fragile, at times, as well. Take care of yourself!
Hugz
Mac
reading your blog remind me when all this happened to me 1 1/2 year ago. Thes shock of being diagnosed with papillary cancer , the surgery and removal of my whole thyroid , left lypms nodes and a small part of my oesophagus, as my cancer was spread. Im currently in my second radiation dose (Iodine pill) since the first one didnt work and I did have remaining cells. After my second radiation dose (4 months ago) i was asked to perform a ultrasound of the neck , who was contradictory with my full body scan results. Apparently I still have 2 small remaining lymphs nodes in the bed of my thyroid. I’m actually waiting for another scan they will try to perform or either a biopsie of those small nodes in the bed were my thyroid was. Is a long journey but the key is stay positive and pray that all this go away soon or later. As you wonder, you will be able to start your thyroid med’s the day after radiation, at least I was allow to do it. To avoid the physical problems you feel because you cant take your medicine, there is a another one you are normally allow to take, or either there is these shots you need to have to allow you to continue take your medication and with that avoid any physical pain or fatigue. I know some insurances dont cover these shot (I dont remember the name very well but I think is thyrodine shots). I hope the best for you and your family, stay positive, enjoy life , I know all this is scary but I also believe we can beat cancer.
Maria