Disclaimer: There will be discussion of medical issues on this page. If you are squeamish or sensitive to medical issues, you may want to avoid this page. Additionally, I am not a medical professional (even though my Mom is and I just plagiarize her advice). This blog contains my experience with thyroid cancer. It is not intended to help anyone else diagnose or treat their own medical issues. Please discuss your concerns or health with your medical practitioners.
On November 17, 2010, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after the removal and biopsy of a nodule on my thyroid. After surgery, the pathology determined that I had papillary carcinoma.
From the research I’ve done, as well as my thyroid surgeon and endocrinologist’s reports, papillary carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed thyroid cancer. Of thyroid cancer cases, almost 70% are papillary. In most cases, the overall cure rate is very high when detected early.
I chose to blog about my experience with the surgery, follow-up and radioactive iodine treatment (a type of “chemotherapy”). I also talk about the mental and emotional aspect of dealing with cancer. Additionally, I am very interested in providing an accurate, thoughtful and positive outlook on my experience with cancer. When I was first going through testing and started using the internet for research, I realized that people are CRAZY! I had to stop reading after 10 minutes on various websites because I began to get major anxiety about the situation. I would like to provide my own experience in a positive light.
That being said, I understand the gravity of the situation and while I am very sarcastic and use humor to make light of situations, I do not wish to come across as callous or unconcerned. Everyone is different and I appreciate the way each person handles their own situation.
If you have any questions about my experience or thyroid cancer in general, you are welcome to contact me at biggirleats@gmailDOTcom.
General Cancer Posts:
Running with the American Cancer Society
Hypoparathyroidism and Calcium
Low-Iodine Diet:
Low-Iodine Diet Tips can be found here, here and here.
Radioactive Iodine (RAI):
RAI Round Two Radioactive Wo-man.
RAI Round 3 Results
Please refer to these sites regarding cancer and thyroid cancer information:
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Inc
(These are sites I found to be very helpful for the younger folk):
I’m Too Young For This! (for young adult survivors)
You know what… now that I’m here I realized I’ve been here before, but a while back, definitely pre-cancer and before I had a blog. I am interested in getting caught back up (and also will add you to my Google reader so I don’t miss out anymore!).
I just had to comment, because I know the feeling of researching a diagnosis on the internet, only to feel like peeps are crazier than Yankees fans & sometimes too much info. isn’t a good thing.
Good vibes to you!!!
Ha! I love this
Thanks, Dot! Good vibes to you too.
Hey Erin!
This blog is amazing – and I am only just seeing it!
I was diagnosed with Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma on May 27 2011. When I found out I went to blogs and websites only to be HORRIFIED! Does this situation suck – yes, but I think it is important to be as positive as possible, get through it and then MOVE ON.
I had my surgery and am waiting for RAI treatment but am going strong. Thanks so much for your positive vibes and energy! It is a breath of fresh air!
Caroline
Thanks Caroline!! I am so glad you are enjoying my blog and that you are going strong. I hope people can relate to and connect with one another about this experience so I’m grateful for your kind comments!
I hope you continue to do well!
Erin
God bless you as even though I dont suffer from cancer myself I can feel how it will impact on life of the people suffering from it. My problems are more thyroid related and after RAI, it’s been absolute nightmare to cope with.
I’ll keep following your blog and strongly hope you get your life back.
Thank you! I hope you’re recovering well and thanks for visiting!
I can feel how it will impact on people suffering from cancer even though i don’t suffer from cancer myself. God bless you and hope you get your life back.
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