Cancer sucks. There’s no way around it.
April was daffodil month in Canada. The daffodils are a sign that the individuals who wear them support the fight against cancer and those living with cancer.
When I was a kid I always bought a daffodil pin. When I worked in the business district, I would purchase the live daffodils to brighten up my office.
Sadly this awful disease touches most families at some point, including my own. However, I never really thought I would fall into the “living with cancer” category.
I’ve told the beginning of my story (you can find it here) and I was really hoping it would be more of a short story or magazine article as opposed to a chapter book. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going for a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows size novel around here.
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in January 2014 and had surgery in March of that year. To follow-up on my surgery and radioactive iodine treatment that took place in 2014, I had a follow-up “tracer dose” of radioactive iodine in October 2015. This is apparently standard procedure. Patients who’ve had treatment typically need a second full body scan to check if the original radioactive iodine treatment worked.
After my “tracer dose” in October, my doctor’s assistant advised me that my scan was clear – yay! I was super excited when the doctor’s assistant told me that there was “no evidence of cancer”.
My family and friends were thrilled and everyone said it’s about time we heard some positive news.
A few weeks later (yes, weeks) I received a call from my endocrinologist. He asked me if he’d ever followed up with me after the scan in October. I told him that I had not heard from him, but spoke to his assistant who said my scan was clear.
At that point in our conversation he said, yes, the scan was clear but we received some blood test results and they came back showing a higher level of tumor markings than he’d hoped. Ok, I said, so what does that mean? Unfortunately for me, it looks like there are still some stubborn cancer cells running around in my body causing trouble.
This conversation was very upsetting. I was angry at my doctor – why didn’t he call me earlier and tell me these results instead of his assistant giving me a false sense that everything was ok and I was all done?
I had to go back to my husband, parents, family and friends and explain – I still do have cancer. It’s microscopic but still there.
Now everyone asks me “what can you do about it?” According to my endocrinologist, nothing. There’s nothing I can do right now. This is how it is and for the next little while I have to continue to living with thyroid cancer.
My journey continues. I hoped it would be finished by now after surgery and two treatments. Unfortunately this is unclear. I’ve worked very hard to learn how to live with and deal with uncertainty in my life but sometimes, as with this situation, it can be too much. I’m tired.
I really strive to be a positive person and look at every situation as one where the glass is half full rather than half empty, but I feel like this set of circumstances is particularly difficult to shade with rose coloured glasses.
I’ve followed up with my endocrinologist who has advised me that thyroid cancer is a marathon. Unfortunately for me (and my family) I’m only at the 10 mile mark. Even still, I have no doubt in my mind – I’m going to keep running and try to pick up my pace.
To be continued…
For more on my thyroid cancer journey check out these posts and my list of Thyroid Cancer Resources:
- Being Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer
- Living with Hypothyroidism
- Check your Neck: Thyroid Cancer Awareness
I hope things improve for you.
I have just been told I have thyroid cancer and I’m terrified. Today I started my diet to prepare for my I-131, I actually don’t mind the work which has to go in to it as I have always been a person who try’s to eat healthy. I am a women of strong faith and I’m always going but now I’m feeling like my life is on hold to get through this. My husband and friends are so supportive but the reality is this is a lonely place that “I” need to get through. Any suggestions on how to not go down the “poor me path”?
I am still working but have taken a bit of time off at the moment. Is working possible, I a flight attendant and love my job?
So happy I found your site.
Blessing…………Diane
Hi Diane, so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. It is rough. I continued to work throughout and it’s really helped me to have something else (or many other things) to focus on. I find that if I just focus on myself and all that’s going on it is a sure way to drive myself bananas. We need to acknowledge what’s happening, that it sucks but that we can get through it as well. It sounds like your family and friends are an amazing support for you. That is so important! I’m sure your strong faith will be key as well. Remember, you aren’t alone and you will get through this. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time if I can help. Take care! Nicole
Oh my! I am not sure what to say except you have my prayers and I wish you all the best in this fight!
Thank you very much Gaye. I appreciate your kind words.
Well, all I can have come out of my mouth is – that sucks! I don’t even like that word, but it is how I feel. How hard this must be for you. AND your family. I’m glad you linked with me this week at Party at My Place because I will be praying for you and your journey. God is big and He knows what He is doing so hang in there sweet lady and fight, fight with all you got.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts Michelle. All the best to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to read this Nicole. You are a brave and a strong woman. It is really nice of you to share your story to possibly help others. I think you are a fighter and the only thing you could do is keep fighting this. I really hope all the best of luck with this lovely. Thanks so much for sharing your story at #KCACOLS. Hope you join us again tomorrow, x
Thanks for your kind words Franca. My hope is that by sharing others can know that they aren’t alone in their battle.
How devastating. My husband has multiple myeloma which is not curable. Being a blood marrow and immune cancer there is no surgery or radiation. They treats the symptoms but each remission is shorter and he cant fight even a common cold. Despite this he still exercises and eats very well. He has outlived his prognosis and we pray everyday And live like it is our last. Faith and no stress goes miles. Good luck and keep roung what you are doing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. #alittlebitofeverything
Hi Marilyn – thank you for including me in your thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear about your husband. What a difficult situation but it sounds as though he is taking great care of himself (and I’m sure you’re taking great care of him as well) and that seems to improve the situation a bit. All the best to you!
I’m sorry to hear you’ve found yourself in this situation. Thanks for your willingness to help others by sharing your story and for linking up at the Healthy Living Link Party.
Blessings, Leigh
Thanks Leigh – that’s my goal. I hope by sharing my story others who are in similar situations can know that they aren’t alone. All the best to you as well
I understand this so well. I too have had cancer ( twice) and was then diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder which increases my cancer risk . I am also on a never ending marathon so I get you.
My sister went through exactly the same situation as yours. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 24 and always had low levels of tumour markers. She was re diagnosed at 34 and continues to have yearly monitoring. She is now 48 and doing well. I hope that gives you some hope.
Hi Suzi sorry to hear about your health challenges but I hope you are doing ok now. Also glad to hear that your sister is doing well after all that she’s been through. Thank you for stopping by and reading my post 🙂
Cancer is such a terrible disease. I can’t imagine what you are going through. My younger brother died of a rare stomach cancer. He was very healthy and then it hit him and not long after that, he died. You feel so helpless because you can do only so much.
My prayers are with you. Keep your faith and live each day to its fullest.
Thanks for sharing at Over the Moon party,
Hugs,
Bev
Thank you so much for your kind words Beverly. My condolences on the passing of your brother.
I am so sorry to read your story. You are being brave and strong and I am sure everyone admires you for that. You probably have some down days and then you get up stronger.
I guess everyone has some advice for you and that is hard to sort through so I hesitate to add to that. Is there are a possibility that you could seek a second opinion on the best way forward?
All the best to your family, love and prayers
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen thanks for your kind words. We’ve considered a second opinion but it looks as though there’s not much else that can be done at the moment. I’m hoping that as time goes by the radiation will keep working and eventually the cancer will be gone. I’ve also sought the opinion of a naturopathic doctor so I’m working with her as well. All the best to you as well.
Keep going, you can only take one step at a time. And there are a lot of steps in a marathon. Good Luck. #KCACOLS
Hi Sarah thanks! Yes there are many steps but we have to just keep on going (always makes me think of Dory in Finding Nemo – “just keep swimming”) 🙂
Wow. I don’t really know what to say other than I wish you the very best of luck in fighting this horrible disease. So many lives are touched by cancer somehow. I do hope one day there’ll be a cure. #KCACOLS
Thanks very much Sarah. I appreciate your encouragement and kind words.