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Thyca Survivor |
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I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer (Hurthle Cell Carcinoma) in October 2005. I had a goiter in my throat and a Biopsy in January 2005. The Biopsy came back inconclusive and I was scheduled to have the right side of my Thyroid gland removed so that the tumor found could be tested for cancer. My first surgery was scheduled on October 7, 2005 and shortly after I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I was immediatly scheduled to have the rest of my thyroid removed on November 30, 2005. My thyroid has now been removed and the next step is to schedule a WBS (Whole Body Scan) to make sure the cancer didn't spread or nothing was left over. So I will also have an RAI (Radioactive Iodine treatment) to kill any left over cancer in my body/neck. The only problem with Hurthle Cell is that these cells do not necessarily take up the iodine so if that is the case we just have to hope that all the cancer is gone and no spreading occured. If the iodine is taken in during my first RAI then I will be okay and the cancer will be killed by the RAI treatments. *fingers crossed* I am an elementary school teacher and my RAI will take place either during April school vacation or summer vacation. In the meantime, I have started taking 175mcg of synthroid daily until which time I am ready to prepare for my scan, RAI and Low Iodine diet. Wish Me Luck!!! |
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Bad blurry picture of my scar 2 days after my first surgery! 10/9/05. |
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A month after my first surgery. Scar healing nicely! You can barely see it. Too bad I have to have another surgery..and open that incision up AGAIN! :-( |
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2nd surgery. 11/30/05. This photo was taken in the hospital 2 hours after surgery was completed. Not too bad! No bandanges either. AT ALL!! |
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The day after my second surgery, at home, 11/31/05. A little bruising occurred after the second surgery. It was a little more puffy the second time around too. |
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Photo taken 12/14/05. My scar is healing nicely. Pretty soon the scar will no longer be noticable...but I will have to live with the possibility of my cancer coming back...and getting tested every year or so to make sure I am clean! Thyroid cancer is the slowest growing and a very treatable cancer. Positive thinking and the support of my friends and family will help me beat this! |
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