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Gone but not forgotten

In the excitement of learning my thyroglobulin level post-surgery was undectectable earlier this month, my cancerversary passed without fanfare or observance. July 15, 2008, is the date I was first told that I had papillary carcinoma, one of the four types of thyroid cancer.

Since that day in 2008, I have:
  • Had three surgeries
  • Two scars on my neck
  • Had two recurrences
  • Had one radioactive iodine treatment
  • Lost most of my ability to sleep like a normal person
  • Yet realized that I want to sleep more than any human probably should
  • Learned more about myself than I ever thought I could
  • Figured out that I am strong
  • Found out you can't rely on doctors to take care of you. Only you can take care of you.
  • Learned alot about the people around me, both good and bad
  • Have seen my anxiety level increase to new heights
  • Have isolated myself more than I should because most days it feels like no one gets it
  • Have trusted others in general less than I did before my diagnosis (which wasn't much to start with)
  • Have weathered the highs and lows of cancer recurrence
  • Stood up for myself like I never have before
  • Know myself better than I ever have
So here's to another year of surviving cancer. May many more do so - survive, that is. May I continue in my journey of learning and surviving.

Comments

  1. porridge2396July 24, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    i was reading this and some points u put is how i feel lately i dont want to go anywhere but stay home just cuz ppl dont understand why im so tired. even when i walk up to our towns grocery store which is about 1/2 altogether i get worn out on the way back and my hubby is like why does it make u so tired i think he forgot how tired he was when he had testicular cancer in 2001. and of course i have to watch me in the sun cuz i get rashes now if i get over heated UGH i enjoy reading ur blog makes me know there is someone out there that understands and my anxiety is getting high now aug/sept is my first cancer checkup

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 4, 2012 at 7:59 PM

    Congratulations on your cancerversary!

    ThyroidChange would love to list you as a Member and/or petition supporter. We are a grassroots campaign created by thyroid patients to increase access to better treatment methods and testing by uniting blogger, websites, physicians and organization in the thyroid community. We started with a petition, but in 3 months have morphed into a 76 country, 4200+ worldwide network for change.


    The only thing we ask in return is that you post a link or blog about us. We are trying to reach as many patients as possible!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 13, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Here's to another year of survival! Stay strong.

    Porridge, was so thankful to read your comment. I LOVE the sun and always am low D, especially living in the Seattle area where the sun doesn't shine, but in the past few years after treatment, the sun gives me rashes. I kept thinking it couldn't be related because I hadn't heard anyone else with the issue.

    To healing for all of us!

    mommamindy.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete

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