Charlcie

Here I am back again at my blog talking about thyroid cancer again. I had my yearly appointment last week with Dr. Wartofsky. It was an interesting one. He had two students in the exam room with us. I didn't mind. He's one of the best thyroid cancer doctors in the world (I'm not kidding) so please, spread your knowledge to any who will listen. He could have easily said, gesturing to me, "This is exhibit A, a papillary carcinoma patient who has had multiple recurrences." I actually think he did that before I came in the room. I started the appointment with honesty: "Hey, I am really nervous because I have not gone a year between appointments since my recurrence." He understood. The students nodded. I showed the students my scars along with their accompanying stories. I have two scars: one large one about five inches long centered on my neck, lower half, and the other about three inches long on the upper right side of my neck. The longer one ...

It's Super Bowl Sunday, but, I will admit, I am a bit distracted. Tomorrow I start the ritual thyroid cancer survivors are familiar with: the thyrogen shots, the radioactive dose, the scan, the blood test. Why? To see if I am still thyroid cancer free. The schedule: Monday: thyrogen shot Tuesday: thyrogen shot Wednesday: radioactive iodine dosing Thursday: whole body scan Friday: blood draw It's been a bit of an anxiety-filled week getting ready for this. You spend the time thinking and telling others, "It's fine. I have done this before." No matter how many time you do this, it is still nerve wracking and makes you crazy. 30-35% of those with papillary carcinoma, the most comment form of thyroid cancer/my diagnosis, have at least once recurrence. I had a recurrence in 2009. Some with thyroid cancer have several recurrences. Interesting a scan and a blood test, right? In 2010, I got the call from my endo's office that the scans were all clear. Hooray! Three da...