I am writing this the week of my induction in to “warrior” camp. This is a very special, by invitation only camp. I was invited unexpectedly and didn’t really want to accept the invite. I hate camping. And, I was way too overbooked with my own personal agenda to feel the need to indulge within this group. Then I learned from the courier that declining the invite was not a choice. “Cancer never is”, he says.
Now before you all go in to panic mode know this… I have been diagnosed with a VERY curable form of thyroid cancer. Doctors have told me this seemingly comforting phrase, “If you have to get cancer, this is the one to get”. Thanks, I think. Yes, I will have surgery. Yes, the scar will be ugly. Yes, I have employed the best doctors in the country to help me thanks to Johns Hopkins Hospital. And Yes, I have been collecting a rather big basket full of scarves. And if all goes well I will be back in the office tweeting, blogging and packing for MacWorld within ten days or so of my trip to my surgery. Cancer will be gone. Easy shmeezy.
In addition, I have gone through the regular host of emotions you read and hear about- shock, pissed, denial, pissed again, saddness, followed by a major bout of being pissed off and then finally acceptance that my insurance carrier will again- know my name by heart. (Note to self, buy new pen for tons of paperwork to be completed soon.) My biggest fear is that people will start referring to me as Louise.. the one with cancer. If you plan on doing that- STOP! Such references and definitions were the number one reason why I almost decided not to write a blog at all. Also, don’t be mad at me because I didn’t have time to call each and every person I know to tell personally. I wish I could. Now I hope you will understand.
You see, I originally wasn’t going to tell anyone. I really had this funny thought of just waking up one day and asking hubby to drive me in to Baltimore and drop me off for two days for a “spa treatment” at JHH. Then I decided that was foolish. He was bound to figure it out. Then I wasn’t going to tell anyone who didn’t NEED to know. But, what kind of educator would I be if I did that. Here was a golden opportunity to enlighten and educate others. Doesn’t everyone want to talk thyroid cancer? So, if you do, start here: http://www.thyca.org
As for me, please don’t get all hyper on me. I am ADHD enough for all of us. Simply know that thyroid cancer has increased multi-fold in the past few years, especially among women. I had ZERO signs. No cough. No bumps. Nothing. Mine was found incidental to another procedure I had. Also, know that it is very curable. And that if a lymph node or two are involved that does not mean you are incurable. It simply happens more often than not with this kind of cancer and again, can be cured. Know that TC runs in families and if you have had exposure to radiation. Ask your doctor to check your thyroid and by all means be vigilant about other self- tests too, like for breast, colon or prostate cancer.
And if you want to do something for me.. simply take care of you. Then when all of this is over we will have a cyber -party. And thanks in advance to those who encouraged me to share this story. They know who they are. I expect them to be the first ones to chill the wine.
Thanks for reading.
Louise
