9 years. Nearly a decade. That is how long it has been since I learned that I was joining a “club” of thousands. The one with people diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer – papillary form.
9 years… since I declared myself a “cancer warrior goddess”.
On January 5. 2011 I rolled in to a Johns Hopkins hospital operating room with Dr. Ralph Tufano and his expert team of surgeons awaiting me. From what I understand my surgery was atypical, intensive and extensive. Geez, I guess I was an over-achiever!
I chronicled my journey – including post treatments and all the ups and downs on this blog. You will find those writings here:
Click here for Thyroid Cancer blogs by Louise
Thyroid concerns?
Let me do the education part of my annual missive. These are my recommendations for those who may ponder if they, too, have thyroid issues /cancer. And what to do if you hear those words that are never easy to process – “You have cancer”.
First, please read the warning signs of Thyroid Cancer. You will find them here:
WARNING SIGNS OF THROID CANCER
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer? Do your homework. Ask questions. Find support. Don’t be shy and certainly remember to advocate for yourself!
Keep good records with a file folder – you will be getting a ton of paper from insurance agents to physician visits.
Write a journal. This can be your safe place to express all the thoughts that will be racing through your head – especially at 2a.m.
Have a theme song! You may think I am crazy – but I had a theme song and to this day I would like to thank the Black Eye Peas for releasing the tune ” I Gotta Feeling. This version with a flashmob during the taping of an old OPRAH show kept me smiling through your treatment.
Give yourself permission to grieve. Give yourself permission to be angry. Give yourself permission to eat chocolate and ice cream.
Have questions? Comments? Want to share your experiences? Feel free to do so in the comment section below.
Tweet me your comments too.. I am @LouiseASL
