Category: thyroid

Dear New Thyroid Cancer Patient,

Published on by LouiseSattler2 Comments

logo

I am writing this letter nearly three years to the date of my thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer.  I was so lucky to be surrounded by great docs at  Johns Hopkins Hospital  and many others.

I know it  seems like the trips to doctors offices, tests and treatments will never end. Your scared, frustrated and perhaps feeling a sense of doom.  Welcome to cancer- land. Sorry it isn’t fun – just beastly.

For some of you this will be a short “lump” in the road (thanks to Margaret McSweeney who coined that phrase during her own bout with cancer). For others, the road will be long and bumpy.  Here is perhaps a few little suggestions to help you endure whatever path you now have found yourself taking –

1. Surround yourself with those who truly care about you and don’t shut out anyone who genuinely wants to help you because you are too “embarrassed”.   NOW  is a time to accept anyone with good karma to help you out.  (If they have a drivers license and can do errands for you post-surgery – even better!)

2. Delete from social media,  your contact list and your life anyone who brings negative energy to you and yours.   You don’t need them right now.  Maybe never.  Also, expect that some people will believe cancer is contagious and will dump your friendship like a hot potato.  So be it.  Remember stay positive, rid yourself of negative. There are a lot of great people in this world. Those who tossed you aside are not them.

3. Your body will betray you.  The surgery will be only the beginning of the changes to happen to your body.  Expect a shift in how you look.  A few more pounds. A few less pounds. I haven’t met anyone who had thyroid surgery who weighed the same before and after.  Your hair will get all funky for a bit. Your voice may change and you will find other oddities that are either annoying or a bit humorous. Just go with it!

4. Ladies – retail therapy for new scarves is a must!   Indulge and don’t go too cheap – you want the kind that look fashionable but don’t scratch or make you sweat.

5. Men- scarves can help you out too. So can turtleneck sweaters, etc.

6. Or… wear that scar proudly!!

7. If you have a voice problem – go ask your doctor for recommendations to speech therapist who work with voice disorders.  You may need help with your vocal quality (I sounded like James Earl Jones for about two months, frankly!). Also, don’t be shy and discuss with your physician any of your concerns. You paid him/her big bucks to get the cancer out- and you want your monies worth!

8. Accept that you will have a whole host of emotions, from sad to laughing for no reason.  Let’s face it – cancer is absurd!

9. Take a break. Even if it is to have a mini vacation at the local Holiday Inn Express for one night.  Bring chocolate for medicinal reasons.

10. Celebrate your NEW life.  It is not all bad. You have learned some valuable lessons and will learn many,  many more. Most of all – every day is IMPORTANT and there is no room for EXCUSES.  Now is the time to re-evaluate what  you want to keep, change and add to your life.

11. Here is a link to many more of  my cancer related posts)

 LASTLY… Know that I and many more thyroid cancer survivors are in your corner.  Good luck and have a great life!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~Louise

TWO YEARS LATER… My journey with Thyroid Cancer

Published on by LouiseSattler4 Comments

It has been two years since I went “under the knife” and started my battle as a cancer warrior goddess against Thyroid Cancer.  I didn’t intend to do an annual update blog, but considering that several of my friends are now members of the cancer club, been diagnosed with thyroid disease or are enduring other trials and tribulations of simple aging… I thought a post on the light side of life might be what the “doctor ordered”.

Enjoy the list of must haves when you are battling “whatever”…

1. Have a theme song.  It was very important for me to have a theme song that made me smile no matter what treatment or follow-up evaluation I had to endure.  Trust me the drinks for a PET scan and wait for results is much more bearable when you are listening to the Black Eyed Peas sing  I GOTTA A FEELING.

2- Have a special “lucky outfit” that you wear to your treatments and tests. I LOVE my Gallaudet sweatshirt and so far .. it is dang lucky!

3- Load up the Kindle, iPad or other device with mindless games, books and magazines to make the endless waiting for procedures or results go faster.  I am now a huge fan of ANGRY BIRDS and SCRABBLE online.

4- Celebrate each step of the process that you can cancel off the list.  Last treatment. Last pill. Last visit for six months.  Just celebrate, if you can.

5- Wake up happy. Each day is a gift- so don’t waste it.

p.s. Thanks to Top Doc at Johns Hopkins for being a great surgeon and making this my two year survival anniversary!  I know you read my blog.. 😉

Video from YouTube – Blacked Eye Peas and Oprah- thanks!

REMISSION

Published on by LouiseSattler4 Comments

REMISSION – To  a cancer patient this is a word that makes your heart sing and your feet want to dance.  Almost two years ago to the day of my writing this blog I had the news that no one likes to get.. “Your test results show that you have cancer.”  If you read this blog on a regular basis you may recall that I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2010 and underwent invasive surgery January 2011.  My story is chronicled in the articles you will find listed below (among others) on this blog.

Two years later and countless more encounters with doctors, patients new to the world of cancer and media folks this is what I have learned…

  • REMISSION is a beautiful world.
  • The longest wait is the one from the moment you take your “tests” until you get your results. It could be a few minutes, days or even weeks. But, if you are like me it is hell whatever the time period.
  • Your story is your own.  Others may have similar circumstances or “know someone” who had cancer “just like you”, but the reality is that everyone has a unique story and that is because the devil- cancer- likes to change its’ course from person to person.
  • Never give up hope and faith.  For some, this is all they have during their battle.
  • Share and educate.  I learned so much from others that was helpful (like lemon drops to soothe the effects of radioactive iodine treatment).

Feel free to comment below so that others can have hope, faith and be educated. THANKS!

~Louise aka “woman in remission”

Previous Blogs of my Cancer Journey:

HELLO, now go AWAY

My Year of Learning to Kick Cancer Out the Door

I am the face of Thyroid Disease- PSA in sign language

My Week with the Ricki Lake Show as Friend of the Week!

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

I had a Forest Gump week. You know the kind. When you don’t know what to expect but you are certain that your life will be like a ‘box of chocolates”.  That is how my week went.  It all started with a little video I posted on the FRIENDS OF RICKI Facebook page. I was encouraged to do so by my friend, colleague and fellow co-founder of 411 VOICES, Britt Michaelian.  Not long after the video uploaded I found out that I was in the running for FRIEND OF THE WEEK. (FOW)

What does FOW mean in terms of the RICKI LAKE SHOW. First, it is a woot!  Great fun getting to know all the people involved in the show, their fans and of course for them to learn a bit about the FOW.  However, in true Louise fashion, I wanted to make this experience a “teachable set of moments”. What can I share with this group of wonderful people that will be lesson. So, I decided to post throughout the week a series of videos that matched the daily themes.  Others had posted videos, too. But, mine were in sign language.

On Monday, I posted a MY MOMENTS video about Daniella. She was a student from the back hills of Western Pennsylvania that made a lasting impression on me.

Tuesday, I had an opportunity to shine the spotlight on 411 VOICES and our unique story. How many of us met because of social-media, yet most have never met in person!  Watch here!

Wednesday, I had the privilege of uploading my PSA for the I AM THE FACE OF THYROID DISEASE campaign. To help others be proactive against thyroid cancers has now become a passion of mine.

Thursday, was technology day.   Which technology can’t you live without?  Find out my answer

Today (Friday) was my farewell video as FOW.  You will need to view the video to understand why the RICKI LAKE SHOW staff snapped a photo waving a hello/ I LOVE YOU in ASL.  Also, today was jammed packed due to the TWEETCHAT which was a rapid fire Q and A.  My Q and A is below.. for more of the Twitter stream go here–> http://www.TWEETCHAT/ROOM/FRIENDSOFRICKI

All in all it was an excellent experience. I must say that I both was unprepared and overwhelmed by all the support and kudos.   So grateful to the amazing staff of the RICKI LAKE SHOW and my “family” at 411 VOICES. 

Thank you all. Enjoy the videos.  Transcript of the tweetchat is below, by request from those who wanted to have access.  Have a groovy week!

~Louise

TWEETCHAT TRANSCRIPT –  Posting this by request from those who couldn’t attend the TWEETCHAT but wanted to see what transpired. 

Q1 Hi @LouiseASL We are thrilled to have you here! Tell us about YOU.  #FriendsofRicki

A1a Hi @FriendsofRicki I am having such a good time in this community! #FriendsofRicki

A1b @FriendsofRicki I found this community via my friends from 411 VOICES #FriendsofRicki

A1c  @FriendsofRicki  I own Signing Families-> sign language + developmental psych melded together #FriendsofRicki

A1d @FriendsofRicki I help build communication bridges, special needs children, First Responders & more #FriendsofRicki

A1e @FriendsofRicki  I am a mom of 2 grown kids.  College student & a working actor! #FriendsofRicki

A1f @FriendsofRicki I’m married for nearly 25 years. He’s my best friend, makes me laugh  #FriendsofRicki

Q2.  @LouiseASL  Tell us more! What are your hobbies and interests?  #FriendsofRicki

A2a @FriendsofRicki Only ONE day 2 answer?  I have many! #FriendsofRicki

A2b @FriendsofRicki I enjoy PHOTOGRAPHY (Im a novice but love it) #FriendsofRicki

A2c  @FriendsofRicki I really love to TRAVEL! #FriendsofRicki

A2d @FriendsofRicki I also LOVE movies & watching vintage TV #FriendsofRicki

A2e @FriendsofRicki My daughter & I love INDIE films and have been to Sundance Film Festival! #FriendsofRicki

Q3  Describe to us your “Perfect Day” @LouiseASL #FriendsofRicki

A3a @FriendsofRicki Thanksgiving – family, friends around the dinner table laughing…  #FriendsofRicki

A3b @FriendsofRicki Followed by Black Friday shopping at midnight!  #FriendsofRicki

A3c  @FriendsofRicki  Love working with kids and families! #FriendsofRicki

A3d @FriendsofRicki Through SIGNING FAMILIES I get to help people on a weekly basis. REWARDING! #FriendsofRicki

Q4 @LouiseASL Tell us about the women’s media group #411Voices that you Co-Founded #FriendsofRicki

A4a  @FriendsofRicki Social media brought us 2gether, we’re all invested in helping others  #FriendsofRicki

A4b  @FriendsofRicki We have really become more than colleagues, tight knit friendships  #FriendsofRicki

A4c  @FriendsofRicki Our #411VOICES speakers bureau rocks!  #FriendsofRicki

A4d @FriendsofRicki We have many experts it our #411VOICES group. #FriendsofRicki

A4e @FriendsofRicki Experts from astrology – biz to education – family life. Empowering! #FriendsofRicki

A4f @FriendsofRicki  Our site 411VOICES.com – is also multilingual #FriendsofRicki

A4g @FriendsofRicki  French, Spanish, ASL-  many of us in #411VOICES know multiple language #FriendsofRicki

Q5 @LouiseASL “You Have Cancer” – that must have been tough to hear two years ago?  #FriendsofRicki

A5a @FriendsofRicki The clock stopped. Now my life is before cancer and after cancer BUT… #FriendsofRicki

A5b @FriendsofRicki Cancer does NOT define me. #FriendsofRicki

A5c @FriendsofRicki I now have an opportunity to educate others- why I made the PSA #FriendsofRicki

A5d @FriendsofRicki My desire to educate led me to making this PSA video http://ow.ly/bs4Mx #FriendsofRicki

Q6 @LouiseASL Tell us about your philanthropic endeavors #FriendsofRicki

A6a @FriendsofRicki My biz SIGNING FAMILIES donates many educational ASL materials #FriendsofRicki

A6b @FriendsofRicki Give free lessons to families and organizations yearly… #FriendsofRicki

A6c @FriendsofRicki My family also sponsors a college students ed yearly in memory of my Dad  #FriendsofRicki

Q7 @LouiseASL You help First Responders and #EMS learn to sign – why? #FriendsofRicki

A7a-  @FriendsofRicki Post 9/11 it was apparent that EMS was unprepared for much. #FriendsofRicki

A7b @FriendsofRicki Many EMS were unable 2 assist deaf & special needs communities  #FriendsofRicki

A7c  @FriendsofRicki EMS is now are taking courses in ASL & hoc to help special pops which is AMAZING!! #FriendsofRicki

A7d @FriendsofRicki  I now travel nationwide training EMS & many other groups/ companies #FriendsofRicki

A7e @FriendsofRicki This work is VERY REWARDING! #FriendsofRicki

Q8 @LouiseASL How can we all learn more about you? #FriendsofRicki

A8a @FriendsofRicki I would love for you stop by my FB page http://ow.ly/brW17 #FriendsofRicki

A8b @FriendsofRicki You can learn more about my work here > http://ow.ly/brW4b #FriendsofRicki

A8c @FriendsofRicki And I would LOVE to have you stop in to #411Voice > http://ow.ly/brW82 #FriendsofRicki

 

January is Check the Neck Month

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Happy January everyone!  This week is the anniversary of when my thyroid and I “divorced”.  We parted ways in a surgical room at Johns Hopkins. Although it was a bitter divorce I am glad that I walked away from my experience healthier, wiser and more appreciative of the family and friends who helped play the role of CANCER WARRIOR GODDESS SUPPORTERS.  In my ongoing efforts to stop Thyroid Cancer from being a beast in another’s life, I am reminding all of you to check your dang neck!

If you have a persistent cough, are hoarse, have small lumps or unexplained weight loss or gain- it is time to go to the doctor and be an advocate for your personal health! Ask for an ultrasound, bloodwork, etc.  The facts are that cancers of the thyroid, especially among women, are on the rise. Don’t let a physician tell you that it is because of menopause, allergies, etc. I heard ALL of that and guess what.. it was CANCER!   My cancer was found on a procedure for a dental problem!

Here is some information that I also had posted on the 411 VOICES website.  And, for those who missed the PSA I made for the I AM THE FACE OF THRYOID DISEASE campaign last year, I am reposting the video.

Lastly, I don’t ask for a lot of readers.. but this time I will request one itty bitty favor.  CHECK YOUR NECK and remind someone you love to do the same! Thanks….

 To learn about Thyroid Cancer symptoms, treatment and support   see the info sites below.   

Dear Thyroid  (website)  Dear Thyroid LOVEHATEYOU (Facebook)

THYCA.org  (for information about “all things” thyroid)

Thyroid-Cancer.net

Medicine Net

2011 – Learn, Create, Support, Educate and Breathe

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

This has been quite a year! So, as usual I will defer to photos instead of words to capture the year – end synopsis. From many traveling opportunities such as to Mac World with The PaperShow, EMS trainings, Parent- Child workshops, to creating educational videos for abcteach.com, products for SIGNING FAMILIES (hence all the kids in photos), and including tons of time working in media and social media and with Education.com, expanding my professional horizons with the  co- creation of 411 VOICES and my joining The Linicomn Agency – LA Division for Exceptional Talent, to time time with family and friends and battling the beast (cancer) only to turn those lemons in to a Twitter-esque lemonade, and much more!… WHEW..

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A CASE OF IDENTITY THEFT

Published on by LouiseSattler5 Comments

I have been the victim of identity theft.  Not the kind that steals your bank account numbers or my pay pal account, but that which has taken me.. the person.  You see Mr. #$%! Cancer  decided to steal my identity about the same time that I had to divulge having Mr. #$%! Cancer, at all.  From that moment on my identity was not mine, but his.  Now I am the wife/mother/sister/daughter/friend/co-worker/ etc. with cancer. DAMN!

So, I am going to do something about it.  I have decided to now declare that I am DONE being a cancer patient. It is gone.  The beast has been zapped out of me with high doses of radioactive iodine.  Only remnants of this nightmare is an impressive case of laryngitis and a scar.  Oh well… they are my war wounds.  Now please.. permit me to have my identity back and stop staring at my neck.  I really want to revert back to the “old me”.  The one where I get to tell bawdy jokes, shop til I drop, eat lots of chocolate and watch more movies in a weekend than most critics with my family.  I want to walk freely without my scarf and not have to explain each time I pick up the phone who I am and why I sound so “sultry”. And most of all I don’t want to breathe another word about Mr. #$%! Cancer to anyone who doesn’t get paid to hear my woes.. so that means only Top Doc and I will be discussing the identity stealer and everyone else can stop.

WHEW.. that felt good.. Now know that I thank each and everyone of you for letting me rant this week.  And if you ever wonder how you can help others who are fighting the beast here are few tips that I have generated and I also have had received from others who had their identities stolen, too…

1- Help the person who has had their identity stolen by offering services.  Flowers are nice and welcome but also consider giving of your time such as driving the kids home from after school events, grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.

2. Don’t talk about the person with Mr. #$%! Cancer in front of them as if they aren’t there. And, please don’t talk about all the people you know who have had to deal with Mr. #$%! Cancer or who have died.  Seriously.. everyone I have connected with who has been fighting the beast has said that they are not helped by hearing other war stories.  Especially when the outcomes were not good.

3. Don’t do nothing.  I have been really  lucky that so many people reached out to me and helped me through my process.  Other people, however, tell me of their experiences which are far less “blessed”.  I have heard stories of friends who stop calling because Mr. #$%! Cancer was just too sad for them to deal with and calling  to offer help was too hard. (Well isn’t being a  true friend about taking the good, bad and the ugly?) I advised these people to press the “Delete” button with these so called “friends”.  And that means to delete them on Facebook, too.  Friends who don’t come to help you during troubled times don’t deserve to be privy to your life .. at all.. just saying.

4. Get help.  You can’t do it alone, so reach out to those who can help you and share similar experieces.  I was lucky to have connected with a super organization called Dear Thyroid. They helped me in a way no one else could.  I am indebted to them. Each person with their own situation should reach out.  Your family and friends can only do so much.

5. Lastly, laugh, learn and leave the anger behind.  Keep your eye on the end of the tunnel and don’t get stuck mid-way.  It is sooo easy to get stuck because of feeling the perpetual feeling as if you have been robbed. You can only be a victim if you allow others to treat you as a victim.  I refuse.

Thanks for reading and helping me to get my identity back.  Now go have a groovy week….

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Newsworthy: Thank you all for voting for me on StartUpNation as a 2011 Women Owned Business to Watch!

SIGNING FAMILIES has been “on fire” now! But, we need to continue to ask for votes as we are still trying to gain as much attention as possible in order to help families and children who use ASL to communicate.  To vote, simply press on the ICON below. THANK YOU!!

GEARING UP TO GLOW

Published on by LouiseSattler4 Comments

Well, it has been almost exactly three months since my neck was cut open by Top Doc to get rid of thyroid cancer (THYCA).  Since, that time I have managed to keep myself busy by tweeting like a “mad woman” about my Twitter Charity Scarf Campaign, filming PSAs, speaking at MacWorld, filming the Chronicles of EMS, baking loads of cookies for college kids, and much more…..  Alas… it is the time for what I hope is one of the final steps in ridding for “GOOD” this THYCA…the radioactive iodine treatment (RAI).

Now for those of you who don’t speak THYCA– this is a treatment that begins with a funky low-idoine diet and ends with you drinking some radioactive goop which is suppose to kill off any microscopic cancer cells in  my  body that Top Doc might have not seen during surgery.  All in all, it is suppose to be a much easier treatment then enduring chemo, which is not the plan for this type of cancer. (And my heart goes out to those who are undergoing chemo.)

So, I am nearly in week two of the RAI diet.  Which means if it is in a bag, can or restaurant I probably cannot eat it.  I can eat all the fruits and veggies I want.  Black coffee, no problem.  But….nothing chocolate! And.. No  dairy or breads-except for Matzo. And note the irony has not escaped me that this diet will end about the same time frame as Passover begins. This year I bought unsalted matzo- by the six-pack! OY VEY!!  I will say that I discovered some yummy fruit and nut bars by Larabar that are all organic with no other “stuff” –  They tasted so good I called the company twice to make sure I wasn’t cheating on the RAI diet..

After I get my RAI treatment I will be glowing… and in solitary confinement.  Don’t feel sorry for me. I have outfitted my “suite” with tons of kids toys like JENGA, PICK UP STICKS, jigsaw puzzles and added in to the room some fun trashy novels.  I also have every DVD and VHS in the house that was an award winner or has a brat packer in it!  Plus, twenty episodes of NCIS await me on the DVR.

But, here is the one draw back… I may not get to use my laptop or iphone….. If that happens know that I will have groovy hubby checking my “social media stuff” and passing me notes through the door…

Oh well… at least when I get to go back “online” I will be able to order chocolate and ice cream and a pizza and ……….

I conclude with a HUGE thanks to those of you who have been voting for SIGNING FAMILIES on the STARTUPNATION.com competition.  According to the “meter” we are almost HOT!!  Please continue to vote so we can help people to learn ASL and continue to build communication bridges one SIGN at a time!

CLICK  the meter to vote

TWITTER CHARITY CAMPAIGN INFO HERE: http://louisesattler.com/2011/01/20/twitter-charity-scarf/

Can a Prescription for Chocolate, Italian Ices and Laughter be Bad for You?

Published on by LouiseSattler5 Comments

Hello and thanks to all who follow this blog and have been of tremendous support during the past weeks of my new role as “Cancer Warrior Goddess”.   I am pleased to announce that my self prescribed usage for medicinal purposes of  chocolate, italian ices and laughter were just the right ingredients to kill off enough cancer cells to make me up and running again.  I simply need to swallow some hi- test nuclear gizmo to eradicate whatever little varmints are left in a couple of months. With any amount of luck (and chocolate) I will be making the Cancer Free Victory Dance sometime in late Spring!

Anyway, back to my “prescriptive” care.  For the first time in my life I have given myself permission to eat as much chocolate as I want.  I lost weight this week.  Evidently if you balance a diet of chocolate with italian water ices then you have a sound and effective diet plan.  Laugh while chewing and you are really burning calories by the dozens.

I also found out some other funny stuff this week.  Since, I have a hoarse voice (post surgery complication to subside in a few more days)… I have resorted to signing more.  No biggie in this family.  Also, I whisper to those who don’t sign when my voice is really hoarse.  Now I need to ask….why do people insist on fake signing or whispering back?  I think it is hysterical to watch this set of human behavior.  Whole teams of doctors and nurses trying to “fake” sign is a riot!  Especially when you understand ASL and can “read” what nonsense they are “saying”.

And lastly, I found out the “junior doctors” are adorable and quirky.  Earlier  this week I had a post op appointment with my Senior Top Doc, Junior Doc and two “wanna be, but not fully there yet- docs” (notice they are docs with a little “d”).  The two wanna be docs didn’t say a word.  I don’t think they blinked either.  Somehow they looked scared but ended up following Senior Top Doc … Hmmmm.  Anyway- back to why Junior Docs are adorable… my Junior Doc had weird terminology and “explanations” of my symptoms.  For example, when I described post surgical neck pain he answered, “Feels like you have been hit by lightening?”.  Well, let me think about this.  How many patients, who also have thyroid cancer, ALSO are hit by lightening and come to this practice?  Please tell me that “Thyca” is not a prerequisite to being hit by a thunderbolt!  When I suggested that the pain was more like a spasm and perhaps the feeling of a “bee sting” he thought that was by far a better explanation.  I guess a course in “descriptive terms of patient symptoms that are acceptable, relatable and actually possible” should be added to Junior Doc’s curriculum.  I can only hope.  If not, I may slip him a few “key phrases” hidden in a chocolate wrapper.

Have a great day and thanks for reading!