Thyroid: Take Two

Many of you might remember, but not so long ago, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer, and had to have a complete thyroidectomy. I was supposed to immediately have radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, however, I got pregnant! So, although the whole cancer scare slipped my mind for the past 9 months…it’s time to deal with it again.

I had my follow up appointment with my endocrinologist to get the ball rolling. While he was examining my neck, he said “hmm…I feel something the size of a pin head. It could either be reoccurrence of your thyroid cancer, or scar tissue.” Naturally, I freaked out. Jared was great and told me not to worry until we actually had something to worry about, but in all honesty, I was pissed! I just want to be done with the whole cancer thing.

So, he sent me for an ultrasound. I seriously grilled the tech the entire time…even though I know she’s not supposed to tell me anything. She was great though. She answered all of my questions to the best of her ability. She said there was definitely some small thyroid tissue remaining, but she did not see any nodules. Nodules would indicate cancer. She told me if I didn’t hear from my doctors office the next morning, that I could call at noon and they would have the results.

Seeing as the next day was a Friday, I did not call and figured I’d wait it out until Monday. When I called on Monday, I was told I would have to wait until THURSDAY when my doctor makes his patient calls. Seriously?!?! I was peeved! Mind you, thoughout this whole waiting process I was on vacation in Tennessee visiting with my brother inlaw, niece, and nephew. I really just wanted some relief.

Low and behold, my doctor called Thursday night to basically tell me that everything is A-Ok. I have some thyroid tissue remaining, but the RAI will destroy that, so it’s no biggie. And, most importantly, my thyroid cancer has NOT returned! I really had to wait a whole week for them to tell me everything is okay. Why couldn’t they just tell me that when I called? Ugh!

Anyways, my RAI is all set up. I will receive a little pill that will make me radioactive next Wednesday, March 31st. The killer is I have to stay away from Lincoln for a couple of days :*( Seriously, that is going to be the hardest thing ever! I really need to get this done though, so it’s the best thing for all of us. The RAI will destroy any remaining thyroid tissue.
The whole process is supposed to be really simple. Just having to stay away from my baby completely stinks!