Biography

I was recently diagnosed with Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma and had a complete thyroidectomy on May 8. Everyone tells me the is the “best kind” of cancer to have as it’s curable. I’m not sure if there is a “best kind” of cancer? It’s still scary.

I’ve lived in the Fort Worth, TX area for the past 11 years. Prior to moving here I lived in Puyallup, Washington. Washington will always be home, but Texas has my heart. When we moved here my youngest son was in first grade. He graduates from high school on June 7. My oldest is in his second year of college. I can’t believe how fast the time flew by! I’ve been married to a fabulous man for over 25 years. We met when I was a senior in high school
and he was in his first year of college. A sad bond we share is that both of our fathers passed away from cancer. My Dad had chronic lymphatic leukemia and his had lymphoma. I felt so bad for my husband when they told him what I had – it brought back all the memories and pain associated with this horrible disease.

We’ve asked lots of questions and are staying positive. Radiation is scheduled for June 30. The oncologist is telling me I should only have to have one dose of radiation. He has also scheduled a full body scan for me 2 weeks after the radiation treatment to check to make sure I don’t have any cancer cells left as the cancer did metastasis to my lymph nodes. You could say I feel lucky right now to only have one dose of radiation in front of me.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and support on this web site! :o)

Cancer Symptoms

None – was having neck/back pain. MRI showed an enlarged thyroid. Been taking thyroid supplements for 20 years for hypothyroidism.

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Total thyroidectomy on May 8, 2008. Found cancer on both sides of my thyroid and into my lymph nodes. Incision area is sore and itchy. Met with the surgeon on May 16 and he removed the bandages. Advises me to use sunscreen daily and my scar shouldn’t be as noticeable. Also had a hard time swallowing for a few days after surgery. Most likely caused by the breathing tube inserted during surgery. A week later and I can swallow without pain. The week after surgery I would feel great for awhile and then become really tired. My calcium level did dip a little and I have been taking calcium supplements that make me nauseous.

Radiation Description, Dates & Side Effects

Radiation scheduled for June 30 in Dallas.
Body Scan scheduled 2 weeks after radiation. Goal is the radiation will kill any cells remaining in my body.

Comments:

Hi Dana,
I was recently diagnosed with possible thyroid cancer. I had an FNA done on a thyroid nodule that looks highly suspicious. Met with a surgeon today and he said it has to be removed to find out if it has cancer. We want a second opinion. I live in Grapevine, TX and don’t mind going to Dallas or FTW. Do you have a recommendation of who to see?

Posted on October 14, 2009 at 2:20:35 PM by jctertx (unverified)

Hello everyone! It’s been awhile…I hope this finds you doing well Cancer has changed me forever. I appreciate life so much more now and realize how blessed we are to have this life we are given. I have had a few problems – my salivary glands swell up after eating something sweet or sour…and then I’ll taste salt in my mouth. A small price to pay – looking like a chip munk. I have an appointment with my oncologist on June 30th and a full body scan scheduled. I watched Farrah’s story last night and thought about all my friends on this web site. She is so brave and an inspiration to all of us fighting this terrible disease. Thoughts and prayers to all of you…keep on fighting!

Posted on May 16, 2009 at 6:02:52 PM by dana