One test, two tests, and then what?

My endocrinologist recommended that I have an ultrasound to confirm the suspicion of what he thought was an enlarged thyroid. I went to the test knowing what to expect and wasn't worried about the procedure. The procedure took quite a while. If fact, it seemed like it took forever. I started to worry because I knew an ultrasound usually doesn't take that long. After the gal was done with the procedure I asked "Didn't that take longer than usual?" She promptly replied "Yes." I shrugged it off and decided to wait for the test results from my doctor.

The test results came back confirming that the right lobe of my thyroid was enlarged. My doctor then recommended having a biopsy done and I made the necessary arrangements. I went to that appointment with some nervousness. I really didn't know what to expect. However, once I was in the room, the procedure went fairly quickly. It was painful at times but I knew that it would be over soon and I would be on my merry way.

The results of my biopsy were inconclusive. I looked at my doctor with disbelief. I said what happens now? He suggested that I have the right lobe of my thyroid removed. I had surgery on May 16, 2007.

Until next time........

A Surprise at the Doctor's Office

March, 2007 - I went to see my ob/gyn for my annual exam. After the exam was finished, I visited with my doctor and expressed concern about the difficulty I was having losing weight. He suggested that I meet with a dietician to ensure that I was eating the right foods, eating the right amount, and exercising. I met with the dietician and was assured that everything I had been doing was correct. She suggested that we meet weekly to monitor my progress and I did.

April, 2007 - After several weeks of not seeing any weight loss, the dietician suggested that I see an endocrinologist. I made my appointment and visited with the endocrinologist. He had me drink some water as he felt my throat and he said that he suspected that the right lobe of my thyroid was enlarged and suggested further testing.

The diagnosis really didn't affect me that day. I had more important things on my mind. My mom's health was very precarious so I focused all my time and energy on her.

More to come.......

The Evolution of the Pink Scarf

In October of 2006 Mary Kay had a promotion where the hostess of a Mary Kay party was given a pink wrap to help generate awareness of breast cancer. A portion of the company's proceeds from the promotional sales went to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, which funnels money to women affected by cancer or domestic violence. I decided to give them not only to my hostesses, also, to women who were recently diagnosed with cancer, or were survivors of cancer. The first pink wrap went to Bismarck Police Chief Deb Ness, a breast cancer. The Mary Kay promotion soon came to an end and I knew I wasn't ready to stop. I had watched three women in my family fight and beat cancer and I wanted to do something to help others get through it so I decided to knit pink scarves and donate each one to someone special.

Until next time......