I was admitted to the hospital to receive radioactive iodine. The radioactive iodine was given to absorb any residual tissue that may have been in my body following surgery.
I spent three days in isolation which meant that the most time that any one person could spend in my room was 20 minutes. I thought I was going to be really lonely because I enjoy being around people. But this time was really nice because it gave me time to think and process what had gone on during the last three months.
The nurses call time in isolation a "vacation." I would agree with that after being there. The staff took great care of me!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Celebration...
Today, June 25, 2007, is my daughter's 6th birthday. I knew this day was going to be hard to get through and I knew I had to do it for my daughter and my family.
My husband arranged a wonderful birthday party. Our families came to our home to celebrate. My dad, my brothers, and I found it very difficult to smile, to be happy, and we simply didn't feel like celebrating. My daughter didn't know that we were hurting. We made it very apparent we were there to celebrate her special day.
At the end of the evening before my daughter went to bed she said she had wished grandma could have been at her party. I told her she was. I explained to her that grandma was in heaven looking down and grandma wished her a happy birthday.
My husband arranged a wonderful birthday party. Our families came to our home to celebrate. My dad, my brothers, and I found it very difficult to smile, to be happy, and we simply didn't feel like celebrating. My daughter didn't know that we were hurting. We made it very apparent we were there to celebrate her special day.
At the end of the evening before my daughter went to bed she said she had wished grandma could have been at her party. I told her she was. I explained to her that grandma was in heaven looking down and grandma wished her a happy birthday.
A Birthday Party???
My mom's funeral was in four days and somehow I needed to get ready for a funeral and plan a birthday party. I'll be honest, I sure didn't feel like celebrating. I also knew I couldn't and shouldn't put my family aside but I was emotionally drained. I asked my husband if he would be willing to put together a birthday party with the family to celebrate our daughter's birthday. He agreed and I felt so relieved.
Mom, I love you!
Over the last several months my mom’s health was very precarious but I remained upbeat and trusted she would get better. In May, however, she was admitted to a nursing home. I would visit her every day, sometimes twice a day. We would sit and visit or watch The Price is Right. Sometimes she was resting when I came so I would sit next to her bed until she woke up. The time I spent with her was so precious and I valued every minute.
One evening when I came to visit her at the nursing home I learned she had a low grade fever most of the day and she was sleeping a lot. The next day they took her to the doctor and was immediately admitted to the hospital. I visited every day and tried my best to keep her company. One night when I came she seemed unusually quiet. I asked what was wrong and she said ”nothing.” She proceeded to say that she didn’t want me to ask her any questions or talk to her that evening. She just wanted to watch television while I was there. I respected her wishes and sat by her side holding her hand until it was time for me to go home.
Within several days, her prognosis wasn’t good. I learned she had acquired a staph infection and it took over her body.
My mom died on June 23, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with her husband by her side. She was 75. Mom, thanks for being the special person you were. I think of you often and miss you so much!
One evening when I came to visit her at the nursing home I learned she had a low grade fever most of the day and she was sleeping a lot. The next day they took her to the doctor and was immediately admitted to the hospital. I visited every day and tried my best to keep her company. One night when I came she seemed unusually quiet. I asked what was wrong and she said ”nothing.” She proceeded to say that she didn’t want me to ask her any questions or talk to her that evening. She just wanted to watch television while I was there. I respected her wishes and sat by her side holding her hand until it was time for me to go home.
Within several days, her prognosis wasn’t good. I learned she had acquired a staph infection and it took over her body.
My mom died on June 23, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with her husband by her side. She was 75. Mom, thanks for being the special person you were. I think of you often and miss you so much!
Another surgery.......
On June 6, 2007 I had surgery to remove the left lobe of my thyroid. My doctor suspected it would have some cancer in it and it did - one nodule.
June 1, 2007 was life changing!
On June 1, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. I had an appointment with the surgeon as a follow-up to my May 16th surgery (right lobe of my thyroid was removed). I figured the doctor would look at the incision and that would be it. Instead, the doctor walked in and asked if anyone had told me the results of the biopsy. I told him no. He apologized and proceeded to share with me that I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer by the doctors at the Mayo Clinic and they found three cancerous nodules. He also said that a second opinion was obtained just to make sure and that confirmed the diagnosis. I sat there in disbelief. I thought I came in for a follow-up visit. I had no idea I was going to be told I had CANCER. The doctor recommended that I set up an appointment to have the other lobe removed because three nodules were found in the right lobe. I made that appointment and left the office.
Four hours after my diagnosis, I was on the podium at the Relay for Life Annual Survivor’s Banquet continuing my pink scarf campaign. I shared with them that I had a speech prepared but I decided to change it somewhat. I said “I joined your family today. I was diagnosed with cancer four hours ago.” The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. I proceeded with my pink scarf story and told them that anyone who had not received a pink scarf needed to stop by before they left for the evening and pick one up. I left the podium with a heart-felt standing ovation. Shortly thereafter, the survivor’s committee presented me with one of my own pink scarves. I knew I was passionate about this project when I started. However, I never imagined that I would become a member of the pink scarf family but I can say I’m a much better person because of it. I know from personal experience what it means to receive such a special gift.
Four hours after my diagnosis, I was on the podium at the Relay for Life Annual Survivor’s Banquet continuing my pink scarf campaign. I shared with them that I had a speech prepared but I decided to change it somewhat. I said “I joined your family today. I was diagnosed with cancer four hours ago.” The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. I proceeded with my pink scarf story and told them that anyone who had not received a pink scarf needed to stop by before they left for the evening and pick one up. I left the podium with a heart-felt standing ovation. Shortly thereafter, the survivor’s committee presented me with one of my own pink scarves. I knew I was passionate about this project when I started. However, I never imagined that I would become a member of the pink scarf family but I can say I’m a much better person because of it. I know from personal experience what it means to receive such a special gift.
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