17 September 2009

yep.

It was cancer. I'm kind of disappointed because it would have been nice to have it all over with. But I'm sure everything will still work out okay. I might not have to have radioactive iodine, I guess I find out after meeting with an endocronologist in a month or more. So there are still a few more unknowns and waiting.

But here's what I do know: There was only 1 tumor with cancer (good), the cancer was contained in that tumor and doesn't look like it had spread (good), they removed a lymph node next to the tumor that looked suspicious but it was not cancerous (good), the cancer was small (also good).

Also - good thing I had the whole thing removed or I would have been having another surgery soon. Thanks for your prayers on that one.

So I guess I will keep you posted, but I probably won't know too much for a week or so (when I go back to the doctor.)

p.s. - My scar is really scary looking (please don't say "just in time for halloween"). I've been debating taking a photo of it let alone putting it up on the blog. The kids asked me to cover it up so I've been wearing a bandana and they called me "cowgirl McKenzie". (Not sure who that is, but I'll take it as a compliment.)

20 comments:

Kristine Hanson said...

just tell the boys the scar is a new beauty mark!! :)

Laurie said...

Well cowgirl, it's not the best news, but at least there's quite a bit of good news too. Thank goodness you did the whole thing at first. Still sending prayers your way, and I'll keep my eye out for some scarves. Although, you know the boys will totally stop noticing it in about a week.

emily said...

I just heard this morning from Jamie. Apparently she was sending those family emails to the other orangemily with only one e that asked us not to send her anymore emails. :)

anyway, i like the cowgirl part. The scar will look just fine later. my co-worker has one and i hardly notice it.

cancer sounds so daunting but this case sounds really mild. guess we'll all just take it one step at a time.

Marianne & Clayton said...

Boo to the cancer, but yay for the other news. I hope all the stuff from now on is easier and easier. And remember, chicks dig scars. Not right? Well, at least it's almost fall which means scarves galore.
You are awesome.

Andy said...

That is some good bad new. I mean that it's nice to hear all of the good stuff about it, it could have been much worse. What type of thyroid cancer is it? Did they tell you?

Doug & Stef said...

That is scary - but fantastic that you had decided to get the whole thing out! What a blessing!

Eli and Candace said...

Cowgirl McKenzie - you have a very positive attitude. I hope you continue to get good news throughout the process until it's completely over.

Angela said...

We are glad you decided to get both out and the gland.That was a good choice. On to recovery. We love you guys!

sara said...

So glad you had the whole thing out. You were inspired! I hope you're getting lots of rest :)

Annie said...

Leigh, I'm glad for the good bad news, too! You've been in my prayers and will continue to be. And your boys crack me up. Cowgirl McKenzie...too funny.

Angela Nash said...

Sorry to hear it's cancer - but sounds like the best case for that result. I'm glad the prayers helped guide you and the doctors. More prayers for a quick recovery.

Amy Jo said...

We love you scar and all. Just make up a cool story about a battle wound. We love you and are so glad you listened to the spirit and don't have to go through surgery again. We love you and you will continue to be in our prayers.

Jan said...

Leigh, I'm so happy for you that you don't have to go back in! I think you were really smart to have both sides taken out. Apparently you had your listening turned up! :)

Also - the scar becomes less noticeable when it heals - really. Jodi had the same thing and I can't tell hers anymore unless I'm really trying to look for it.

Let me know what I can do to help :) I'm super glad that things are turning out as well for you as they are!

Jodi said...

Ditto to what everyone has said. I know that it's annoying to wait to find out if you have to have radiation, but you are a trooper and it's just making you more of an incredible woman.:) I love you and hope that you are doing better soon.

P. S. How are your calcium levels? Did your body go crazy because you had all of the parathyroids taken out too? I hope you're doing okay with that. I had major muscle spasms ALL of the time for a good year, but apparently that is not normal, so hopefully you didn't get that.:)

Also, the scar will go away soon. I barely notice mine anymore. The bandanna is a good idea, though. I should have thought of that. A lady in my ward used to wear really thick jewelry.

Good luck! I love ya!

The Coombs' said...

Oh, man! Well, you really were lucky that it hadn't spread at all. And not having the iodine will be really nice (it's not really all that bad, but it will still be nice if you don't have to do it). The hardest part is over with! I'm glad you got the whole thing out, and I'm really glad you're doing well. I had my surgery right before Halloween too, and my family called me "nearly headless Emily" cuz my scar was so big (we're all big Harry Potter fans). Don't be ashamed of it (your scar), it's part of who you are now!!

Sarahmanarah said...

Definitely disappointing. Your still sounding positive. Grin. You're in my thoughts.

Cheryl said...

All of our thoughts have been with you each day. I loved how you felt at peace with the decision before the surgery and then found it truly was the right decision after. We all love you so much and are so grateful to have you in our family. Give Dan and the boys our love, too.

Mel said...

Glad you informed us, I have been wondering. My dad and aunt had that too and it's been like 15 years ago and they have been good. I am optimistic for you too and know that it will be okay. You are a strong person with such a great outlook on things. I will keep you in my prayers! Love you!

polka dots said...

i've been thinking of you.

ps: I think bandanas are cool cowgirl McKenzie

Kristin said...

Leigh, I'm so sorry to hear about your current challenge. But, I am very optimistic and hopeful for you. It's great that you have so many things going for you - everything will work out. You sound inspiring - cowgirl Mckenzie. Do you like turtlenecks?