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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and My Thyroid Cancer

I've batted around this post in my mind for a few weeks. Since this is October and Breast Cancer month, and since I wrote Loose Threads about my grandmother's breast cancer, and my friend recently had a breast cancer scare, I thought I would write about my own thyroid cancer.

It's actually been a year now. A year since I was in isolation for five days because I was radioactive. Of course that followed the full removal of my thyroid. Both sides were removed as a precaution. The cancer was in the lobe they didn't suspect. I'm so thankful my surgeon was capable and cautious.

Everything came flooding back as I sat in the waiting room and my friend received her biopsy a couple weeks ago. The smells, the anxiety, the possibilities. The reality of redefining normal. The tenderness of partners waiting nervously beside their loved ones. A parting with the words: "I'll be right here waiting for you." It's such a journey for everyone involved. I'm so thankful my friend does not have cancer!

It was incredible to me to meet two others touched by thyroid cancer at the Kidlitosphere Blogging Conference. We compared scars, stories, and current medication doses. So it is normal to feel like a hamster running on a wheel because you have to take a high dose of Synthroid so your cancer doesn't try to return. Do you know how helpful that is to hear? There are other hamsters out there!

If you know someone being treated for cancer, extend a hand, an ear, a shoulder. Share hope this month. Share your own strength.

I close with my neck smile. Happy to be here in 2008. xox

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8 comments:

  1. Jackie ParkerOctober 8, 2008 at 7:59 PM

    We Love you Lorie Ann!

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  2. holly cupalaOctober 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM

    Thank you for posting this, Lorie Ann! I'm so sad that you've had to go through this but encouraged by how you have used your gifts for others. You are a brave, remarkable woman and friend.

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  3. AnonymousOctober 8, 2008 at 11:01 PM

    Lorie Ann, I had no idea! Joan and I never spoke about it. This is what happens when people are starved for time in their lives. They miss the chance to connect about important things and with each other. I'm glad things are going well for you and I'm grateful that you had a smart doctor watching your back.
    This is my Volcanogirlspeaks blogspot but I use it for writing storage so its not a public blog. I'll add you as a reader if you'd like, if you send me an email addy on my facebook.
    Anna

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  4. Sarah WoodardOctober 8, 2008 at 11:27 PM

    Wow, that must have been terrible. Your so amazing and brave.
    I have had leukimia scares, like they were 75% sure and then it turned out to be something else. I have to get infusion where little kids are getting chemo... and I just want to cry, because no one should lose their childhood to a disease.

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  5. Vivian MahoneyOctober 9, 2008 at 1:50 PM

    Here's to courage and strength! You are awesome. Thanks for sharing this.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 9, 2008 at 2:27 PM

    Healthy thoughts and supportive smiles to one of my strongest friends.

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  7. Lorie Ann GroverOctober 9, 2008 at 8:33 PM

    Thanks to you each for your sweet words. Love right back at you!

    I'm so thankful you don't have cancer, Sarah!

    Onward, surrounded by great friends!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousOctober 10, 2008 at 7:38 AM

    I linked to this within my BC awareness / Denim Day post. I hope that's okay.

    ReplyDelete