August 13, 2010
An important note before you read this post: The news in this post would be very disturbing to Tanner if she knew about it, so I know I can count on you all to keep it on the down low when she is around. She has more than most seven-year-olds to deal with and doesn’t need anything else to be worried about.
I’m eating Key Lime Pie… a big piece. There is nothing else to do at the end of a week like this.
First, the IVig transfusion on Monday, the headache reaction to it on Wednesday, the crazy ativan/LP/runaway saga and then Thursday I get a call from my doctor’s office at 4:20 pm, just 2 hours before the girls are supposed to show up at my house for bunco, telling me that I have thyroid cancer.
I’m not kidding.
Despite the fact that the fine needle aspiration and the initial pathology during the surgery showed no cancer, the nodule had some very slow growing, early stage cancer cells.
So, back to the OR next month to have the other half of my thyroid removed. At this point, they do not think that I will need radiation or anything other than surgical removal. And, they have no reason to even think that the other half is cancerous as well, but I do have a very small nodule on the remaining side and it makes sense to just get rid of it.
Lollipop cancer compared to Tanner’s version. I have no right to complain, really. We caught it very early, thanks to my awesome Internal Med doc, and we’re just going to move forward and do what needs to be done.
Enough about me, this blog is about Tanner. She did get to go to the first day of school, but didn’t make it all day. She got very overheated at recess and couldn’t cool off. I picked her up and after an hour or so, she felt better and I took her back for the last hour. She started her five-day-steroid pulse Wednesday night and they upped her dose because she had gained some weight. It is very easy for John and I to see the effects of the increase. She is acting on day 2 like she usually does on day 4. She was a little out of it this morning and cried some for no reason. We just decided to only send her for the morning and come get her before lunch. But, Tanner wanted to stay for lunch because “I think they are having popcorn chicken.” Too funny. It was a good decision. She is definitely having a harder time than normal with this pulse. She may or may not make it on Monday. It’s her last day of the pulse and the increased dose may wipe her out. It’s sad to me that her first week of school is being marred by the steroids.
I think I also forgot to mention in my last post about the crazy ativan reaction how high Tanner’s counts were – 5,540!!! Holy Moly. We haven’t seen counts like that in a long time. They aren’t sure why they are so high, although she has been coughing some in the morning lately, so it could be a virus. She is still on the 50% chemo dosage and they didn’t change it, but we have to go back in two weeks for a counts check. If they are still above 1,500, they will raise her chemo again.
It’s been a tough week, and I think it will probably be a tough couple of months until the second surgery is over and they get the thyroid medication I will need adjusted properly to keep me consistent. But, we will make it… like we always do.
Love,
Beth
Laughter is the best medicine
I am praying for you guys! laugher is definitely the best medicine. 🙂
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Susan Williams, who knew me when I was Brenda Eagleston, told me of this website and I fully admire your whole family’s courage 😉 I wanted to write, though, as a fellow thyroid cancer survivor…if you have questions about any aspects of treatments, body scans, etc. you are welcome to write. You are all in my prayers, and our church’s prayers in Wisconsin 🙂
Praying for you and your family.
Unbelievable! It makes me just want to scream!!!! Instead, I am sending you a big hug and know that this is just another battle that you will totally rock.
I hope we (the bunco girls) did help. You were the big winner, so hopefully that is an indicator of things to come! We’re praying for you.
You are always in my prayers, but here’s to lots of extra thoughts and prayers for you. Please let me know how I can help!
I love Tanner’s school pictures and am so thankful she got to be there for her first day this year. I am looking forward to seeing Jake in a few weeks at Preschool!
Hugs to you~ Sissie
Beth, I am shocked to learn about this. I so admire you for being so strong through Tanner’s cancer and have kept up with her treatments and all of the horrible side effects. I have shared with church friends about Tanner and she is on the church prayer list so that everyone can pray for her. I will ask them to add you also and certainly your husband and little Jake as they are along side you through this. A lot of caring people are lifting you and all the family up to God during this very trying time.
Doris
Beth, you are always such an inspiration the way you handle the lemons life has given your family. I am praying for you to have a very easy time of surgery and medication adjustment. I just can’t believe this!
You are strong, and this will all work out, but seriously … it’s time for cancer to move on. I am so sorry you have to deal with this! We’ll keep up the prayers, you keep up the key lime. Prepare for a glorious Christmas and wonderful 2011+.
Much love – RP
I am always thinking of you and Tanner. Please let me know if you need anything. Katie or Emily would be happy to watch the kids anytime you need some time. Just call…I will bring one over! Take care and please let us know when you will have the surgery. Love to you both-Molly
Dear Beth,
Just happened across your website via a Facebook comment a friend of mine (Jenn Moulton Stonehouse) posted today…wanted to let you know that I am adding you and Tanner and your family to my prayers. What a brave family! I also want to thank you for somehow showing up as you did on FB today and for this page and your sharing of your own cancer; I have been putting off (stupidly), for financial reasons, a necessary visit for my own thyroid needle biopsy of, as my Mom calls them, “Grapes in the jello” which are being “watched”. I am picking up that phone and making the appointment! Thank you and God Bless you and your family! Even though yesterday was a “Why Me” day for you, by sharing, you have helped another person summon the courage to get to the doctor. THANK YOU! Big hugs coming your way! -Carole
Oh, Beth!!! I am just now reading this — this is not fair! You are so strong, but it does seem like the pile of poop could land somewhere else for a little while… I have no doubt that you all will be an inpentrable family by the time you are on the other side of this phase in your lives. I will definitely keep all of you in my prayers. By the way, we’d love to donate to Tanner’s campaign!