2008 arrived with a bang.

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on January 2nd.

Happy New Year!

I first noticed that I had a lump on my neck back in 2006. I had surgery to remove the right half of my thyroid December 17th (the half with the tumor on it).  We only took half out, because if it wasn’t cancer, there was a chance that 1/2 of my thyroid would be able to work normally, and my life wouldn’t really change all that much, I would just have a scar. But now, I have follicular carcinoma, and need to have another surgery. When they first told me that it might be cancer, they said it was papillary, which is the kind that most people get (about 90%)… but I actually have the more uncommon type, follicular. They told me that it is minimally invasive, but even so, it is still worse to have this kind than to have the “run of the mill” papillary kind. So, that sucks.

I have radiation in May, where I have to go on a low-iodine diet for three weeks before hand (and during). This is a great website if you’re more interested. http://www.thyca.org/

My next surgery is March 3, 2008. I’m not too worried about it, cause I’ve already done it once. I think the only thing I’m worried about is staying over. Last time I had my own room, and Steve got to stay with me all night… but this time, I’m worried that I’ll have a roommate and that will stink.

I’ll try to upload a picture of my scar. It is pretty cool.

I like to make jokes about it. If you know any good cancer jokes, let me know. My friend Stephanie said I should wear a button at work like this one:

but says “Ask me about my cancer” so I get more tips!

I’m not sure that is a good idea, but I think I want a cute shirt like that. Or something like “You think you’ve had a bad day? Well, I have cancer!”

Ok, well, I can answer all of your thyroid-related questions!