Reflections: Yet Another Medical Challenge
I have been seeing doctors for the past few weeks because of some inflammation in my neck. And although it feels like it has already subsided, tests show that there is something wrong aunderneath.
A few years back, my mom would always point out that my lower neck seems rather odd. Of course I've had it checked during my previous annual physical exams. But the doctors said that there's nothing to be worried about, that it looks prominent but not protruding.
Now, after seeing two specialists, it seems clear now that I have a problem with my thyroid. Initially, the doctor told me it was thyroiditis or a 5% chance of cancer due to the hardness of the gland. Hearing the possibility of the latter diagnosis already scared me even if it were just a small percentage. I had a biopsy to had it checked. When we got the results, I felt devastated. There was a suspected papillary carcinoma.
The doctor immediately recommended surgery the next day. I sought a second opinion first with another doctor who was also my mother-in-law's doctor. He was skeptical about the results and gave us hope that it could be thyroiditis. He asked for two more tests. When we brought him the results, it only supported the suspicion. But he said that these types of cancer are not aggressive and that I can still schedule it within six to twelve months. He gave me suppression medication to help normallize the hormones. If it helps lower the levels, then there's still a slight chance that it could just be thyroiditis. Nonetheless, I have to do the surgery. This will also mean I will be having radioactive iodine a month after the surgery, take medication for the rest of my life, and not have children for the next two years or so.
As I left the clinic yesterday, I sat in the car and called my sister who is also a nurse. I promised to give her updates right away. I was crying. I was really terrified. And at the back of my mind I was thinking of contingencies I never thought I needed to prepare for myself this early in life.
Now as I finish this blog entry, I try to wipe away my tears and look for a silver lining. My life goes on, it must. I should and I will overcome this for myself and my family. May God never let go of my hand as go through everything to get through this.
A few years back, my mom would always point out that my lower neck seems rather odd. Of course I've had it checked during my previous annual physical exams. But the doctors said that there's nothing to be worried about, that it looks prominent but not protruding.
Now, after seeing two specialists, it seems clear now that I have a problem with my thyroid. Initially, the doctor told me it was thyroiditis or a 5% chance of cancer due to the hardness of the gland. Hearing the possibility of the latter diagnosis already scared me even if it were just a small percentage. I had a biopsy to had it checked. When we got the results, I felt devastated. There was a suspected papillary carcinoma.
The doctor immediately recommended surgery the next day. I sought a second opinion first with another doctor who was also my mother-in-law's doctor. He was skeptical about the results and gave us hope that it could be thyroiditis. He asked for two more tests. When we brought him the results, it only supported the suspicion. But he said that these types of cancer are not aggressive and that I can still schedule it within six to twelve months. He gave me suppression medication to help normallize the hormones. If it helps lower the levels, then there's still a slight chance that it could just be thyroiditis. Nonetheless, I have to do the surgery. This will also mean I will be having radioactive iodine a month after the surgery, take medication for the rest of my life, and not have children for the next two years or so.
As I left the clinic yesterday, I sat in the car and called my sister who is also a nurse. I promised to give her updates right away. I was crying. I was really terrified. And at the back of my mind I was thinking of contingencies I never thought I needed to prepare for myself this early in life.
Now as I finish this blog entry, I try to wipe away my tears and look for a silver lining. My life goes on, it must. I should and I will overcome this for myself and my family. May God never let go of my hand as go through everything to get through this.
Courtesy of fineartamerica.com
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