Cancer Diary #1

That 'C' word.

It all started about a month ago, on a Sunday afternoon after church. Having lunch with family at home and started getting short, sharp stabs of pain in the right side of my neck. Approximately 3-4 stabs every 2 minutes.

Due to the pain level and consistency, went to the GP the next day to have it checked out. The GP took one look at me and said 'Hmmmm. Your right thyroid is larger than your left.'

She then proceeded to check and feel around the neck.

GP: Um....I can actually feel a lump in the top part of your right thyroid.
Me: Oh? Is that something I should be afraid of?
GP: We don't know yet, but I'd like you to have some tests so I can get a better idea of what that lump is.
Me: (pause).....um....ok.

One Blood Test and Thyroid Ultrasound.

At follow-up appointment:

GP: Well, the blood test can back normal. The Ultrasound indicates the lump is there, but I can't conclude exactly what it is. I'll need you to have more tests as I need to narrow it down to the following possibilities: a Colloid cyst, a Goiter or Cancer.
Me: (silence)
GP: Yes, that C word. That may be all that you remember from this appointment, but the one thing I want you to remember is this: that thyroid cancer is the turtle of all the cancers out there. It is the slowest growing cancer and if you had the choice of getting a cancer, then 'this' one is the 'best' one to have.
Me: Yes, thank you.

Had a Biopsy (Fine Needle Aspiration) in the neck to take out 2 samples of cells.

A week later...........

The cell samples came back abnormal last week.
I was referred to a thyroid surgeon.

Had the thyroid operation 3 days ago.
Surgeon confirmed it was Thyroid Cancer, and whole thyroid has been removed.
I will need to take thyroxin tablets for the rest of my life.
Will also need radioactive iodine therapy in a couple of months time to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Discharged late yesterday and now back at home to recover for 2 weeks.

A cancer survivor at the age of 28.