Life with a Goiter - Part 2

Many thoughts went through my mind. Such as, "gray" areas, well there are many shades of gray, right? What impact will this have on me? Should they just go ahead and remove the whole thyroid gland? Who knows what else may be wrong? Better to be safe than sorry later. Does this "gray" mean a higher chance of cancer? What if my voice changes?

First surgery - Removed left nodule. 

The most important thing was to just take it day by day and prepare for surgery. They wouldn't have any concrete information until they went in and removed the left side. I have to admit, I did wonder just how long did this questionable area exist.  Apparently, ultrasounds and blood work are not the only things that should be used to monitor situations like this. Who knew?

So, my family and I had our "let's talk about the surgery" meeting with my doctor.  She shared with me that they'll remove the left side, send it off for testing and how she really didn't feel there would be any concern with removing just the one side. She favored for me keeping the right side and that I wouldn't have to worry about taking thyroid medication the rest of my life. 

Inside I felt that maybe it would be best that they removed the whole thing. Might as well, there was just too much uncertainty.  Before I knew what happened, my mouth opened and those exact words came out. She felt why remove it if there's no need. At least let us be sure. Then, I asked how long does it take to get the results? UGH!!! I was told the results were not immediate. Which we discussed that there would have to be a second surgery, if the results were positive for cancer. 

She and I went back and forth. She favored keeping the right in and I favored taking the whole thyroid out. Don't get me wrong, I understood her view completely, but I just didn't see waiting to see and having another surgery.  My family and I discussed and we all agreed to just remove the one side.

The surgery went well. It was interesting not being able to talk. Not to say I talk a great deal...LOL. The goiter was a pretty nice size. I failed to mention that it was interferring with my esophagus.  My doctor had informed me that it was starting to expand down into my chest. That explained a lot of the coughing and always clearing my throat.

It was now time to wait and wait and wait. That part was the most difficult part. A few days before I could resume my regular activities, I received a call from the doctor's office. She wanted to see me as soon as possible. As you may have guessed I was starting to not like seeing her office number come up on my phone. I just broke down and cried. I just knew it wasn't good. 

I went to the office with my family. I wanted them with me. My mom was caring for my grandmother, otherwise I would have had her there too. We all sat down and she let us know that I have thyroid cancer. Damn! You hear cancer and your heart truly sinks. 

The second surgery was scheduled...(Part 3 to come).