TH BIG DAY!!

Yes, this proves that beauty is only SKIN deep! HAHA!! Totally kidding! I think my innards are gorgeous! :-)

Above is one of the pictures of the scans that I had today. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of the "state of the art" orange ones that are really clear and look super cool (probably a good thing cause you can see the outline of my body and my intestines were glowing and I don't think y'all want to see THAT much of me! HAHAHA!).

So, I arrived at 8:30am and I sat in the little waiting room and another lady was outside asking about where she was to have her thyroid scan. She came in and I said, "I am sorry but did I hear you say thyroid?" She went on and on about how her thyroid is overactive and she is trying to get it fixed. She was just your typical sweet Texas lady who instantly was one of your new friends. Then she left and a young girl in her 20's came in and she said, "I am so sorry if you heard that, I couldn't help but talk about you.... etc..." I told her I hadn't heard a thing but I get it everyday so don't worry, then we went on and on and ended up laughing SO hard about height and my plight (haha). She was adorable and I instantly loved her because when I told her I was 36 she fell over in her chair and said, "I could have sworn you were 25". I told her she was coming with me the REST of the day! This girl was just adorable!!! Then they called me back!

I walked in the scan room and they had a NEW scanner which the tech Michael was really excited about. He said it had sensors that knew exactly where your body was so it could get really close. I learned that each time I took a breath it would raise up and then come back down. It freaked me out at one point because it was literally 1/4 inch from my face and when it got past my nose it when down to my lips. As soon as it passed my head I turned to look at the screen which was about 6 feet away. I saw that my neck area was glowing but not drastically. It was kind of like when you take a pregnancy test and the pink line is just barely there... you don't know if it is POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE. So for 25 minutes I sat there wondering what the verdict was then the machine started flashing WARNING WARNING - something about radioactivity. Well come on now... any one would freak out a little bit. Finally someone came in and she said the machine must have thought it hit me.

Then I had to do some more scans just on the neck. I asked Michael (who is always my tech) if my scan was glowing or not! He said you mean this area right here, yes that is glowing (my heart sank) but that is NOT your neck, that is your saliva glands". He then said the most beautiful words, "you are not glowing what so ever in the area of concern." I said, "are you sure, are you saying that it really is not glowing at all in the entire neck?" and he said, "NO GLOWING". He was really excited too and then he let me get up and he told me to come look at the other computer and he showed me some of my scans. He told me I could take a picture of it for my family up in Seattle (shout out). That is what you are seeing above... I know, don't be all jealous now!

The part that is bright is my intestines and my saliva glands. That is because if you remember that is how the radiation comes out. So I really have to be careful not to get the saliva stones again (that means I have to keep my saliva production really high with sour candies - oh and eating a lot!! Ok I added that part).

I then went across the street for my blood work and the lady taking it was even funnier than the previous two gals I had met! She really made my day with her comments and antidotes. I tell ya.... God made me laugh ALL day cause He knew I was nervous!!

I was walking through the hospital on my way back to work and I ran into my young little friend and I told her my test didn't glow and we both started screaming and jumping up and down - it was a hilarious scene!!

Now before we start dancing in the streets we must remember that I have not received official confirmation from my doctor. That should happen on Monday!

BUT IT IS LOOKING PRETTY DARN GOOD THAT MADGE

HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!

I told you I was going to be tougher on the ol' gal and kick her out!

NO MO MOMO?? I THINK SO

I will give you the "official" word when I get it!!

DAY THREE!!

( I just had to use my "official" picture again - HAHA!!)

I am going to make this quick because I am not feeling so hot. :-(

I went to nuclear medicine this morning and the guy told me I needed to take a pregnancy test because the radiation would harm the baby. I was having deja vu! I told him I had a test on Monday and the Monday before and they were negative. He said he would have to call my doctor. The good thing is the nurse wrote that I had a negative pregnancy test on my protocol so I whipped that out of my purse. Then he confessed that the doctor wasn't there yet so I waited almost an HOUR! Goodness.... and to think my patients used to wait up to 2 hours! SO SORRY!

So the doctor came in and I hadn't met this one before, he was very young and very nice (all the guys in nuclear medicine are so extremely nice I wrote a raving letter to their manager who was one of my neurosurgery patients). So, he gave me the usual spiel about everything and then they went to get the dose. This one was only 5 (I don't know what measuring unit they use) and when I took the dose to "kill" the cancer it was 220 so this one is SMALL but still packed a punch!!

They came in with the silver can and she had me take the container out from inside of it. You are not allowed to touch the pill so you take it like a shot and down a bunch of water. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink for 30 minutes (which was a real bummer because I was going to grab a HUGE breakfast right after that).

I did ask about being around Brenna and he said I was not allowed to kiss her (the radiation comes out the saliva and urine) and I couldn't hug or hold her until after my scan on Friday. I had already mentally prepared for that and that is a big part of why we all went to dinner last night. :-(

So no kissing and canoodling for me for 2 days. At least I am not quarantined for 7 days again! :-)

That is it. I have not had a good day physically but mentally I am happy as all get out!!! I got anxious today for the first time really about the test on Friday. I could find out I am cancer free! How cool would that be.... or I could find out that it is still there and we go for round 2! I am OK with that outcome, I know what to expect this time so it isn't scary. Don't get me wrong though... I am really ready to move on with my life!! I will see the screen after my test and I will see if it glows or not but I won't get that official call from my doctor until Monday. I will report if it glowed or not but I won't have a plan until next week if it does.

Ok... I am off to go rest. I will report on what I am going through physically tomorrow. I have NOTHING on the agenda tomorrow - YAY YAY YAY!!!! :-) Of course I wish I could just go have the scan and know one way or another!!! I have never been good with anticipation! :-)

JUST 2 MORE DAYS!!!

GO MOMO!!

DAY TWO DOWN!

Just a reminder that I started this blog for two reasons, one because I was getting calls every 5 minutes from my sweet loved ones & friends wanting to know how I was doing and I was in such shock and so tired that I decided to post updates here so everyone could know what was going on. Second, I told you all that I was going to tell the truth and let you peek inside the life of someone living with cancer and so when you meet someone going through it as well you would have a better understanding of what they were going through.

This is not my "pity party" and most of all I don't want to sound negative. It is just reality and sometimes it really sucks. Luckily for me most of the time everything is GREAT and I laugh and enjoy my days (well starting in December!!). :-)

I am a little sensitive today, I am sure it is these darn shots! :-)

I went in for the second shot today and she asked me how I was feeling. I told her about the sharp pains in my head and she apologized and told me that I needed to be thankful that I will only suffer for ONE week and not several like it used to be. I said, "amen sister, I was so excited when I learned about these shots!!". Then she asked me if there was anything else and I said, "yes, I am quite the b*itch today...... I called my husband a son of a b*itch this morning and I MEANT IT". HAHA! This is actually true! I know....... I don't know where it came from!! He ruined my coffee on accident and we were running late and it made me so mad! Now you all know I get mad about 3 times a year and it lasts for about 5 minutes. I guess this means you better not screw up my coffee! HAHAHA!!!! Oh you should have seen the look on his face - priceless! He didn't say a word - I don't think I have ever seen him so shocked!!!

She explained (oh yes I did apologize about 15 minutes later which is a lifetime for me... that is like our 5th "fight" in 18 years) that the shots have thrown me into HYPOthyroidism and so my body is completely out of whack (obviously hormones as well). I also mentioned to her that I cannot concentrate for the life of me and she said that was common (just like before my meds were leveled).

However, I wasn't grouchy at all after that and I have been forgiven!! :-) It is quite funny now. My hubby just looked at me and said, "I know you are going through a lot and I understand it is not easy, I am here for you". :-) What a trooper!

So later in the day I started feeling nauseous but we had plans to go out to eat with Bill, Ginger, & Brenna after not seeing them for DAYS and I wasn't going to miss it! I started feeling better and we had a GREAT time (as always).

One of the other things I have noticed is that I have DEFINITELY gained weight! I know it is only 2 days in but the way I eat it isn't a surprise (I seriously eat every 30 minutes). I am anxious to get on the scale - I will report on that tomorrow. You all know I went from 163lbs to 140lbs and have stayed at 143lbs for over a year now. This should be interesting to see how this affects it after ya'll know how hard it has been to gain weight! :-)

TOMORROW:

I check into admissions at the hospital at 7:30am and then go to nuclear medicine for the "radioactive iodine" pill. It is so cool... a guy in a "space suit" brings it to you and you cannot touch it. Tomorrow is a LOW dose so I can go back to work.

THURSDAY:

NOTHING - I get the day off!! YAY!!!

I am off to bed now... the lethargy has kicked in too! I have learned to REALLY appreciate my thyroid medication now! I WILL NEVER COMPLAIN AGAIN ABOUT TAKING IT EVERY DARN DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!! I love it and I appreciate it!!!!

GOOD NIGHT AND LOVE Y'ALL!!!

GO MOMO GO GO GO!!!

** HEY MARYJANE!! Thanks for the great comment! I will come see y'all soon & I PROMISE TO HIT A HOME RUN!!! :-)

ONE DAY DOWN!

Well I went over to the doctors office today (great because it is right across the street from where I work) to get my first shot of Thyrogen. I went back and she placed me in the "shot" room and then she came in and said she needed a pregnancy test. I gave her that "look" and laughed (they all know it would be the second coming of Christ if I were pregnant) and said if she gave me the shot and I was pregnant it would harm the baby so they HAD to make sure. Even though I had the test a week ago I had to do it again. Then they made me wait forever but I got to chit chat with all the girls in the office. Then it was time.....

She took me in another room and went over the protocol with me (basically just the schedule of tests, etc.. for this week). Then she told me that there are some side effects to the shot which include severe headache and/or nausea for the entire week. At first it bothered me because y'all know the nausea was my biggest issue before (I can live with just about anything but that). Then I realized that this shot was keeping me from being sick for weeks (5 or 6 minimum) so what is JUST ONE week??? I can do this!

I got the shot in the right "hip" (once again girls......) and then she told me I had to sit there for 30 minutes to make sure I didn't have any side effects.

About 15 minutes later I could tell it hit me but I didn't get nauseous. I was jut dizzy and I had that "cloudy" feeling that I had before where I cannot concentrate or speak clear sentences - I just keep calling blonde moments (gotta love those hormones).

I was cleared to leave and went back to work and then I started experiencing sharp shooting pains from my neck up to the top of my head. I haven't really shaken it since but I am just so happy that I don't have other side effect! YAY!!! :-)

So I go back tomorrow for the 2nd shot.

Oh yes... the endo called before my doc appt and said this (Iranian accent), "Ms. Chandler (sounds like ChandLAA) I spoke to your surgeon again and she looked at your surgery report and your ultrasound, she did leave a clip in there because she had to clip a vessel but she says it shouldn't be a problem. Just proceed with your tests this week and lets get this done". I said, "ok" and that was that.

I will call the surgeon's office tomorrow to ensure it is titanium and MRI compatible.

ONE DAY DOWN.... FOUR TO GO!

I just want to eat shrimp again! You don't realize how much you love something until you can't have it anymore!!

JUST THINK - IT COULD BE 4 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE FIND OUT

NO MORE MADGE!!!

GO MOMO GO!!

THE PLAN FOR NEXT WEEK

Yes I am still daydreaming about another vacation

(that was Sandy Spit Island, BVI)......

OFFICIAL PLAN FOR NEXT WEEK:

MONDAY 8:45am – Shot

TUESDAY 8:45am – Shot

WEDNESDAY 7:30am – Radioactive Iodine Pill

FRIDAY 8:30am – Full Body Scan

The shot is something new in the past few years, this will prevent me from having to stop my medication (they used to stop it 5 weeks prior to test) and so I won't get so sick! HURRAY FOR MODERN MEDICINE!! Before you would have to stop the medicine so there would be NO iodine processing what so ever in the body. That way when you take the radioactive iodine PILL it goes IMMEDIATELY to the thyroid which does all of your iodine processing and then the radiation goes directly to the cancer (the glow on the scan) and so it was more potent. Now, they give you a shot that does the same thing but you no longer have to get off the medication so I won't be a HUGE nauseous slug! YAY!!!

Here are updates on the other 2 issues:

METAL OBJECT: No new news! I get asked every 10 minutes what the latest is and I swear you will know when I do!! :-) I also keep getting asked if I am going to file a lawsuit. Some of you know when I was 17 years old I was very close to losing my leg (staph & gangrene) from a negligent doctor who decided to give me a 8 inch 3rd degree burn while cutting off a cast. That was a VERY difficult time and I ended up settling out of court a year after it started due to the stress. So, quite honestly unless it is threatening my life it doesn't really upset me or phase me that much. I have worked in surgery for 12 years and I have more compassion for the surgeon that most people I guess, it wasn't on purpose and it is so minor (well as far as I know) so at this point I really am not thinking about it. :-) If for some reason it does turn into me having another surgery and/or compromising my health then it will be considered, but it will be a very hard decision to make after what I have experienced in the past.

PNEUMONIA: I had about 3 hours of misery on Thursday and then I seemed to be doing very well with just he occasional bout of feeling feverish and heavy chested. Then I woke up this morning all congested. ICK! But I still feel it was caught so early that it will be over before it gets too bad. :-)

HERE IS SOME EXCITING NEWS!!!! Yesterday on my way home from work something REALLY big hit me. I think I didn't realize it before due to the news about the metal object & pneumonia..... THERE WERE NO NODULES REPORTED ON THE ULTRASOUND!! What that means is NO TUMORS!!! BUT..... all 9 of my tumors were between .7 to 1.5 mm (anything above 1mm is of concern) and there is a COMPLEX structure measuring 9.8mm on the right side of my throat. At this point my guess and after reading the report is that it is the calcium build up from my body rejecting the metal object (it is in the same area). So, this POTENTIALLY could mean that the radiation actually DID work and my tumors all shrank and went off into oblivion! COOL STUFF!!! Of course nothign is official unitl the doctor confirms it!! I will know more after all my testing is done. See... there is always a POSITIVE!!! :-)

I am really excited, I have decided on a name for the cancer research fund! STAY TUNED!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

I am so ready to get back on that boat and sail away to Anegada (heck I might not return this time)!! HAHA!

The doctor FINALLY called me back at around 6pm tonight and mind you this is the endo nazi that NEVER laughs at my jokes (maybe I am just not funny??), she is always just direct and to the point. When I answered the phone she said this:

"Ms. Chandler (read all of this in an Iranian accent) you have pneumonia, you cannot get sick, you need to be on medicine immediately, you cannot get sick, call Dr. Ersoy immediately and get medicine, if she can't help you right away then call me back in the morning and I will call some stuff in immediately, you cannot get sick. Tell her you have your scan next week and you cannot get sick. Now, as far as your ultrasound, you have a calcification, this is perplexing, you also have a metallic object in there and quite frankly I am really confused. I ran into your surgeon today and asked her if she uses metal clips in her thyroidectomy cases and she is going to look at the surgery report (I have the report and it does not mention clipping or leaving a clip in there). I have never seen this. I don't know what is going on at this point and I need to get the full picture from her. I cannot proceed until she tells me what is going on. The metal object and the calcification have to be addressed but I cannot move on until I have the whole picture, I just don't know what to do. We need to get your scan very quickly and move forward. First however you must stop the pneumonia. Do you understand?"

I think she was trying to say I cannot get sick! HAHA!!!

I said yes and she said to proceed with my treatment course for next week and she will call me when she knows more about why this metal object is in there and if it caused the calcification.

That is it. Hearing my "tough" doctor all frazzled gave me a moment of concern but she didn't send me to the ER so I am assuming I shall live! HAHA!!

NEXT STEPS:

1. I will get on MORE antibiotics tomorrow (I actually stopped my other course because - GOOD NEWS - my face is 90% back to normal!! WOO HOO!!!)

2. I will try my darndest NOT to let the pneumonia get me (caught it super early... I just have a little baby cough)

3. I start the shots on Monday if this clip/calcification/pneumonia ordeal doesn't stop things

So no worries.... we are just rolling with the punches and we shall see where this adventure takes us. You might want to buckle yourselves in for this one.... it could get a little bumpy! :)

DARN IT MOMO!!!

** GOOD NEWS I FORGOT TO MENTION- THE XRAY SHOWED NO BONE OR LUNG METASTASIS!!!!!

Medical Mistake or Alien Implant?? Hhhmmm???

Some of you know by now that I had a very interesting day! :-) Yesterday I took advantage of my day off and went to a few doctor appointments. One of those was to have a chest x-ray to see if the cancer had gone into my lungs and/or bones and also a neck ultrasound to see if those 2 new tumors have grown. Well..... we got more than we bargained for!

I had a new ultrasound tech who was really sweet and we chatted up a storm until she turned all serious and said she had to go talk to the radiologist. This typically happens just to ensure that the radiologist can tell the tech if they got all the pictures and measurements they need. She came back in and said, "the radiologist wants me to concentrate on something on the right side of your neck". Well she had done 3 measurements there so I already knew there was something of interest (usually they only measure one "tumor" on that side). She then left again and was gone for 15 MINUTES! I took advantage of my "alone time" and snapped the picture above on my cell phone (I felt so criminal... like the time that Ginger and I "smuggled" Cuban cigars in our bikini tops - only to find out we were in international waters and it didn't count! I make a terrible criminal!! - HAHA!!).

I thought some of you might want to see this scar tissue I am always talking about. There is no denying that it is there!!

So, 15 minutes later the tech comes in and a few doctors are trailing after her. My first thought was I must have this GIGANTIC tumor and they needed to come make sure before they gave me the grim news but right off the bat the doctor BLURTS, "we think they left a metal clip in your throat during surgery, I need to look at it". Of course I made some lame joke and he looked at me like I was insane (I don't understand why people think I am crazy for not getting upset all the time). :-)

He poked and prodded for a while and then the tech grabbed the wand and pushed my jugular to the side and said, "see, when you push and move the jugular it is right behind it". The main doctor (the others never said anything or looked me in the eyes) came to the foot of my bed and said (very sternly), "I am going to go make a report and send it to your doctor". All I could say was, "ok, thank you very much".

I laughed pretty much the rest of the day and night. What else can I really do? I am just so thankful it isn't a pair of scissors or a scalpel! Can you imagine that? Good golly! I just crack up at the thought that I am one of those people you see on the Discovery Chanel about surgeries gone bad - haha!

So, one of the doctors I work with pulled my report up this morning and sure enough it stated there is a metal object in there. There were some other very perplexing things that are new but until I talk to my "real" doctor I am not going to get into that yet. The x-ray stated I had pneumonia (I have been feeling funky but not congested) so I am MILKING it tonight (I think back rubs cure pneumonia right???). :-)

Seriously... I cannot stop laughing and I feel great so don't even worry one little bit. It actually explains a few things so I am relieved to know what is going on in there.

I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and see if I should be concerned at all. I shall update ya'll as soon as I know what we are going to do about my "alien implant".

ALSO... I am going to talk to our grants and contracts department this week because I have decided to start up a charity for thyroid cancer research (send me any name ideas). I work right down the hall from the endocrinology research department and I will talk to the chairman as well. Stay tuned! That means I get to do another fun website and finally have my non-profit! Of course I thought it would be for orphans and refugees (speaking of which Jacob is getting back from Sudan and day now) but this too is close to my heart.

Ok... I just had some caffeine so I could go on and on but I have to go "play sick"! HAHA!

GO MOMO!!

(she threw a nice little curve ball today)

OF COURSE!

You guys know me.... if it isn't one thing it is another. I enjoyed the last few days of things going well and feeling great that my blood work looked good. But, you know I am God's private joke!

The last couple of days I have experienced a couple of sharp pains in my wonderful parotid gland but they left as fast as they came (happened when I took my meds with juice). Well... today I ate a breakfast bar and wouldn't ya know it.... MY GLAND POPPED OUT! Just like before.

This just means that it is time for SOUR candies and maybe the steroids again. I am not even going to call the doctor until it starts happening every time I eat. I do NOT want him to do the procedure again unless I am desperate!!!

So, since I am getting the "radiation" pill (low dose for the scan) and that is what the docs feel caused this then I am a bit concerned. It really is painful and I feel so bad if any of you ever experience this!!!!

That is it.....

GO MOMO!!!!!!!!!!

(seriously..... so ready to MOVE ON!!!)

WE HAVE A DATE!!!

I just got a call that my whole body scan is scheduled for THURSDAY, January 26th! That is the day we will see if I GLOW or not! I cannot wait to get this over with and get on with it!

That is what the machine looks like, I just lay there for about 25 minutes and typically fall asleep.

Although I really enjoyed my month "off" in December I haven't enjoyed the delay in hearing YOU ARE CURED! :-) Coming soon I am sure!

I want that SURVIVOR T-SHIRT! We all have goals! :-)

GO MOMO!!

QUICK UPDATE - Good news!!

The endo nazi called me today (since I have readers from Beijing to Mexico I hope she doesn't read this too - "hi" Linda & San!! HAHA!!) to discuss a patient over in Iran and she said, "well since I have you on the phone I might as well tell you that I got your lab results back from the other day".

Here is what she said:

My blood work showed that my thyroid tissue or the cancer cells are STARTING TO BE SUPPRESSED!! That means the protein hormone that was being produced at a significant amount (causes the cancer) is slowing down!! She even stated she might start lowering my dose! WHAT!!! I have been giggling all afternoon!

Remember that the last test showed that I had residual thyroid tissue and so the blood work showed that it was producing a significant amount of the protein hormone (something like that) which meant my thyroid "stem" that they left in was working like a full thyroid OR the protein was being produced by the cancer cells meaning since there was a significant amount then they were sure the cancer was growing rapidly.

SO, what this means is that what ever way it is (I will know for sure in a few weeks) it is calming down!! Makes sense, I have been feeling SO great and maybe, just maybe the radiation worked slower than we anticipated (was supposed to stop working in Oct) and IT IS KILLING THE CANCER!!

Now... I don't know this, it is just a possibility. But it doesn't matter, just this tid bit of good news has me on cloud 9! I want to keep feeling this good and living my ol' full life! I REFUSE TO GET SICK AGAIN! I am too happy now and Madge has just got to move on!

Love ya'll!!

GO MOMO (she is scared now!!!)

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

HAPPY THYROID AWARENESS MONTH!!!

Take a moment and thank your darn thyroid because trust me, you don't want to be with out that little sucker!! HA!

First, thank you all for allowing me to "check out" during the month of December while I enjoyed a blissful month of NO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS (the 12/30 one didn't really count - HA).

I must say, I feel so great lately and I was dreading going to the doctor this morning and just having to hear the word CANCER again. It was so great to feel normal again in Dec that I just didn't want to hear anyone say I was "sick" again. But I had such a great day (thanks in big part to my best friend coming to see me for lunch) that I feel ready now!!!! Thanks Gingee for ALWAYS being there for me!!!

Ok... without further adieu here is what happened today:

• I went to my endo doctor at 8am and first was seen by the resident, they always just go over every little thing I have been through....


• The doctor came in and went over it again and then did a thorough exam (again, always wear your best ladies!!) of all the lymph nodes and my throat and she also said she could feel the scar tissue in my throat that has been giving me some issues here and there (feels like someone is pressing on my throat about 50% of my day).


• I had some blood test to check all my levels

She then gave me the game plan... she stated she needed 5 consecutive days that everyone will be available so we chose January 26th to start this:

MONDAY - Shot of Thygen (sp?) which means I DON'T HAVE TO GET OFF MY SYNTHROID - best possible news I could have heard! That was my BIGGEST fear because that would mean off my meds I would feel really horrible again! YEA!!!! BIG PRAYER ANSWERED!! THANKS!

TUESDAY - Shot of Thygen

WEDNESDAY - take the low dose of radiation - they will tell me to come in on Thurs or Fri

THURSDAY OR FRIDAY - will return to the nuclear medicine department to have the FULL BODY uptake I-131 scan to see if I am "glowing" in any areas (I can see the screen as soon as it is done). It will glow if where ever there is cancer.

Then we will know the NEXT step. Here is the deal, if it is glowing that means the cancer is still there and having a good ol' time. If I am not glowing it still means that since my last blood test showed a significant amount of protein being secreted by that "stem" they left in there that it is inevitable the cancer will return. So, either way she said it most likely means surgery but hey..... you just never know!!

I am just SO happy that I do not have to get off my medication! That is a HUGE relief!!!!

Here is some info on how the uptake scan is done (what I did before):

The person is asked to either drink a liquid or take a pill that contains radioactive iodine. The radioactive iodine goes into the thyroid gland over the next several hours. About four hours after taking the iodine, the person is asked to lie down on a table below a special camera that can detect the radioactive material. While the person lies very still, the camera takes pictures of the thyroid gland. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to take all the required pictures. Usually, the person is asked to come back 24 hours later to have a second set of pictures taken, which only takes about 5 minutes.

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:

And there you have it! No matter what happens I know it won't be last time since I am already used to my medication - SHE SAID SHE WAS INCREASING IT AGAIN TODAY!!!! I never did increase it like I was supposed to and she didn't yell at me! I was scared to tell the endo nazi!

I told my boss today what was happening and I was so touched by his response! He told me he had cancer 7 years ago and all he was concerned about was if I was ok. It was a nice bonding moment! He said to just do what ever I have to do to make sure I am ok. That was a big relief.

I have had a taste now of feeling good and not having to deal with this for a month that I want it again SO BAD!! PERMANENTLY!!! I am going to fight this time much harder! I have some great goals for 2009 and they are already in full force so that keeps me very motivated to get this OVER with and move on!

SO GO MOMO ONE LAST TIME!!!

Good news to report.... the antibiotics are WORKING! The bumps are almost GONE! YEA!

Love you all and thank you again for allowing me to be "free" in December!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! & Face Mystery SOLVED!

Well.... although I had one of my best years despite the circumstances I am still glad to see 2008 go. I know 2009 is going to be full of even more wonderful blessings and happenings! I have some goals for this new year that have me rather excited so stay tuned.....

Ok, so I went to the dermatologist yesterday for my 6wk check up to check the status of my face! Well... I left his office feeling rather strange. This doctor gives me the CREEPS and he just doesn't seem to be on the ball. So, as I was leaving the building there was this GORGEOUS derm clinic and no one was in the waiting room. I heard a voice in my head say "take charge of your health Brandy" so I went in and asked if I could be seen. The receptionist was so sweet and said they could see me in just a few minutes! So, I filled out all of the paperwork and then saw a Dr. Tyler. Both him and the nurse listened to my story about how my hormones were all out of whack due to my thyroidectomy and he sat there and explained WHY my face reacted!!!! It felt so good to have someone understand!!!

My current problem has been so strange, the acne is gone but I have had these rash like bumps all over my face. He said that the acne was due to the hormone inbalance and the bumps that came afterwards were a result from the antibiotic they put me on. See, the antibiotic got rid of too much of the good bacteria and therefore my face compensated with yeast growth (I know sounds so icky). GOOD NEWS is there is a simple cure, now on top of the other 2 medications I will be taking another pill to balance out my bacteria/yeast issue and another topical cream. Unfortunately I have to be on all 4 of these meds until my hormones are balanced. He was just so COOL and then he gave me $560 worth of samples (one of the meds the other doc has me on costs me $60 a month and he gave me a ton of free ones).

He also did a full body skin cancer check (good thing I was prepared - HAHA!!) and said everything looked great!!

I am just so relieved that he explained why my face has done this and I am so happy to move on.

NEXT STEP:

BIG appointment on 1/8/09 to get the plan from the endo doc about the next steps

I hope that you all have an incredibly blessed 2009 and thank you for sticking this out with me and I know this coming year is going to be INCREDIBLE!!!

GO MOMO!!!

Just a reminder to everyone that I am taking the month of December "off" from MOMO! I just need a sanity break. I feel great and I just want to have the life I did before Madge. The holidays are always such a joyous occasion and therefore I want to ENJOY them! :-)

So far it has been GREAT! I feel incredibly healthy (no side effects except the face issues which are better with the daily antibiotics but it is still gross). The new job is GREAT and it feels great to be so active again. It took about a week for my brain to be on my "A-Game" again but I feel almost back to normal. Well.... most of you know I have never really been normal! HAHA!

Love you all and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! As always, thank you for your prayers and daily encouragement!!!

NEXT STEP:

Doctor appt on 12/30/08 with dermatologist to see if the pills are helping, I have doubled up on them so we will see.

Doctor appt on 1/8/09 with the endocrinologist to get the "plan". The uptake scan will be scheduled, blood work to see if my "thyroid" is still producing massive amounts of proteins, etc...

I shall give you an update after my next doctor's appointment!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and thank you all so much for putting up with me while I have had many ups and downs and sticking with me through my emotional roller coaster!

GO MOMO!!!

GOOD UPDATE!!!!

Dr. Zhang came to yesterday morning and stated he had a very long talk with Dr. Maillard (the one who wants to scrape out my entire neck) and he actually said that what he explained made complete sense. So, a couple of hours later Dr. Maillard called me to his office (luckily it is just a few floors up from me).

This is what he said:

1. He stated that the best course of action is to FIRST do the uptake scan of the entire body to see if the cancer has metastasized - this was already planned to take place in January.

2. If my scan "glows" and shows any cancer then he thinks we should first nuke it again with radiation and then do another uptake scan 6 weeks after that to ensure it has been "killed". If it was not killed then I need surgery and radiation again. I am sure it will glow since it did before. He said nuking it is much easier on me and worth trying first to save me from surgery if it works.

3. If the scan does NOT glow then he said they will have to go in surgically to find it because sometimes with this particular type of cancer the tumors do not intake the radiation(remember that 21%). He said they are sure the cancer is there so we actually WANT the scan to glow to guide them to exactly where it is.

4. He wanted to make sure that before my uptake scan the doctor does NOT take me off my thyroid medication for 5 weeks like I was told would happen. He said these days there is a new technique where they give you a certain hormone and therefore you don't have to suffer - I WILL TAKE IT!! That was my biggest fear was after taking 5 months to get the medication regulated only to have to get off and start over. I did not want to feel that way again and he said there is NO reason to do that! YEAH! That just made me over the moon happy!!!!

He warned that surgery is the last resort because my complication risks are very high since I have already had surgery, they include partial or complete vocal cord damage and/or damaging the para-thyroids which will cause a calcium issues which are very dangerous.

I mentioned to him that I have been having an increasingly difficult time swallowing and my voice is also having some issues. He said that made complete sense after looking at my CT and then he showed me the CT and explained everything in great detail. This is what he said:

1. My esophagus was shifted over about 3/4" to my right due to the surgery and there is scar tissue pressing into it causing the swallowing issues. The good news is my trachea is completely open and not affected. We just have to hope that the scar tissue doesn't keep growing and then have to have it taken out.

2. He pointed out a "very large" area of concern, it is to the left of the trachea which he states is either a very large tumor or a large growth of scar tissue. To me it just looked like a big blob! Since my ultrasound in July showed a "suspicious" lymph node in the area he pretty much thinks it is a tumor but he said we will know for sure when I have that uptake scan because it should "glow".

3. He also pointed out the residual thyroid tissue. He explained that when they "clipped" the thyroid off they basically left the "stem". He said it usually is "killed" be the radiation and does not work but of course you know my body has never given me the easy route! :-)

So, at this point I can just sit back and relax and enjoy NO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS until 12/30 & 1/8/09. Those are the next 2 and we will know the specific plan after the 1/8/09 appt.

I am not sure at this point if I will go to the doctor at Methodist since these 2 doctors seem to be on the same page now and it seems pretty clear cut to me. I just have to make sure to get that hormone from my endo, she might have a different mindset.

So at this point I am all for going through the radiation again FIRST to try to kill it and avoid another surgery which will be more risky. Not that the risks are really that bad (I am sure certain people would mind me losing my voice permanently - HAHA!!) but looks like we could get Madge with just some more radiation - YEAH!!!

The radiation was not difficult except all the contamination rules and the cramping and saliva gland issues. That is SMALL beans my friends!

I just feel rejuvenated and excited. I woke up full of energy and life! Just to know that it could be an easier journey and that I don't have to think about it until JANUARY! I am looking forward to taking a break from all the appointments and daily changes in the plan! :-) I am going to do my best to ignore Madge and just maybe she will get pissed off and want to leave this next time! :-)

GO MOMO!!!!

** I just want to thank you again for always giving me such encouraging words of support and I feel like such a "sham" sometimes because people always tell me how positive and inspiring I am but most people don't get to see me crying in the shower, having days where I just ask God to take me home, etc..... I GET ALL MY STRENGTH FROM GOD AND MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY who are always there for me! You guys keep me going and because I know He is using me it gets me out of bed every day!

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT YOU WOULD STILL BE READING THIS BLOG 7 MONTHS LATER!

QUICK SYMPTOM UPDATE:

* Acne is really clearing up now! So HAPPY!

* I had 5 periods in 8 weeks - hormones are a b*itch!! So was I - HAHA!!!

* The dizziness is back just when I stand up but I think that was due to me accidentally missing a dose or 2 of my medication and then adding the steroids and massive antibiotics, my body just probably needs time to adjust (sounds good)

* Hair is extremely brittle - this is from the thyroid med

* Weight is still holding steady at 142lbs

* I have to eat a snack around 9-10am or I get really nauseous (I am sure from the morning meds)

OK, you are ALL caught up on the latest! This was a LONG one so it should hold you over until my next update which I HOPE is not until JANUARY! :-)

LOVE YOU ALL!

TWO Updates Today!

Just wanted to tell you that I went to the dermatologist and he said that due to the "extent" of the hormonal acne that he is first going to put me on a long term antibiotic (every day for 2 months to start with) since I had a good result with my current antibiotics. However, he changed it to the same thing I was on last month (Doxycycline) that made my esophagus inflame. That is ok though, I just know I need to take it way before bed time so it doesn't sit in my throat and irritate it. He said that should work but since I am going through so much then if it doesn't he will put me on Accutane.. that is some GREAT stuff, cures acne PERMANENTLY!!! We will see.....

He also gave me a topical cream that costs $60 WITH insurance! Better work! HAHA!!

I had a GREAT day, I feel good and since my face cleared up quite a bit I felt normal again!

This is a VERY active week for me since it is my LAST week with neurosurgery. Lots of fun parties, etc.... I am still very sad to leave my wonderful doctor but I know we will still be there for each other!!

Hopefully I can tell you tomorrow when my appointment is with Dr. Robbins! YEA!!

I am actually going to go WORK OUT!! Yes.... I feel THAT great!

GO MOMO!!!