Ok, I saw the surgeon concerning my thyroid nodules. My fears are confirmed --- I have to have surgery. There really doesn't seem to be any other way to confront the issues. Because such a tiny amount of tissue was extracted from the last biopsy, there is a chance that the pathology report may be a false negative. The nodule in the right lobe is considerably larger than the last scan in November last year. The 2 nodules in the left lobe have also increased in size. While he has me in surgery, he is also going to remove the mass in the dip of my neck. It is about the size of a golf ball. He thinks it may be an enlarged lymph node.
I would be lying if I said that I am not scared. My mother went through a life altering thyroid surgery in August last year that has left her unable to talk. She can barely talk in a coarse whisper. Not only this, but I remember the complete agony she was in immediately after surgery. Her neck had been hyper-extended during surgery, but it was necessary in order to get to the 3 huge masses. (The right side mass was the size of 1 man's fist, and the 2 left size massed were the size of 2 mens fists and had grown inward and downward behind her breast bone.) It was heartbreaking to see her in so much pain. I'll never forget how bad it was for her. I have a really bad neck, so I fear the pain that I could potentially be in. But, I don't have masses of that magnitude either.
We won't know until the next day if it is cancer. The Dr. said that he would probably keep me in the hospital over night, and that way I'll already be there if the diagnosis comes back positive for cancer. If it is, he will take me back into the OR and remove the entire thyroid. Oh, Joy! He also said that he has never had a patient to lose their ability to talk, so that makes me feel a little better. He assures me that this should not affect my anticipated gastric bypass surgery. I have the utmost confidence in my surgeon, but I still want to run it by the practitioner at the WLC at my next appointment.
Now for a brighter note: I have lost 31 pounds total! I was absolutely shocked when the scales showed an 8 pound loss this week! I'm tickled pink! I can tell it in my clothes, now. I'm actually wearing a size smaller in pants, and I can really see it in my face! The staff at the WLC are going to be so proud of me! I can't wait till my next appointment! I have purposely set my surgery date for a few days after the seminar that I'm scheduled to attend in April, just so that I won't miss anything!
I'm doing so good, with not eating after supper! The Lord is truly holding my hand through this, because I was a chronic nibbler from about 4PM until I went to bed at around 2AM. I have experienced a few days where I could have eaten the baseboards! But, that has only been a couple of times, and I worked through it. One night, I just went on to bed and read. That worked. Another night, I knew that I was on the brink of a binge if I didn't do something! So, I steamed a package of broccoli, and ate the entire thing, which was only 125 calories---opposed to 5,000 or more that a binge would have led to, and I was satisfied!
One day at a time............
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
It's always something........
Well, I heard from the surgeon's office today. The nurse said that he would like to have me come in and discuss the findings and decide what to do next. Ok, obviously something showed up, and the nurse couldn't tell me over the phone exactly what it was, just that they want to keep a very close watch on me, since my mother had thyroid cancer last summer. I have an appointment 2 weeks from today, giving me 14 more days to worry that something is going to interrupt my progress towards gastric bypass surgery. My worry up until now, was that I would get right up to the last few weeks before approval, and my insurance would suddenly decide that they are no longer going to pay for the procedure, knocking me out of getting it. Now I'm going to be worrying that another health issue will be the culprit instead.
I didn't see this coming. I had actually forgotten that I needed a follow up ultrasound. My numbers were good (thyroid) so I didn't have my guard up in anticipation of something to show up again. I really don't want to sound like a whiner, but if you were in my shoes you could understand better. I've been obese nearly all my life. I lost weight in '94-'95, 200 pounds to be exact, so I know what it was like to be slim for 3 1/2 years, before I started gaining it back. I made some miserable mistakes, and the consequences of those mistakes have certainly kept me humble, and unable to stay on a proper, healthy eating plan and exercise. I'm doing so good, now, and I just can't stand the thought of being derailed.
"Learning to lean. Learning to lean. I'm learning to lean on Jesus. Finding more power than I ever dreamed, I'm learning to lean on Jesus."
I didn't see this coming. I had actually forgotten that I needed a follow up ultrasound. My numbers were good (thyroid) so I didn't have my guard up in anticipation of something to show up again. I really don't want to sound like a whiner, but if you were in my shoes you could understand better. I've been obese nearly all my life. I lost weight in '94-'95, 200 pounds to be exact, so I know what it was like to be slim for 3 1/2 years, before I started gaining it back. I made some miserable mistakes, and the consequences of those mistakes have certainly kept me humble, and unable to stay on a proper, healthy eating plan and exercise. I'm doing so good, now, and I just can't stand the thought of being derailed.
"Learning to lean. Learning to lean. I'm learning to lean on Jesus. Finding more power than I ever dreamed, I'm learning to lean on Jesus."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Encouraged!
I had my second appointment at the WLC yesterday. I have lost 14 pounds! I am thrilled! The staff is thrilled as well! I'm told that it is unusual that someone actually does what they are told to do, and returns with such an impressive weight loss! I am determined! I will not quit! My resolve is strong! I will be healthy!
I've been worried that I may not get approved for the surgery, but I was assured that everything seems to be moving in my favor. It still is not a 'done deal,' but I think that the WLC will be as shocked as I will be if it doesn't work out. I have to wait for 6 months and still jump through a few more hoops before I'll know. During this 6 months, I can lose all the weight I want to lose, and not have to worry about losing so much that the insurance company will try to keep me from going through with the surgery. It makes me feel so much more at ease to know that the staff will represent me and champion for me until we make this real!
I'm still doing very well, having very little hunger issues. The only time I'm getting hungry is when it is naturally time for my next meal. Thank you Lord! I'm drinking tons of water. I hope to try some light exercise while seated in a chair. I can't even stand long enough to wash dishes, so the only way I'll be able to do any at all will be while seated.
I can really tell a difference already! Because I'm not eating such calorie dense foods, my stomach feels better, and I've even reduced the amount of acid reflux medicine by half. I haven't had any hot flashes since I changed my diet. The doctor said that studies have shown a distinguished link between the consumption of sugars and the frequency of hot flashes.
Now on a different note: I had a follow up ultrasound on my thyroid, today. Almost 4 months ago, a cold nodule was diagnosed on my thyroid. During the biopsy, several CC's of fluid was drained from it, and Praise the Lord, there was no evidence of cancer! I'm a little concerned, as I could see the monitor this time during the ultrasound, and I saw either several different marble sized dark round spots, or the same one from different angles. I know that the tech was taking a LOT of measurements. I hope I find out the results this week.
So that's it in a nutshell. I am definitely encouraged, and don't have to go through the next 5 months so stressed out. Better health is not too far away, and I can already see the outline of it several miles away yet. I'm in it to win it!
I've been worried that I may not get approved for the surgery, but I was assured that everything seems to be moving in my favor. It still is not a 'done deal,' but I think that the WLC will be as shocked as I will be if it doesn't work out. I have to wait for 6 months and still jump through a few more hoops before I'll know. During this 6 months, I can lose all the weight I want to lose, and not have to worry about losing so much that the insurance company will try to keep me from going through with the surgery. It makes me feel so much more at ease to know that the staff will represent me and champion for me until we make this real!
I'm still doing very well, having very little hunger issues. The only time I'm getting hungry is when it is naturally time for my next meal. Thank you Lord! I'm drinking tons of water. I hope to try some light exercise while seated in a chair. I can't even stand long enough to wash dishes, so the only way I'll be able to do any at all will be while seated.
I can really tell a difference already! Because I'm not eating such calorie dense foods, my stomach feels better, and I've even reduced the amount of acid reflux medicine by half. I haven't had any hot flashes since I changed my diet. The doctor said that studies have shown a distinguished link between the consumption of sugars and the frequency of hot flashes.
Now on a different note: I had a follow up ultrasound on my thyroid, today. Almost 4 months ago, a cold nodule was diagnosed on my thyroid. During the biopsy, several CC's of fluid was drained from it, and Praise the Lord, there was no evidence of cancer! I'm a little concerned, as I could see the monitor this time during the ultrasound, and I saw either several different marble sized dark round spots, or the same one from different angles. I know that the tech was taking a LOT of measurements. I hope I find out the results this week.
So that's it in a nutshell. I am definitely encouraged, and don't have to go through the next 5 months so stressed out. Better health is not too far away, and I can already see the outline of it several miles away yet. I'm in it to win it!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I'm Eating Tofu!
You have to know just how serious I am about this diet when you see me say that "I'm eating Tofu!" It's not too bad! I made a very health conscience breading of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and pulverised imitation bacon bits! I marinated the sliced tofu in a cup of double strong chicken broth for about 4 hours to give it some flavor. I lightly sprinkled the breading over all sides, then 'fried' in a nonstick skillet with a little cooking spray. It is different, for certain!
I haven't blogged since I weighed on Friday February 25th. I'm so happy to report that I lost 8 pounds! The healthy eating is going very well. I have had only a couple of episodes where I was really hungry but me and Jesus worked through it! My carb intake has been extremely low, but I tell you, I don't miss them at all! When my evening meal consists of 4 oz of meat (and it's really more than your mind will tell you it is) and 2 cups of steamed broccoli (or cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, carrots or cabbage or any variety of) how can anybody still be hungry after that? I also have to fit a fruit in there too! I'm usually so stuffed after eating, that I'm still stuffed when I go to bed 5 or more hours later!
I can already tell a difference in the way that I feel! I think of it as a detoxification of my body. Everyday just gets a little better. I don't miss the sugar at all! Praise the Lord! I pray that He will take my desire for sweets away from me, completely! Sweets have always been my great defeat. Chocolate is to me as alcohol is to an alcoholic. It has always been that way. I'm fine if I never eat another fried food, or potato chip, but chocolate will always be the tempter for me.
I am faithfully taking Calcium with vitamin D, and a multivitamin everyday! I split the horse pills into quarters, not because they are hard to swallow, but because I remember a fella who worked for Harriman Utility Board telling us that one would be surprised if he/she could see how many vitamins and calcium pills get flushed down the drain, having not dissolved in the body first. (Don't mean to be graphic.) I figure quartering them will result in more exposure of the internal surface of each pill having a better chance to dissolve instead of ending up in the septic tank!
The Lord has truly blessed me! My resolve is stronger by the day, and I know that with Jesus, I can do anything. Luke 1: 37--For with God nothing shall be impossible! Philipians 4: 13---I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I haven't blogged since I weighed on Friday February 25th. I'm so happy to report that I lost 8 pounds! The healthy eating is going very well. I have had only a couple of episodes where I was really hungry but me and Jesus worked through it! My carb intake has been extremely low, but I tell you, I don't miss them at all! When my evening meal consists of 4 oz of meat (and it's really more than your mind will tell you it is) and 2 cups of steamed broccoli (or cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, carrots or cabbage or any variety of) how can anybody still be hungry after that? I also have to fit a fruit in there too! I'm usually so stuffed after eating, that I'm still stuffed when I go to bed 5 or more hours later!
I can already tell a difference in the way that I feel! I think of it as a detoxification of my body. Everyday just gets a little better. I don't miss the sugar at all! Praise the Lord! I pray that He will take my desire for sweets away from me, completely! Sweets have always been my great defeat. Chocolate is to me as alcohol is to an alcoholic. It has always been that way. I'm fine if I never eat another fried food, or potato chip, but chocolate will always be the tempter for me.
I am faithfully taking Calcium with vitamin D, and a multivitamin everyday! I split the horse pills into quarters, not because they are hard to swallow, but because I remember a fella who worked for Harriman Utility Board telling us that one would be surprised if he/she could see how many vitamins and calcium pills get flushed down the drain, having not dissolved in the body first. (Don't mean to be graphic.) I figure quartering them will result in more exposure of the internal surface of each pill having a better chance to dissolve instead of ending up in the septic tank!
The Lord has truly blessed me! My resolve is stronger by the day, and I know that with Jesus, I can do anything. Luke 1: 37--For with God nothing shall be impossible! Philipians 4: 13---I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)