Today is day 64 of my diet, and I have lost 51 pounds! But, I'm sure 4 or 5 will come back, because I haven't had any appetite since surgery, and I've had to force myself to even get 450 calories per day.
I saw the surgeon yesterday for a post-op visit. I can leave the bandage off now, and start applying vitamin E several times a day. Right now, the scar is looking somewhat keloidal. It's raised and bumpy and quite ugly. I hope it smooths out after some time.
The cancer was a stage 1 Papillary cancer. There were several other words with it, but I dare not try to quote them without a copy of the report to refer to. I have to have a nuclear test next week which will tell if I need any radiation treatment. I'd have to move out of my house, and in with my parents so that I could have a bathroom to myself, and be away from all family members. The radiation is shed through bodily fluids. I can't get within several feet of people, and will have to eat with all things disposable. Not to mention, I'd be leaving my house to my two sons who don't like to do anything close in appearance to housework!
I'll see the Dr again toward the end of next week to get the results. Please keep me in your prayers. I asked the Dr. if at sometime in the future, the lack of a thyroid could potentially cause me to gain weight, or make it difficult to lose weight, and he said that it wouldn't affect it at all. Just keep doing what I'm doing. Right now, I'm really struggling. I know I need to get more nutrients into my body, but I just can't eat. I don't think I've ever experienced any prolonged time of inability to eat. This is new to me, and to be honest, I don't much like it. Sure, the weight is dropping off, but will it stay off when my appetite returns as it were pre-surgery?
More and more people are noticing my weight loss. I had to go to the pharmacy today, and I ran into a dear friend whom I haven't seen in a while, and she commented on my weight loss. It makes you feel good when people acknowledge you hard work!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Complete Thyroidectomy--Thyroid Cancer
I am 4 days post-op from a complete Thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer. I was nervous going into the pre-surgery holding area, so I was grateful when the wonderful 'La La Land' injection finally went streaming through my veins! I remember the nurses positioning and stabilizing my arms, then realizing I was being rolled toward the elevators in the 'new' part of the hospital. I knew when the elevator doors opened that we were on the 4th floor, and they rolled me into a room with a glass wall---ICU. I remember the position of the nurses station, and immediately knew that I was in the same room that my grandmother was in after her massive stroke. But, I was OK with it. Thinking about it now, I could cry, but at that moment, I found it rather comforting.
After a few minutes, my family came in to see me, and they saw the confused look on my face as if asking why was I in the ICU? Mama told me that the hospital was full, therefore it was in overflow mode, and the ICU was the only place they could put me. Talk about a gigantic "WHEW!" Then I looked at the clock and saw that it was 6:30 PM, and I knew I went into the surgery suite at 1:15. One of my boys realized I was upset about the time, so they had to tell me that the surgery was a lot longer than expected. Mama told me then, that it was cancer, so the surgeon had to take the entire thyroid out.
Everyone had left the room when I felt the nausea coming on, and I knew I what was coming. I didn't have a call light, so I started banging on the tray that they had rolled up beside me, as I could barely make a hoarse whisper. A nurse finally heard me, and I told her what was about to happen, and she tried to get the "courtesy pan" and remove the goodies out of it, but she didn't get all the plastic off of it, so much of it went down the front of me, all over the bed, and the icepack. This is the first time in many years, since the addition of nausea meds and reflux meds have been administered before and after surgery, that I have gotten that sick from anesthesia. So they got me cleaned up and a new ice bag, a big dose of Zofran, and Lortab, and about an hour later, a shot of Morphine. This kept me comfortable for only about 3 hours. I couldn't have any more medicine for 3 more hours. Needless-to-say, I was miserable.
It's true what they say, the hospital is the worst place to be when you are sick, and need to sleep through it. I'm not like most people. The magnitude of drugs that they pumped into me should have knocked me out for hours! Not me, no, it has the reverse effect on me. But it wasn't the only thing preventing me from sleeping. Though the staff were good as can be to me, they saw to my every need, and did everything they could to see that I was comfortable, they talked as loud as they would in their own homes, even yelled to one another from across the ward! One nurse came into my room, when I had just dozed off, yelling something to the other male nurse in another room! I nearly jumped out of the bed! People are there because they are sick, and though it's not the staff's time to sleep, it is the patient's time to sleep! Why is this so difficult? Now, I'm at their mercy, so I don't say anything, because I knew I would continue to need help through the night. I just knew that no matter what, I was getting out of there they next day so I could get some sleep at home!
I slept well the first night at home. The pain meds were doing enough that I could sleep, but I was no where near pain free. The next morning, Sunday, I managed to watch a little bit of Liberty Baptist Church's broadcast on the internet. I couldn't sit up long enough to watch all of it, though. I had to lay back down. When I got up, I knew that I had a fever. So, I took some medicine, then got in the shower. The fever didn't come down. Chills set in next, making the pain I was in magnified by 100! So, it was a trip to the Hospital ER. They were very busy, and I understand this, but I layed on that hard gurney for nearly 2 hours before they did anything. My Mama had to go out and nearly drag the nurse in because I was having a meltdown, crying uncontrollably, fever spiking up, pain out of this world and a raging headache! The nurse finally drew my blood. They couldn't do anything until they got the results back, which took another hour. If they had only drawn my blood when I first got in there........
I was given a CT scan with contrast, don't know why, but an hour after that, I was told that it was clear. The only thing they found was a slight white count elevation. So they started me on a sulfa drug, gave me a shot of Zofran and a shot of Stadol, which made me high as a kite! But, my pain was finally gone! The boys said that I was saying crazy things, even refused to get into Darin's truck because I didn't think it was his truck. He said I pointed to Andy's truck, and said: "There's your truck!" I guess I was messed up!
All those drugs, you guessed it, no sleep that night for Wanda! I forced myself to stay awake all day Monday, so that I could sleep that night. It worked. I slept very well! I think I overdid it by talking so much yesterday. So, today, I'm going to try more voice rest, and see if my voice will return to normal in a faster manner. My voice is lowered about an octave! Folks, that is 12 half steps, or 6 whole steps on the piano! It's insane! Right now, I can't sing, not a lick! I have only about 3 tones to my voice. There is no rise and falls, just monotone. I surely hope this isn't permanent! When people call, they can't believe they are talking to me!
Thank you everyone, who has been so faithful to pray for me! I know that the Lord was holding my hand through this, and He hasn't let go! I praise Him! Your support through this ordeal has been priceless! Thank you Lord, for your faithful children, my brothers and sisters in Christ!
There is so much more to tell, but I'm exhausted from sitting here. More later.
After a few minutes, my family came in to see me, and they saw the confused look on my face as if asking why was I in the ICU? Mama told me that the hospital was full, therefore it was in overflow mode, and the ICU was the only place they could put me. Talk about a gigantic "WHEW!" Then I looked at the clock and saw that it was 6:30 PM, and I knew I went into the surgery suite at 1:15. One of my boys realized I was upset about the time, so they had to tell me that the surgery was a lot longer than expected. Mama told me then, that it was cancer, so the surgeon had to take the entire thyroid out.
Everyone had left the room when I felt the nausea coming on, and I knew I what was coming. I didn't have a call light, so I started banging on the tray that they had rolled up beside me, as I could barely make a hoarse whisper. A nurse finally heard me, and I told her what was about to happen, and she tried to get the "courtesy pan" and remove the goodies out of it, but she didn't get all the plastic off of it, so much of it went down the front of me, all over the bed, and the icepack. This is the first time in many years, since the addition of nausea meds and reflux meds have been administered before and after surgery, that I have gotten that sick from anesthesia. So they got me cleaned up and a new ice bag, a big dose of Zofran, and Lortab, and about an hour later, a shot of Morphine. This kept me comfortable for only about 3 hours. I couldn't have any more medicine for 3 more hours. Needless-to-say, I was miserable.
It's true what they say, the hospital is the worst place to be when you are sick, and need to sleep through it. I'm not like most people. The magnitude of drugs that they pumped into me should have knocked me out for hours! Not me, no, it has the reverse effect on me. But it wasn't the only thing preventing me from sleeping. Though the staff were good as can be to me, they saw to my every need, and did everything they could to see that I was comfortable, they talked as loud as they would in their own homes, even yelled to one another from across the ward! One nurse came into my room, when I had just dozed off, yelling something to the other male nurse in another room! I nearly jumped out of the bed! People are there because they are sick, and though it's not the staff's time to sleep, it is the patient's time to sleep! Why is this so difficult? Now, I'm at their mercy, so I don't say anything, because I knew I would continue to need help through the night. I just knew that no matter what, I was getting out of there they next day so I could get some sleep at home!
I slept well the first night at home. The pain meds were doing enough that I could sleep, but I was no where near pain free. The next morning, Sunday, I managed to watch a little bit of Liberty Baptist Church's broadcast on the internet. I couldn't sit up long enough to watch all of it, though. I had to lay back down. When I got up, I knew that I had a fever. So, I took some medicine, then got in the shower. The fever didn't come down. Chills set in next, making the pain I was in magnified by 100! So, it was a trip to the Hospital ER. They were very busy, and I understand this, but I layed on that hard gurney for nearly 2 hours before they did anything. My Mama had to go out and nearly drag the nurse in because I was having a meltdown, crying uncontrollably, fever spiking up, pain out of this world and a raging headache! The nurse finally drew my blood. They couldn't do anything until they got the results back, which took another hour. If they had only drawn my blood when I first got in there........
I was given a CT scan with contrast, don't know why, but an hour after that, I was told that it was clear. The only thing they found was a slight white count elevation. So they started me on a sulfa drug, gave me a shot of Zofran and a shot of Stadol, which made me high as a kite! But, my pain was finally gone! The boys said that I was saying crazy things, even refused to get into Darin's truck because I didn't think it was his truck. He said I pointed to Andy's truck, and said: "There's your truck!" I guess I was messed up!
All those drugs, you guessed it, no sleep that night for Wanda! I forced myself to stay awake all day Monday, so that I could sleep that night. It worked. I slept very well! I think I overdid it by talking so much yesterday. So, today, I'm going to try more voice rest, and see if my voice will return to normal in a faster manner. My voice is lowered about an octave! Folks, that is 12 half steps, or 6 whole steps on the piano! It's insane! Right now, I can't sing, not a lick! I have only about 3 tones to my voice. There is no rise and falls, just monotone. I surely hope this isn't permanent! When people call, they can't believe they are talking to me!
Thank you everyone, who has been so faithful to pray for me! I know that the Lord was holding my hand through this, and He hasn't let go! I praise Him! Your support through this ordeal has been priceless! Thank you Lord, for your faithful children, my brothers and sisters in Christ!
There is so much more to tell, but I'm exhausted from sitting here. More later.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 56
Here I am at day 56, and I have lost a total of 42 pounds! I am well pleased!
I attended the mandatory seminar last evening. It was definitely informative, however, I don't recall anything being mentioned that I didn't already know from all of my research and chronic YouTube video views! But, it is one more thing to cross off the lists of 'must dos' and still there are several more. I did find out last night that there may in fact be more 'must dos' before the surgery can be scheduled. I thought I may breeze by without having to see a cardiologist, but it turns out that it probably will be recommended. It's OK, I suppose, I guess I just wanted to hurry up and be post-op!
Tomorrow is my thyroid surgery. I am getting so scared. I feel like my 'insides' are jello, as if I am trembling. All I really want to do today is cry, but I have so many things to do, I don't have time to cry. I have to get Mama and Daddy's groceries, and I want to get to Kroger and get some Greek yogurt. A good friend at church told me about it, so I thought it may be good to have it one hand after surgery so that I can get more protein, if I have difficulty eating. I probably wouldn't be stressing so much, but I know what my Mama went through. Mama was in agony with pain in her neck. It was necessary to hyper-extend her neck during surgery, in order to gain access to the masses. Like my Mama, I have a terrible neck! I've had 2 whiplashes, and there is narrowing of the cervical spine that will one day have to be addressed surgically. I really dread what this hyper-extension is going to do to me. Dear Lord, please hold my hand through this and protect me and comfort me......
I attended the mandatory seminar last evening. It was definitely informative, however, I don't recall anything being mentioned that I didn't already know from all of my research and chronic YouTube video views! But, it is one more thing to cross off the lists of 'must dos' and still there are several more. I did find out last night that there may in fact be more 'must dos' before the surgery can be scheduled. I thought I may breeze by without having to see a cardiologist, but it turns out that it probably will be recommended. It's OK, I suppose, I guess I just wanted to hurry up and be post-op!
Tomorrow is my thyroid surgery. I am getting so scared. I feel like my 'insides' are jello, as if I am trembling. All I really want to do today is cry, but I have so many things to do, I don't have time to cry. I have to get Mama and Daddy's groceries, and I want to get to Kroger and get some Greek yogurt. A good friend at church told me about it, so I thought it may be good to have it one hand after surgery so that I can get more protein, if I have difficulty eating. I probably wouldn't be stressing so much, but I know what my Mama went through. Mama was in agony with pain in her neck. It was necessary to hyper-extend her neck during surgery, in order to gain access to the masses. Like my Mama, I have a terrible neck! I've had 2 whiplashes, and there is narrowing of the cervical spine that will one day have to be addressed surgically. I really dread what this hyper-extension is going to do to me. Dear Lord, please hold my hand through this and protect me and comfort me......
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thyroid update
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............
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............
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)