I told you all about the lump I found on my neck, which turned out to be suspected Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, aka Cancer. I went into hospital and had a hemithyroidectomy, where they removed half of my thyroid under a general anaesthetic. I had internal bleeding and I ended up having two general anaesthetics in one day. Then today I went to hospital to get my results.
And now all of you are sitting there waiting for me to say one word. Just one word.
Benign or Malignant?
Malignant.
There you have it.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma confirmed and malignant.
So what does that mean now? Well it means I have to go back within the next week or so for another General Anaesthetic and have the rest of my thyroid removed. They may take some lymph nodes and maybe even some of my parathyroid glands with it too. We shall have to wait and see.
I will have to take Thyroxine every day for the rest of my life. That is the hormone you thyroid makes, that regulates your metabolism. Your parathyroids help your body absorb calcium in the blood. There’s a possibility I may need to supplement calcium too – but again, a wait-and-see decision.
Then on to radiotherapy.
I will be undergoing Radioactive Iodine treatment. I have been told I drink it, and then have to spend 2 – 3 days in isolation. I’m not looking forward to being apart from my girls and my Jonny again, but I guess I’ll finally get around to reading fifty shades!
So it wasn’t the answer that you have all been hoping for, that we’ve all been hoping for; but it was the answer I knew all along, deep down in my gut. I knew it so well that when the doctor told me today, I wasn’t surprised, I wasn’t upset, I wasn’t really anything. It was just an acknowledgement. It did not perturb me either.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer has a high cure rate. I’m told it’s the best cancer to have (they say it like it’s a good thing!) We believe I have had it since summer 2011 when I first noticed a small lump while at work. There has been no doubt in my mind, that this is a challenge I will face head on (partly because moving my neck is painful after surgery). Sorry I shoudn’t joke. But in all seriousness… I have a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters. We are 5 pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and need each other to be as one unit. Therefore I WILL beat this Cancer, just like I beat the last one.
Malignant Cancer… watch me kick your ass!
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I must admit that when I got the email about this post (yes I subscribe via email) I swore out loud. I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope that your treatment is over with very soon. I hope that the time in isolation isn’t too tough on you all and goes quickly and I hope that you beat the horrible C-Word very very quickly. Here if you need to chat x
Kelly Wiffin recently posted..My first scan
Thankyou. Yes I think there may have been a few swear words from my family too – although not in earshot! Thankyou for your support xx
Oh I am so sorry to hear this Emma. But positive that you will get through this, from what I read on here you’re a strong determined lady. I wish you all the best xx
People tell me I’m strong, so I’m starting to believe it. Determined – most definitely. I am a stubborn mule – Just like my father, who coincidentally is also about to commence radiotherapy! Perhaps I just didn’t want him to go it alone! Thankyou xx
wow – what a blow x so sorry you’ve had this horrid news but you are too right – You will kick that bastard-cancer’s arse! Hope you are feeling ok emotionally and everything – can’t imagine what it’s like to receive that sort of news. Hope blogging so honestly and openly about everything is helping you xxx you are clearly amazingly strong! xxx
WallyMummy recently posted..Happy WallyValentine
Blogging really does help. It gets it all off my chest and out into the open. Writing has always been an outlet for emotion for me. Once words are written, I can make sense of them. Then there is this wonderful amazing community of bloggers and tweeters and readers – who’s support gives me strength. You are one of those. Thankyou xx
I’m so sorry to hear this! How utterly cruel! You are a strong lady and you’ll get through this. It’s ironic that your dad is also starting radiotherapy, but maybe it’ll be easier for you both going through it together, to support each other as you’ll both know how each other is feeling.
I hope yours and your dads treatment goes well!! Xx
Thankyou. His radiotherapy is totally different to mine. Mine will be shorter, painless and over quickly, my dads will take much longer, be painful and have side effects, but I have every faith that he too will beat it! Thankyou for the well wishes xx
Oh Emma I am so very sorry to hear this. I am sure you will kick its butt.
If you are free for coffee or anything before you go back in I have a car now.
((((hugs))).
Pinkoddy recently posted..Thirsty for Comments
That would be wonderful. I’d love to! xx
Oh Emma, horrible news but you have the best attitude. With you all the way Lucy xxxx
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Thankyou hun, that means a lot. xx
Sorry to hear that the news is not good Emma. You are such a positive, strong and determined woman with lots of support from us. Stay strong and we are here for you xx
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Thankyou for your kind words and support. I truly appreciate it. xx
I’m very sorry to hear about this. But my wife told me that even though it is malignant it is the one that has the best prognosis attached to it. I’m very confident that you’ll get through this and I’ll be reading your blog for years to come!
Thankyou. I have been told that too – but it’s great to hear it again from another doctor. Tell Becky I said Thankyou. xx
I swore too!! We are right behind you honey!!!
Thankyou xxx
You got kick its ass! Proud of you Emma.
Mich x
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Thanks Mich, I will do my best xx
I’m so sorry to hear this.. stay strong – you can beat it and we’re all behind you – just tweet if you need support! xx
Thankyou. I will xx
Really sorry to hear this! I wish you all the best x
JallieDaddy recently posted..Mama Weer All Potty Now!
I haven’t been reading your blog very long but really felt for you with all that was going on but like you say was really hoping that it would be good news for you after your op, sorry that it wasn’t the result you were hoping for but keep positive, you have an amazing relationship with your hubby and kids and I just know that everything will work out well for you xx
So sorry to read that, but well done you for your kick-ass attitude! I have no doubt if anyone can beat it, you can. Sending you hugs and get well vibes. X
I am so sorry that this is the outcome you received. We are in the process of awaiting my mum’s diagnosis after she had a lump removed from her breast. Excuse my French but it’s bastarding fucking stupid idiotic stupidness and I hope you kick it’s bloody arse, for your sake and that of your children. I wish you the whole world of luck and once again, I’m sorry for my French! X
I’m really sorry it’s malignant. You will kick its arse, I hope all the treatment is straight forward and you’re cancer free in no time xx
I’m so sorry to read this, but you have an amazing attitude & strength and you WILL kick its ass!! All the best with your treatment x
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Sending positive healing vibes to you x
So sorry. I hope you manage to stay strong for your treatment and everything goes as well as it can for you. Remember to vent on here if you need to, we are all reading and here to support you in any way we can x
Tami recently posted..Story Time
so sorry..to read that you’re going through this bug hugs to you and your family x thinking of you all x
shahnaz recently posted..Simply Fancy Dress – Costume Review
I’m so sorry to see this news, it’s so unfair. Sending you hugs and best wishes, you sound so strong and I know that you can beat this.
Jennifer recently posted..PinAddicts Challenge for February – Altered book pages
Sorry to hear this, but I’m loving your attitude towards it. xxx
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I’m so sorry to hear this! You can beat it! You have all the support you could want or need from your family and us. If there’s anything you need just yell! Xx
You are a real “Glass half full” kind of girl, go you and kick ass! Your attitude will be your biggest asset in overcoming this. Just wait and see!
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So sorry to hear this! Thinking of you!!! x
Sorry Emma, your post is inspiring though and if ever in the position, I don’t think I could be as tough and strong… I wish I could make it all go away – but I am also glad to hear that it is a curable cancer and I know that you are soooo gonna kick its ass!!! xxx
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What horrible news but you have such a great attitude so hopefully you can get rid of it once and for all. Looking forward to reading that it has all gone in the near future x x
You’re a brave and inspirational woman. Don’t feel afraid to stick your hands up and ask for help though my lovely x
Gemma Mills / Chamberlain recently posted..The Horsemeat Scandal – Is the Government to Blame?
So sorry to read this but you have a great attitude to beating it and I’m sure tgatp half the battle. Good luck, love and courage. X
Oh Emma, I’m so sorry you have to go through this!
You WILL kick it’s ass!
xxxxx
Cass@frugalfamily recently posted..My 5 favourite frugal date night ideas….
So sorry Emma, but I am in no doubt that with your fantastic positive attitude, you can kick its ass in no time… Good luck with it all…
Emma recently posted..A Snowy Carnival – Fasching – Munich 2013
I hate what life throws this way. I really do. You can do this and we are all behind you 1001% xxxxxxxxxxx
Chelsea Williams recently posted..Ergh, Is It Bedtime Yet?!
I admire your positive attitude, you are a brave and inspirational lady.
Galina V recently posted..Bruna’s Piped Pancakes
Oh Emma, I am so sorry. But from what little I know of you I have absolute faith you will kick his butt. Xx
Mummy Glitzer recently posted..Valentines Day
That is not good news at all, albeit tainted with positives.
Here’s to kicking this cancer right up the back side. Go girl!
oh Emma I am so so sorry you have to go through this! I have no doubt you will kick its ass however it seems so unfair that you have to endure all this when there are people out there that are evil and yet bad things happen to those that so dont deserve it. (sorry on my soap box)
The Oliver’s are behind your 100% and we are send good thoughts an wellness over to you my lovely. xx
Jaime Oliver recently posted..My Week That Was – Project 365 Week 7
So sorry to hear this news. You can fight it you’ve done it before. Keep strong for Jose beautiful girls xxxx
I am very so very sorry that you got this news. I hope that they get it all, and the treatments all work and you are well and fighting fit soon. I am sending positive thoughts and good vibes your way.
Love to you and the family. Suzanne
Suzanne recently posted..Final Grade = Happiness
So sorry to hear this. What horrible news. As others have said though, your attitude is spot on and I’m sure you’ll kick its ass. x
So sorry this wasn’t the news you or anyone else was hoping for. We’re all behind you though, you kick it’s ass lovely!! Big hugs xx
Emma, sorry to hear this but I know that you will be strong and fight it and come out of the other end to be there for your girls. Wishing you all the best and please, please, please buy some more books. Fifty Shades of Grey won’t get you through the first week!! Sending hugs. x x
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I feel so angry about this for you – it is just not right!!!! But you have been amazingly strong and you will continue to be. Keep that positive attitude of yours – you are absolutely going to get through it. xxx
The Beesley Buzz recently posted..Look who’s ten months!
I saw your post via linky , I am so sorry to hear your sad news, my challenge with cancer began in 2004 with a hysterectomy after the birth of my 6th, followed by a series of odd events and life choices – stay positive you can beat it too and who knows what you will be doing ..we will all be here to support your progress x
Amanda Sharp recently posted..Pretending to be Normal
oh honey I am so, so sorry to read this. I don’t know what to say other than I will be thinking of you every step of the way and sending you lots of love and healing thoughts. You are a true inspiration and a fighter and I am sure like you say you will beat this for you and your family. xxx
amummysview recently posted..Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
I am so sorry to hear this, I was really hoping it would be benign. Keeping everything crossed for you that you will kick this cancers ass in record time. Stay positive and know that we are all here rooting for you. x
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Aww shit!! Sorry to swear but I have been following you closely with this news and I had everything crossed, that you may have better news. I have never spoken too much to you but read all here and elsewhere, as a pile of things going on for me which are not important to you, but crowd my usual ability to reach out as much as I’m used to. I have all my toes and fingers crossed that you do indeed kick this to hell and beyond, that it is so far removed it cannot ever come back. Wishing you strength and fast healing. xx Jo
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I am very sorry to read this, but you seem to have the right attitude. Good luck and think of the blogging you can do with 3 days in isolation.
So sorry to hear this Emma, you go girl and kicks its ass. We are all behind you and wish you all the best. Thinking of you and your beautiful family xxx
Oh 🙁
My heart just sank – I’m so sorry.
You’re attitude is fabulous though, positivity helps in every way.
I wish you all the luck in the world xx
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