Today was the day I went back to hospital to find out what next. Very nervous this morning but managed to get into work to put things in order there and share the news. Time rushed past and I nearly didn't get home in time before my lovely PC friend came to pick me up.
Got to the clinic to find it very quiet, even though I had been told it was very busy - strange. Lots of older men looking like they had been there, seen it and done it all before. A short wait and then I had the call but my friend had still not got there having dropped me off and gone to park. But what the heck I knew how the beginning of the conversation would go, so I braved it alone.
In I go and get shown to a seat and the lovely consultant said "well I guess you are wondering why you are here?" No says I, I have known for a few days... That made his job a little easier and it was certainly much easier for me having had time to think what I wanted to ask etc.
So technical data for those interested. The tumour removed measured 72mm x 45mm x 40mm - pretty big! It was a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. All successfully removed. So there we are, as I sit here now I may be cured for all we know!
However the lovely man likes his belt and braces, so on Wed 21st Sept I will have the rest of my thyroid removed and whilst he's there he will check my lymph nodes and other areas of my neck just to make sure. Thankfully this will not be on the same ward as before and the clientèle will not be so poorly and hopefully not so noisy. I will be on Dorell ward which has just been refurbished for me!!!!
Then probably about the beginning of November, when they can book me a slot into the solitary confinement room (because I am very naughty you know!) I will have a dose of radioactive iodine to hunt down and destroy any naughty left over bits of thyroid tissue that may have run off round my body or just been left in my neck accidently. What a cheap way to get a silent retreat, result! Upto 5 days and when the Geiger counter has stopped bleeping so much I will be let out.
Asked my long list of questions, had a bit of a moan about "the man" and how cross I was feeling about him and that was my time with the lovely man done. Now to meet my cancer nurse or keyworker as she's called.
She is lovely and available for any questions, however banal, on any topic you like - oh as long as it relates to thyroid cancer of course. Then another nurse came and did my MRSA swabs and booked me in for my pre-op stuff next Wednesday.
So there we are that's news for now. Lots of practicalities to consider and plan but that will all come in time. 13 days to go before surgery again - enough time to finish that darned essay and chill out.
Once again thanks for all prayers, thoughts, good vibes etc, they are definitely working.
See I told you it wouldn't be so much this time x
Oh I forgot, had another chance to see my vocal chords in action. Very strange having a camera pushed up your nose and down your throat, but great viewing!!
Wow!
ReplyDeleteFirst, what an excellent idea this blog is as it saves you endlessly answering questions we might all have.
It's good to know that they will deal with you very quickly. You make it the process sound very efficient, organised and in hand. I hope and pray that this is and remains the case.
It's good too that you have time to finished that darned essay... yes, it is a darned essay, especially now, but it would be a shame to leave the job half done... I only hope you can focus (sure I'd find that difficult).
with lots and lots of love and see you before the 13 days, I hope
E x