Thank you for the amazing support, healing prayers, extra vibes and lovely posts. I am so lucky to know you! I am back from MD ANDERSON Cancer Center (in Houston). Currently, I am awaiting further instruction from my team. I underwent a variety of cancer tests, and I met with several teams. The teams were all incredibly helpful and hopeful in my care. My endocrinologist wants me to follow up with a GI specialist and a rheumatologist for ongoing issues. The head and neck team doesnt feel my paralyzed vocal cord needs surgery, and they said its probably as good as it will be. During my many imaging tests, the endocrine team located areas of possible thyroid cancer metastases in my body that will require more tests. My doctor told me that I am like MANY recurrent (or residual) cancer patients, and they treat thousands of us there. The team said that I have never been in remission before and might never be. They consider my cancer chronic at this time. They have some patients like me even 20+ years out from diagnosis still undergoing this process...This was an excellent reminder that Im LIVING with this type of cancer! My doctor said this isnt a good or easy cancer, but it is something I will live with for possibly the rest of my life. Namely, it will require YEARS of monitoring/treatment. However, I cant receive more RAI (the major treatment for mine) as Im non-avid. Also, I am NOT a clinical trial candidate. A lot of traditional cancer treatments wont aid this as it doesnt always respond or it could create secondary cancers. Therefore, the doctor said I will likely be a surgery candidate again in the future. The endocrine team will have me return in 2015 for further tests. My levels are slowly climbing...so, we are discussing my daily suppression medication options. Overall, I feel incredibly BLESSED to be alive, and though it is at times a rocky path...I am aware that it could be MUCH worse. I am overwhelmingly grateful for my team at MD Anderson, and I am very thankful to have your AWESOME support. My doctors gave me much hope by stating that my initial diagnosis age assists my long-term prognosis. I cannot say it enough--check your neck at every age! Blessings and love to all!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 22:10:18 +0000
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