It's been a scary couple of weeks for me as I dealt with the possibility that I may have cancer. It all started a few months ago when I went to the chiropractor for sciatic nerve pain (still hurts from my pregnancy with Rya) and something showed up in my neck on the x-ray. I then went to my doctor for blood work and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed my thyroid was enlarged and there was a nodule on my thyroid or parathyroid. Fast forward a few weeks and a referral and I'm sitting in the office of an oncologist. ON-FREAKING-COLOGIST!The days surrounding the appointment were difficult and stressful and took my mind to some dark places. My appointment was on Friday afternoon and thankfully Friday evening I received news that I DO NOT have cancer. It's hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) which can sometimes cause a pseudo tumor and a whole list of symptoms that I've been experiencing... weight gain, hair loss, depression, facial swelling etc. My next step is to see an endocrinologist to discuss hormone replacement medication or natural supplements. I'm sharing this with you, my dear Internet friends, because I know this is a common disease and I need advice. So hit me with it please!
This experience has been humbling and has made me so grateful. I hug my kids a little tighter now and I'm sending you, my readers, a big virtual hug. Thank you for being a part of my life and thank you for reading my blog.
11 comments:
Wow Colleen, that is so scary! I'm so glad that you are okay.
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism after I had my daughter Shannon (now 15), and have been on medication (levothyroxine)ever since. I too was scared when I was diagnosed, but now I don't even think about it anymore. I take my meds in the morning, no big deal....the big pain in the butt for me is when I have to have my blood levels checked. I'm not real good with needles! You know, my doctor told me that it is very common for women to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism after childbirth, and especially after having a girl. It may be a bit of a pain for you for a while while they are trying to find the right dose of medication for you (if you choose that route). But once you have everything where it should be, you'll feel so much better.
Take care, love you Cuz!!!
p.s. You have such a beautiful family, I love reading your blog!
Hey Coleen
So sorry about the scare. So glad everything i ok. SOrry i dont have any info for you. never heard of it. Miss ya!!
I'm so glad every thing is ok! I hate medical mysteries! Dang, my sciatic nerve is terrible since L was born- seriously feel like I can't walk some days. I've been meaning to have the doc look into it but now I not sure I want to know!! hah.
DEAR GOD!! Scare the hell out of me. Chuck was sitting with me when I saw this post and I nearly snapped his head off when he interrupted before I finished reading. Oy!! You're in my heart and thoughts as you move forward dealing with this. I don't know much about it but I'll be reading everything I find and asking you tons of questions and trying to help even if only I can offer an ear when you need.
A good friend of Chucks was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and went though hormone treatments as well and his situation is stabilized so I know it can be overcome. I just pray the road is short.
No doubt you are the strongest person I know Coleen!! Sending you Virtual Hugs right back!!
Missing you, love Meg
Good Lord Girl, that is just tooo scarey.The thought just brings tears to my eyes as we all have been affected by cancer.Good luck with your hormone treatments. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love your Cuz Suzanne
It's amazing what goes on behind the blog. I'm glad you are ok. I hope the hypothyroidism is manageable. Hugs.
Hi. I got Grave's Disease (Hyperthyroid) after Makayla was born. I went through radiation treatment twice in a year - ended up being hypo and then put on the medication. It will take them a little while to get your medication set at the right level - pay attention to how you feel and let the doctors know. I have been living with it for 14 years and the only bad thing is I can't lose the extra 30 pounds - of course, I don't eat as well as I should. If you find yourself getting tired, cold, and other symptoms, have the doctor check your levels. You can be on the medication for a couple of years, and then something changes. I get mine levels checked every 6 months.
I hope you feel better soon.
Karin
Coleen,
We are so thankful you are okay and now know the cause of your symptoms. I can only imagine the emotions you must have felt on every level, and I am sending bushels of retro-active hugs. As your friend Meagan also described, it was frightening reading that post and my chest got tight until I realized you are going to be fine. You are so very loved, Coleen, and you have a devoted army of friends and family willing to spring into action anytime you need us!
Hypothyroidism runs in my family. I will email some info on foods to eat and avoid that may help, even though meds are your primary management tool.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Hey Coleen! I am so sorry to hear this and didn't even see this post our here until today! It must have been a very scary time for you and I am so glad to know that it is not cancer. Although I know that it is still scary to have an illness at all and have a future of dealing with medications and endocrinologists. The great news is that your symptoms can all be helped and managed. Get a good endo!
I have been dealing with an endo for the past year for the addison's disease which they are still trying to decide is Hypo-pituitary of Primary Adrenal failure. I take Florinef and Hydrocortisone evryday and feel like I a new person.
I know thyroid controls a different set of hormones and your meds will be different, but I hope they give you some needed relief.
The funny thing about health issues is that they do make your hug your loved ones just a bit tighter. That is the silver lining right :)
Please keep us updated and let me know if I can be of any help. I have a doctorate in Google medical searching and Nate has access to all sorts of research articles.
Sorry to hear about this experience, Coleen! I hope everything gets sorted out soon. Thinking of you...
Love,
Aja
Holy moley! I was just reading about this condition today. I'm glad it's not cancer, clearly, and glad you are on top of managing it. Hang tight, mama! Big hugs and loves to ya!
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