Mom and I are sitting in the sun on a lovely patio and we have middle-of-the-road news to share from the results of her scan.
We met with her doctor {who is amazing} for over an hour; she is a thorough, type A kind of lady and for that, I heart her. Anyways, so we met with her and the scan showed that there is some remaining thyroid cancer remnants and also a few lymph nodes that are still cancerous. But, it’s not enough to require surgery or a huge dose of radioactive iodine which would mean complete isolation for the rest of the week. It does, however, require a medium dose of radioactive iodine, which comes with a list of precautions like that she can’t touch anyone. Dr. Type A figures that this dose will wipe out the thyroid cancer remnants with a very slight chance it will also start working on the lymph nodes. Mom needs to have a neck ultrasound in three months and then come back in six months for exactly what we are doing now...complete body scans and more radiation treatments. The hope is the dose that occurs at sixth months will wipe out the cancerous lymph nodes.
In a nutshell, it’s not like “Oh wow! You are cancer free!” But, it’s not {which was our worst case scenario} spread to another type of cancer. It’s going to require treatment for at least the next sixth months...but, it is still treatable.
We met with her doctor {who is amazing} for over an hour; she is a thorough, type A kind of lady and for that, I heart her. Anyways, so we met with her and the scan showed that there is some remaining thyroid cancer remnants and also a few lymph nodes that are still cancerous. But, it’s not enough to require surgery or a huge dose of radioactive iodine which would mean complete isolation for the rest of the week. It does, however, require a medium dose of radioactive iodine, which comes with a list of precautions like that she can’t touch anyone. Dr. Type A figures that this dose will wipe out the thyroid cancer remnants with a very slight chance it will also start working on the lymph nodes. Mom needs to have a neck ultrasound in three months and then come back in six months for exactly what we are doing now...complete body scans and more radiation treatments. The hope is the dose that occurs at sixth months will wipe out the cancerous lymph nodes.
In a nutshell, it’s not like “Oh wow! You are cancer free!” But, it’s not {which was our worst case scenario} spread to another type of cancer. It’s going to require treatment for at least the next sixth months...but, it is still treatable.
Mom will handle all of these treatments and rules fabulously; she has been on an iodine free diet for the last two weeks in preparation of the scan. Dr. Type A was very impressed with her numbers and told her she had done a wonderful job. Coming from a Dr. Type A, that’s good stuff. Mom will just keep doing whatever it takes, as will the rest of us.
During our meeting, Dr. Type A made some phone calls to make sure everything was all set up for the next couple of days. She was having some issues getting the timing figured out and at one point she said to the person on the other end, with her back straight as an arrow and legs crossed just so, “Because...we are the Mayo clinic.” I thought to myself, what a way to sum up what this experience has been. She very precisely said what is so hard to explain about the Mayo clinic; she was saying that it would happen and it would happen the right way and it would happen when she wanted it to happen “because we are the Mayo clinic.”
We meet with the surgeon tomorrow morning and I can’t wait to meet the miracle hands man. After that meeting, Mom will receive her radiation and then she is not allowed to spit on me for the next three days. Thanks so much for your prayers and good thoughts...please pray that Mom takes the radiation well and feels comfortable.
:: PS ::
Mom...don't read this part. Everyone else, she is checking this so if you would like to leave a word of encouragement in the comments, please do.
7 comments:
Debbie, You are a remarkable woman who has the one remarkable daughter keeping us all posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey through this next phase of treatments. Amy, thanks for keeping us all informed. God bless you both!
Thinking of you and continuing to send our best thoughts and prayers your way. You can do it! Few more months of 'because the doctor said so' and you will be finished with this chapter! We are all here for you; just let us know how we can help! Love and prayers - Colette, Jerry, Lacie, Taylor, Logan, and Angel Lindsey.
YEAH for you, Debi! I am so grateful and feeling blessed that your cancer is ONLY thyroid and so treatable. Now, do you think you can remember NOT to spit on Amy for a few days?!
Love you lots,
jo
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up with the positive thoughts. We are all cheering you on! You can handle anything that comes your way. If you need anything let us know.
God Bless,
Perry , Kim and the boys
Thank you so much Amy for updating us on your mom. I've been thinking of her these last couple of days so it's nice to hear. We are sending our prayers to you to get through this next part so you can be DONE with this!! We will even throw in an extra prayer for you to not accidentally spit on Amy:)
Stay strong. Craig, DeAnn & Kids
I sure do appreciate Amy's keeping us up-to-date on what's happening there at Mayo. I'm praying that you're not discouraged by the news you received about needing radiation. It's so great that the cells can be treated in 3 days. You'll get nothing but the best there. I wasn't surprised to read that you'd done a good job getting ready for your appointment. You've shown tremendous strength through this experience. It's wonderful to hear of the kindnesses you and Amy have encountered.
Sending prayers your way Debbie.Glad to hear you have such wonderful doctors and are on the road to RECOVERY!!(and a wonderful daughter to drive you) If you ever need anything let us know.
Thanks Amy for the updates. Gregg,Kyhlene and kids
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