2 Weeks Out..Thyroid Cancer Update

It’s hard to believe that it’s only been 2 weeks since my surgery. I celebrated by doing my first workout since the operation. It wasn’t record setting, but I got myself into the gym and did 45 minutes on the elliptical and stretched. It will still be a few more weeks until I’m able to return to the weight room or get back in the air, but soon enough I will be 100% again.

“One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” ~John Wanamaker

I also got some great news today, the pathology report came back with no surprises. I only had 1 tumor (1.5cm stage 1 cystic papillary thyroid carcinoma) and the rest of my thyroid looked healthy. (THANK GOD!, literally) In a few weeks I’ll be going through RAI therapy as planned. The surgeon says that Anu (my endocrinologist) should be my best friend forever for catching it so early. I am so grateful.

I would like to take this time to say THANK YOU for everyone for their support. I have been so moved by all the phone calls, messages and prayers since I wrote the post announcing my diagnosis. I had mixed feelings about making a personal announcement in a public space, but I am so happy that I did. For me, it was the best thing I could do.

My Recovery in Photos

This photo was taken Friday, the day I was released from the hospital. I slept for most of the day, but did feel good enough for a short walk to our favorite Brunch spot.

This is my doctor and I at the final filming of the reality show we met through. Luckily I was able to find a beautiful turtle neck dress for the occasion.

On the set of Great Day Houston. I was nervous when Derek asked me to model for him because of the scar, luckily he had a beautiful choker necklace that he was looking to feature that day. How lucky is that?!?!

A close up look at my scar 14 days out. It’s still obvious, but I know it will fade with time. Bring on the Vitamin E creams!

What lies ahead…

The coming weeks will arguably be the hardest as I prepare for the Radioactive Iodine Therapy. I meet with both my Endocrinologist and my surgeon for a follow up meeting and then we will plan for the final phase of treatment. In the next week or so I will be taken off the replacement hormone and put on a low iodine diet for 2 weeks to prepare. After talking to a few people who have done this, I am told I can expect to be very very lethargic until it’s all over. Luckily I have both Netflix & HBO GO, so I think I will be OK.

Thanks again for all of the support & prayers.