An Overdue Update

This post is loaded full of random photos that make me smile. 

Enjoy.

Lots of things have taken place since I last checked in. Doctors appointments, holidays, shopping, dog vomit- you know, the usual.

Most importantly, I'm in a much better place. Time and prayer really do heal the heart. And there is something about bubble baths that put the world in perspective.

Last week I met with specialists in Little Rock at UAMS to get some answers and a plan. Dr. Stacks is my ENT surgeon who loves removing people's thyroids. Well, he probably doesn't like that he needs to take out people's cancerous thyroids, but he is one of the best in the country so he must get some amount of joy from it. If you're going to have someone remove an organ, might as well make it someone who is really, really good at it. And Dr. Stacks is just that. 

I also met with Dr. Bodenner, an endocrinologist who specialize in thyroid cancer; he's a brilliant, kind man with way too many initials after his name. He is my no nonsense, plan-man. He confirmed that the cancer has not spread to my lymph nodes and that it is Stage 1. Good news.

He also gave me a time line: For the next three months I am to enjoy and relish my pregnancy with no need to give this stupid cancer a second thought.  Upon delivery I will give my team of doctors a call and surgery will be scheduled for one month post baby. Then, with a little begging on my part, they agreed to postpone the radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment until baby is 4-5 months old so I can breastfeed during those precious first months. 

The only disappointing news I received (besides the fact that I continue to have thyroid cancer, will have a thyroidectomy, and be on a thyroid replacement hormone for the rest of my life) is that during RAI treatment I cannot be around baby, or anyone, for two weeks. Two weeks of partial confinement- no hugs from family, no comforting my crying baby, no snuggles from Josh. It is going to be lonesome and sad. But it is only going to be for two weeks, and I'm telling myself I can do anything for two weeks. 

So, there's the update. A little bit of sour with a lot of sweet. Kinda like me. I'll keep you posted, but promise not to turn this blog into a medical drama saga. If you know me, I'm not a fan of drama. Or medical sagas.