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| Christine Coons 860-389-2544 christine@studio11b.com |
8/14/08
My primary doctor (Dr W) felt a small lump in my neck during a routine physical. She
schedules me for an ultrasound.
8/26/08
I received the results from the ultrasound - there's a 1.6 cm cyst around my thyroid.
I'm referred to an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist (Dr M).
9/6/08
Dr M refers me to an ultrasound specialist for a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the
cyst.
9/11/08
The ultrasound specialist notices that lymph nodes around the cyst are swollen and
biopsies those, also.
9/22/08
Based on the biopsies, Dr M reveals that I have papillary carcinoma and will need my
entire thyroid removed. They say "if you get a cancer, this is the one to get." It's
treatable and curable.
10/2/08
I undergo a total thyroidectomy and left modified neck dissection to remove my
entire thyroid and surrounding infected lymph nodes. The surgery runs a few hours
longer than anticipated. I'm admitted to the hospital for observation and to monitor
my calcium levels.
10/5/08
I am discharged from the hospital with a good prognosis, a sore and itchy neck, and
lots of meds.
10/8/08
The outer sutures on my neck are removed. Dr M tells me I'm healing well
considering the extra work. The endocronologist will most likely schedule my
radioiodine treatment during my appointment on 10/31. Dr M is sure I will have to do
several treatments.
10/25/08
I asked Dr M to clear me to return to work early. I worked a half day and went home
and crashed. I felt so tired and sore from sitting up at a desk for a few hours. I
plan to work as much as I can without overdoing it.
10/29/08
Visited Dr M to discuss the extreme discomfort in my neck. Plenty of swelling and
stiffness. I complained of my throat tightening and feeling like I'm being choked. He
reminded me that I had gone thru a major surgery and they had to pretty much pull my
neck muscles out of my neck during the operation to shuffle things around inside. I
also had signs of acid reflux. I can expect to be sore for a few months.
10/30/08
I stayed home from work, feasted on vicodin and slept all day.
10/31/08
I saw my endocronologist (Dr L). I didn't realize that I'm still recouping from the
anesthesia, also. He increased my thyroid hormone and vitamin D dosages and
explained my next course of action.
12/1 - Start the low iodine diet.
12/15 - Get a Thyrogen shot
12/16 - Get a second Thyrogen shot
12/17 - Take the radioiodine pill. I believe this is an outpatient procedure.
12/19 - Follow up tests
Dr L scheduled me so I can enjoy Thanksgiving before starting the diet. This is the
year I HAVE to actually start a diet after the holidays. The radiation should pass
thru me by Friday evening and I will be good to head to a show in Philly on 12/20,
11/3/08
I put in a whole day at work. I felt so worn out. I miss my mid-morning naps. My
sleep patterns are out of wack, moreso than ever. During my next visit with Dr M,
he's going to discuss testing for sleep apnea.
12/1/08
I started the Low Iodine Diet. My normal diet is a high iodine one. I'm going to miss
dairy and seafood the most.
12/9/08
No bread. No dairy. No birthday cake :o(
12/15/08
I took my first of two Thyrogen shots. I went to Dr L's office and had the injection
in my hip. It didn't hurt and I didn't notice any side effects.
12/16/08
Went to Dr L's office for the second Thyrogen shot, in the other hip. I also had to
take a pregnancy test as a precaution before the radiation treatment.
12/17/08
I reported to the nuclear medicine department at the hospital. I took three
radioiodide pills, which were stored in separate lead containers. I wasn't allowed to
touch the pills and had to use a pill cup to throw back the pill. I chased them with
apple juice. Dr L went over the radiation safety guidelines. I confirmed my whole
body scan for 12/26 at 6:30am.
I have to carry a card with me when I travel. It says "This patient had a Nuclear
Medicine Procedure and may still have small amounts of radiation capable of being
detected by radiation monitoring equipment. The amount of radiation poses no danger
to the public and is allowed by NRC Medical use regulations."
It also lists some other important info:
Procedure: Thyroid Therapy - I131
Radiopharmaceutical: I-131 Caps
T 1/2: 192.96 hours
Admin Activity: 155.120mCi@12-17-08 08:02
Suggested time of detection: 95 Day(s) (03-22-2009)
Interesting tidbit: Patients with an overactive thyroid, usually diagnosed as
Grave's Disease are usually treated with a dose of 4 to 10 mCi. My dose was 155.120
mCi (millicurie - a unit measuring radioactivity).
I reported to the hospital's outpatient lab to get bloodwork done. The two lab techs
were unsuccessful at finding a vein to drain and I took my lab slip back and headed to
Pequot, a branch of the hospital, in my town. One jab and I was good to go.
12/18/08
I have to suck on lemon drops for three days to stimulate my salivary glands. The
lemon drops from CVS either weren't very tart or my taste buds were shot. Altoids
makes sours that did the trick. I think I'm now addicted to the tangerine ones. My
low iodine diet ended, yet, I wasn't too anxious to order an iced coffee, donuts, an
egg nog shake, chinese food, and pizza.
12/20/08
I had chocolate today :o) I'm still not too keen on eating
12/26/08
I went back to the nuclear medicine dept. I was taken to a room to get the whole body
scan. I didn't have any prep requirements and i stayed clothed. I had to lie on a
platform and the tech pushed me in until my head was under the camera. She told me
it should take about 25 minutes and that I could close my eyes if I wanted to and
that most people fall asleep. She warned me that she was going to lower the camera
over my face. She did not tell me it was going to be about an inch away from it. (How
do you people that do it, lie in those tanning beds??!!) I watched it come closer and
started to panic. Was she watching? Was she controlling it or was there a sensor to
automatically stop? What if it malfunctioned and kept going? That did me in. My
heart started racing. My face was twitching and itching. I couldn't move. There'd be
no way I could move. There were rails to each side of me so I wouldn't be able to
slide out. I couldn't lift my head at all. I heard the tech leave the room and my panic
attack kicked into full speed. What if there was a fire alarm? What if I had to go
potty? What if an unauthorized person were to walk in? I closed my eyes and did the
deep breathing gimmick to try to keep from hyperventilating. When I saw the
brightness thru my eyelids I opened my eyes. The camera was moving down. I stared at
the ceiling and continued the deep breathing. When it was all over I told the tech
that it was probably one of the most terrifying things I've ever gone thru. She asked
me if I was claustrophobic. I said this pretty much cemented that fact and she
laighed about it being a good thing she didn't have to restrain me. I didn't laugh at
that. She did tell me that the scan looked pretty good. I'm still waiting to hear from
the doctor.
1/16/09
I received a postcard in the mail from the endocronologist. The body scan came out
negative. I'm ok. I go in for the follow-up details on 2/10. I'm still skeptical and
scared. This is good news, but I'm not rejoicing until I hear that I'm good to go.
My neck hurts around my scar. I wonder if I ripped the healing area. It feels raw.
My primary doctor (Dr W) felt a small lump in my neck during a routine physical. She
schedules me for an ultrasound.
8/26/08
I received the results from the ultrasound - there's a 1.6 cm cyst around my thyroid.
I'm referred to an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist (Dr M).
9/6/08
Dr M refers me to an ultrasound specialist for a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the
cyst.
9/11/08
The ultrasound specialist notices that lymph nodes around the cyst are swollen and
biopsies those, also.
9/22/08
Based on the biopsies, Dr M reveals that I have papillary carcinoma and will need my
entire thyroid removed. They say "if you get a cancer, this is the one to get." It's
treatable and curable.
10/2/08
I undergo a total thyroidectomy and left modified neck dissection to remove my
entire thyroid and surrounding infected lymph nodes. The surgery runs a few hours
longer than anticipated. I'm admitted to the hospital for observation and to monitor
my calcium levels.
10/5/08
I am discharged from the hospital with a good prognosis, a sore and itchy neck, and
lots of meds.
10/8/08
The outer sutures on my neck are removed. Dr M tells me I'm healing well
considering the extra work. The endocronologist will most likely schedule my
radioiodine treatment during my appointment on 10/31. Dr M is sure I will have to do
several treatments.
10/25/08
I asked Dr M to clear me to return to work early. I worked a half day and went home
and crashed. I felt so tired and sore from sitting up at a desk for a few hours. I
plan to work as much as I can without overdoing it.
10/29/08
Visited Dr M to discuss the extreme discomfort in my neck. Plenty of swelling and
stiffness. I complained of my throat tightening and feeling like I'm being choked. He
reminded me that I had gone thru a major surgery and they had to pretty much pull my
neck muscles out of my neck during the operation to shuffle things around inside. I
also had signs of acid reflux. I can expect to be sore for a few months.
10/30/08
I stayed home from work, feasted on vicodin and slept all day.
10/31/08
I saw my endocronologist (Dr L). I didn't realize that I'm still recouping from the
anesthesia, also. He increased my thyroid hormone and vitamin D dosages and
explained my next course of action.
12/1 - Start the low iodine diet.
12/15 - Get a Thyrogen shot
12/16 - Get a second Thyrogen shot
12/17 - Take the radioiodine pill. I believe this is an outpatient procedure.
12/19 - Follow up tests
Dr L scheduled me so I can enjoy Thanksgiving before starting the diet. This is the
year I HAVE to actually start a diet after the holidays. The radiation should pass
thru me by Friday evening and I will be good to head to a show in Philly on 12/20,
11/3/08
I put in a whole day at work. I felt so worn out. I miss my mid-morning naps. My
sleep patterns are out of wack, moreso than ever. During my next visit with Dr M,
he's going to discuss testing for sleep apnea.
12/1/08
I started the Low Iodine Diet. My normal diet is a high iodine one. I'm going to miss
dairy and seafood the most.
12/9/08
No bread. No dairy. No birthday cake :o(
12/15/08
I took my first of two Thyrogen shots. I went to Dr L's office and had the injection
in my hip. It didn't hurt and I didn't notice any side effects.
12/16/08
Went to Dr L's office for the second Thyrogen shot, in the other hip. I also had to
take a pregnancy test as a precaution before the radiation treatment.
12/17/08
I reported to the nuclear medicine department at the hospital. I took three
radioiodide pills, which were stored in separate lead containers. I wasn't allowed to
touch the pills and had to use a pill cup to throw back the pill. I chased them with
apple juice. Dr L went over the radiation safety guidelines. I confirmed my whole
body scan for 12/26 at 6:30am.
I have to carry a card with me when I travel. It says "This patient had a Nuclear
Medicine Procedure and may still have small amounts of radiation capable of being
detected by radiation monitoring equipment. The amount of radiation poses no danger
to the public and is allowed by NRC Medical use regulations."
It also lists some other important info:
Procedure: Thyroid Therapy - I131
Radiopharmaceutical: I-131 Caps
T 1/2: 192.96 hours
Admin Activity: 155.120mCi@12-17-08 08:02
Suggested time of detection: 95 Day(s) (03-22-2009)
Interesting tidbit: Patients with an overactive thyroid, usually diagnosed as
Grave's Disease are usually treated with a dose of 4 to 10 mCi. My dose was 155.120
mCi (millicurie - a unit measuring radioactivity).
I reported to the hospital's outpatient lab to get bloodwork done. The two lab techs
were unsuccessful at finding a vein to drain and I took my lab slip back and headed to
Pequot, a branch of the hospital, in my town. One jab and I was good to go.
12/18/08
I have to suck on lemon drops for three days to stimulate my salivary glands. The
lemon drops from CVS either weren't very tart or my taste buds were shot. Altoids
makes sours that did the trick. I think I'm now addicted to the tangerine ones. My
low iodine diet ended, yet, I wasn't too anxious to order an iced coffee, donuts, an
egg nog shake, chinese food, and pizza.
12/20/08
I had chocolate today :o) I'm still not too keen on eating
12/26/08
I went back to the nuclear medicine dept. I was taken to a room to get the whole body
scan. I didn't have any prep requirements and i stayed clothed. I had to lie on a
platform and the tech pushed me in until my head was under the camera. She told me
it should take about 25 minutes and that I could close my eyes if I wanted to and
that most people fall asleep. She warned me that she was going to lower the camera
over my face. She did not tell me it was going to be about an inch away from it. (How
do you people that do it, lie in those tanning beds??!!) I watched it come closer and
started to panic. Was she watching? Was she controlling it or was there a sensor to
automatically stop? What if it malfunctioned and kept going? That did me in. My
heart started racing. My face was twitching and itching. I couldn't move. There'd be
no way I could move. There were rails to each side of me so I wouldn't be able to
slide out. I couldn't lift my head at all. I heard the tech leave the room and my panic
attack kicked into full speed. What if there was a fire alarm? What if I had to go
potty? What if an unauthorized person were to walk in? I closed my eyes and did the
deep breathing gimmick to try to keep from hyperventilating. When I saw the
brightness thru my eyelids I opened my eyes. The camera was moving down. I stared at
the ceiling and continued the deep breathing. When it was all over I told the tech
that it was probably one of the most terrifying things I've ever gone thru. She asked
me if I was claustrophobic. I said this pretty much cemented that fact and she
laighed about it being a good thing she didn't have to restrain me. I didn't laugh at
that. She did tell me that the scan looked pretty good. I'm still waiting to hear from
the doctor.
1/16/09
I received a postcard in the mail from the endocronologist. The body scan came out
negative. I'm ok. I go in for the follow-up details on 2/10. I'm still skeptical and
scared. This is good news, but I'm not rejoicing until I hear that I'm good to go.
My neck hurts around my scar. I wonder if I ripped the healing area. It feels raw.
I was recently diagnosed with Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid, which is a common
and curable form of thyroid cancer. It's usually caused by radiation exposure or
genetics. The occurrence rate in my area is higher than most due to an active power
plant, an inactive power plant, and nuclear submarine construction.
I'm sharing my experience to create awareness. I didn't even know what my thyroid
was when I was diagnosed.
You can find out more information about thyroid disease at:
Thyca: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association Inc.
New York Thyroid Center
Thyroid Awareness
I've joined several groups on facebook and I have browsed numerous message boards.
It is true that knowledge is power. I found that talking with others that have gone
thru this experience whether personally or as a supporter, my worries were at ease.
I have two co-workers that had partial thyroidectomies and one co-worker with
Graves Disease. Combining their support with the overwhelming support of my family
and friends, I've been pretty hopeful, which in turn has helped me recover from the
surgery with minimal pain-both physical and mental.
If you have any questions about my situation, or would like to tell me about yours,
please feel free to contact me. I am keeping a simple timeline below, mainly to help
me keep track.
and curable form of thyroid cancer. It's usually caused by radiation exposure or
genetics. The occurrence rate in my area is higher than most due to an active power
plant, an inactive power plant, and nuclear submarine construction.
I'm sharing my experience to create awareness. I didn't even know what my thyroid
was when I was diagnosed.
You can find out more information about thyroid disease at:
Thyca: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association Inc.
New York Thyroid Center
Thyroid Awareness
I've joined several groups on facebook and I have browsed numerous message boards.
It is true that knowledge is power. I found that talking with others that have gone
thru this experience whether personally or as a supporter, my worries were at ease.
I have two co-workers that had partial thyroidectomies and one co-worker with
Graves Disease. Combining their support with the overwhelming support of my family
and friends, I've been pretty hopeful, which in turn has helped me recover from the
surgery with minimal pain-both physical and mental.
If you have any questions about my situation, or would like to tell me about yours,
please feel free to contact me. I am keeping a simple timeline below, mainly to help
me keep track.