Too Much on Our Plait: Like Mother

Like Mother - 18

I’ve been having problems with tachycardia since my operation. Evidently, with manipulation of the thyroid in removing it at surgery, much excess hormone is secreted into the body. It’s a lousy feeling – like you’re in overdrive even when you are trying to relax. After talking about this with my endocrinologist yesterday, he doubled my beta blocker, and if that does not give me effective relief, may decrease my Synthroid dose. As well, my menopausal hot flashes have hit an all-time high. I have become one big walking/talking hormone.

The recent turn of events with Janina doesn’t help any either. I know she is anxious about her visit with the surgeon tomorrow, and I feel her pain. Everyone feels her pain. Calls and messages have been pouring in. I’m sure most people are thinking what misfortune and horrible luck our family seems to have – that we all have cancer at the same time. Truth is, we have it “at the same time” because we are looking for it. But it was there, and who knows for how long. Dori’s diagnosis four years ago eventually led to my concern and subsequent diagnosis, which led to Janina’s diagnosis.

Misfortune? Perhaps. I choose to think that we are fortunate. Fortunate to have discovered our cancer and fortunate to have each other. Each of us can both sympathize and empathize with the other. Each of us knows how it feels every step of the way. We’re just exchanging places to be where we need to be. Janina and I were once at Dori’s bedside, Janina then at my bedside, and I will be at her bedside very soon. I will hold her hand and whisper the same comforting words that she whispered to me and reassure her that she will be fine.

It’s 11 a.m. and I’m still lying in bed as I make this entry. Trying to give the meds a chance to kick in. When my feet hit the floor, I will officially be up. Let’s see what today brings…

P.S.

Another great “Tweet” I received today:

"Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger." - Lou Holtz

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Like Daughter, Like Mother: Our Thyroid Cancer Journey

Behind the Blog

Adelina is a full-time wife, mother, practice manager, and medical transcriptionist. After receiving an ultrasound and countless biopsies, she was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer on December 11, 2009. She successfully underwent surgery on December 29, 2009, and had her first radioactive iodine treatment in February 2010. Following treatment, Adelina now sees her doctor once a year for follow-up. She has been doing well, and refuses to let cancer slow her down.

Dori is 26 years old. She was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer at the age of 17 on June 1, 2006, just three days prior to her high school graduation. Dori endured two radioactive iodine treatments and two surgeries to remove her complete thyroid and 39 total lymph nodes from her neck. She is now under close watch by her doctors, and only time will tell if the cancer stays at bay.