Small miracle???

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Some of you may know that my DH had surgery to have a spot on his thyroid removed two weeks ago.  We were told there was a 20% chance of cancer and well, 20% to me is pretty darn big, so he decided to go through with removing his left thyroid.  No risk in chancing that, especially with Baby S coming in October!

 

Let me rewind to August 2011.  It was a Monday night and we were relaxing after dinner, as usual.  All of a sudden, Conor tells me he cannot see and had lost most of his vision.  He was freaking out of course and we gave it about 15 minutes before I drove him to the hospital.  We were rushed in and he was treated for possible stroke.  So those of you in the medical field may know that involves about $15,000 worth of tests, including CT scans.  In the end, they think it was a migraine - but he had never had one before, so we did not know what to do and that is why I didn't want to risk it and ride it out at home.  I actually think I posted a small blog on this right after it happened.

 

What came out of our ER experience was that one of the scans showed a small lump on his thyroid.  He was referred to an endocrinologist for blood and biopsy tests.  Two biopsies came back indeterminable.  On we moved to a surgeon, who recommended surgery to remove the lump.  She said it was doubtful it was cancer, but we needed to do it to be safe.  Keep in mind this is at a Top 100 Hospital and my place of employment - one of the best research/University hospitals in the US and I trust them.

 

Today DH had his follow-up appt and results from biopsy.  Shockingly, IT WAS CANCEROUS.  They said they caught it so early it was very contained and that they did not recommend removing the remaining parathyroid. He goes back in 6 months for a scan to make sure it is not anywhere else.  But surgeon feels good about catching it when we did.

 

That is a pretty strange coincidence that we decided to go to the ER and have the scans that night back in August.  We may have never known about the spot on the thyroid.  It's a "slow growing" cancer, but still.  I don't tend to get all religious in public, but how can I not think there is someone out there watching over me and DH???? 

 

And reminder to all of you: trust your instincts and if there is a chance of cancer, even if it doesn't seem great, you may want to listen to the recommendations of your doctor.

 

I am still in shock about it quite honestly. DH is 31 years old!  We are rushing home in a few hours to take choodle on a nice long walk and discuss everything. 

 

Thanks for listening to me vent :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

There are no small miracles! Hoping DH has no furthur issues.

[L.M.]

OMG what a scary experience, but I'm so glad that things are going well!  I'm a strong believer in the power of the mind over body, so stay positive and focus on that baby that will be coming your way soon!  Best wishes to you and your DH!  

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Wonderful!!! Awesome!!

[Leigh & Allie]

Small??? Are you kidding me? That is a HUGE miracle! Wow! I'm speechless.

[Karen and Bridget]

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that "coincidences" are really blessings yet to be revealed.  I am so happy that everything is turning out well for you, your husband, and baby to be :)

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

So happy for you and your husband! What a relief!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

This is one of those "quiet miracles" that God performs each and every day. I am so happy for you and your family that everything fell into place and your DH will be fine.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Very happy for your miracle!

My mother is also a cancer survivor. Esophageal cancer to be exact. She had a sore throat so went to see the doctor who found some scarring/lump on her esophagus. My mom was hesitant in removing it, but Thank god my dad was able to talk her into it as it DID turn out to be cancer and the doctor had to remove a bigger portion of her esophagus than they initially thought. It's been over 10 years since that 6-hour operation and no recurrence.

 

Agree with Deanna..a thorough annual health check is a must as early detection is key!

And always get 2nd (of 3rd) opinions as doctors are also prone to judgement/practice errors.

 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I understand your fear! 27 years ago, I had a lump sticking out of my neck. We were friends with many MDs back then but the wives always complained that whenever they were out socially they were always asking for free medical advice so I never showed it to any of them. My SIL is a MD. I asked her 1 day and within 3 weeks I was in surgery to remove the right side of my thyroid. The tests came back 'benign but atypical'. Never did find out what that really meant but I have been on thyroid replacement hormone ever since. The thyroid can grow back to replacing the hormones keeps the thyroid not working or regrowing.

 When I have my yearly physical it is checked and lots of blood work and I am thrilled to say no recurrence in all these years.

I pray DH has the same outcome!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Allyson, I really believe your DH is going to be fine. I'm not a doctor but was told by one that thyroid cancer is nearly 100% curable. Praise God that it was caught early!