I debated for a bit to see how much I felt comfortable sharing but decided I was just going share. Â I’ve said before that I think of the blog a bit as a journal and a bit like I’m writing a note a note to a close friend. Â Well I’d write what I’m about to say in a journal and I would tell it to a friend….so here goes.
The Wednesday before Christmas I had a doctor’s appointment. Â I was late with getting a yearly check. Â I was due in October but put it off. Â It’s hard to get things scheduled with childcare and I really hate to take a day off and just sit in the doctor’s office. Â So the week before Kelli came and watched the kiddos and I ran it to get a blood draw. Â Then scheduled the follow up for Wednesday. Â I was really expecting some type of change in my meds. Â I’m just diabetic. Â If I was the perfect eater and lost 40 pounds I might be able to avoid meds for awhile but with my dieting history, I know that won’t happen permanently. Â I opted for the meds. Â I’m on the lowest dose possible. Â I figured that might need to be upped so I was ready for that when I went in…I was also thinking she might want my foot looked at….
This is what I heard….diabetes…Good..blood work…good. Â My good cholesterol even improved. Â It has more room to improve but it was better. Â That all sounded good. Â I was right about the foot, she wanted it x-rayed. Â It was also time for my mammogram and a flu shot..oh and last time we forget the urinalysis.
Oh and you did just turn 50. Â I won’t push but you do need a colonoscopy. Â Ya-hoo…NOT!! Â I had forgotten about that….Oh and there seems to be something wrong with your thyroid. Â The left one is enlarged.
So I peed and was shot and then sent to the larger clinic down the road. Â A mammogram, then an x-ray, then an ultrasound on my neck all before errands. Â Luckily Kelli was up for a longer day of childcare.
Then I was told that results may or may not but on the 24th. Â I might have to wait until Monday….but let’s schedule you for the colonoscopy consult.
So I got a call on the 24th….
urinalysis…good.
x-ray on my foot…not broken. Â Arthritic in the joint where I jammed it so needs more TLC.
thyroid ultrasound…not good. Â I have four nodules on the left side. Â Hmmm….
I don’t really know what that means. Â From looking on the internet, it could mean a variety of things from nothing to cancer to thyroid problems. Â For now, all I know is that I have an appointment on January 5th in LaCrosse, which is the larger clinic that’s almost 2 hours away, for a biopsy to be done. Â She asked some questions about whether I was tired….loosing hair and other things. Â At this point time will tell what this all means.
I am concerned about it but there’s no real point in fretting and worrying. Â I have things do…kids to care for..and quilts than need to be sewn so that’s what I’m going to do.
Kelli quickly volunteered to care for the childcare kiddos that day and Hubby is taking me for the biopsy. Â I wish the appointment was sooner but the holidays put a bit of a wrench in scheduling.
As I said, I did debate about writing about this…it isn’t always easy to share personal things. Â Just know I’m determined that whatever it is or isn’t I’ve got more life to live and I’m going to do just that…speaking of which, I’m off to do some sewing. Â I have the day off and I’m making the most of it!
Jo, Winging happy thoughts for a good report when they do the biopsy. If we dwelled on all our problems we would go crazy, so keep quilting, reading, childcare, & your fans will all encourage you too! Hope you & your family had a great Christmas . I read your posts most days & enjoy them, some days I get behind but always go back & catch up. Keep inspiring your quilting friends!!
time to worry when there is something to worry about! in he meantime, dont! have you ever considered that you are an inspiration to many, you encourage us to keep on keeping on, despite challenges. keep it up. you lift us up, we lift you up!
You writing about your experience may encourage someone to get their checkup. Praying all goes well for you. Keep the positive attitude. And please, let us know the outcome.
Good luck with your appointment on the 5th. You have the support and backing of a loving and caring family and that is a wonderful ally. I agree with your mind set – one I adopt too – keep busy with everything as normal and throw yourself into your quilting, so therapeutic.
I think that a positive attitude and positive outlook helps a lot. You have a lot of people in
blogland wishing you well. Take care.
I think mine started about then too. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis….for me. causes low thyroid, and wt gain… And all of that increases the need to diabetic meds bc wt loss is harder. Also constipation (yuck TMI) Sleep issues, tiredness,choking, and a host of other issues.
So I’ve had 2 biopsies BC the Dr thought a couple yrs ago that it was still enlarged Wonderful procedure. The Dr who did mine last time gave no warning to hold my breath b4 doing it…. Other than that it was a fairly easy procedure.
On a good note, only 4% of thyroid problems are cancerous, and it is one of the easiest to cure!
God Bless and keep us posted.
Sending good thoughts your way. Keep all those positive vibes flowing and you’ll handle whatever comes your way. You have a wonderful support system with your family and all of us through blogland, too. Take care of yourself. Hugs!!! Happy New Year!!!
You go girl!
It is hard to do but try not to think about it but keep all of your appointments. I am a 3 year thyroid cancer survivor. It wasn’t fun but now I am living my life to the fullest again. Just make sure you are comfortable with the medical competence of your Endocrinologist and, if needed, your surgeon. Here’s hoping it is just nodules.
Consider your self receiving a enormous hug from your blogland followers!
A sorrow shared is halved, a joy doubled. Thanks for sharing!
Sending you good thoughts for a good outcome! Thank you for sharing these intimate details of your life! A good reminder to all of us to get annual check ups! It is so easy to put off getting routine medical care.
Thanks for sharing about your checkup! It may encourage someone else to take care of themselves ! I’m glad to hear your foot isn’t broken but sorry to hear that the problem is arthritis. I have that so I know what a pain that can be. Good luck with the biopsy next week ! I wifi keep you in my prayers.
Ellie
Praying that whatever is wrong can be easily fixed. Sending good thoughts your way.
My daughter had an enlarged thyroid that had to be removed. A year later, you can hardly see the scar line. Only one side was enlarged, so she still has a functioning portion. I’m sure glad you went in for the yearly exam!!
Meanwhile, Happy New Year!!
It’s good to share for a number of reasons. You’ll be in my thoughts!
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Jo. I will be with you in spirit on the 5th as I am sure many of us will be.Keep up the good positive thoughts. Big Hugs.
Have had two biopsies on my thyroid. Just a warning if you do not like needles this will give you issues. My symptoms come and go . At least questions will be answered and if needed meds can help. You have great support from your family. God bless!
I have had issues with my thyroid for over 30 years. I know now that when the Dr. says ‘I see something wrong with this/that, let’s get a test’, it comes back normal because of my thyroid doing weird things….don’t worry, it’s wasted energy. God is taking care of everything.
Have a Happy New Year. L
Bless you for sharing. I need to make a doc appointment too! Will keep you in my prayers.
As others have stated, most thyroid nodules are benign. They found one on me after I had a partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer. I admit it freaked me out but everything turned out fine and I didn’t find the biopsy to be too bad at all. Happy to hear things are going well otherwise but go ahead and get that colonoscopy. The worst thing about that is the prep and even that isn’t too bad as long as you stay near a bathroom. :) Praying for a healthy new year!
Prayers going out to you. Keep up the positive attitude and yes sewing is very therapeutic. I like to say – Don’t borrow tomorrow’s troubles.
Anne D.
Jo, I am so glad you shared…that allows us to get the healing prayers going for you! I know you’ll be fine. Hugs.
Put the pedal to the metal and give her! Keep busy to take your mind off ‘it’ as there is nothing you can do about it! I had a similar scare last year after my mammogram…best not to think about it until you get the results. AND the chances are that those results will all be GOOD! You are YOUNG and that goes in your favour! Wishing you WELL and healthy! Big HUG!!~P
I will be thinking of you and hoping that this is only a minor bump in your life!
Thinking of you–you have many out here who care.
Positive Thoughts and prayers sent for you!
I imagine you’ve heard plenty, but I’ll add to it. My dentist of all people noticed my thyroid was swollen and told me to check into it further. It was swollen, I had nodules and had a needle biopsy. (simple and painless procedure, but nerve wracking) The cells showed no cancer. I wasn’t really experiencing symptoms of thyroid issues although I have a big family history of thyroid malfunction. I’ve got back a few years to keep an eye on it and make sure nothing is changing or growing and my last visit the dr set me free! No need to come back unless I start having symptoms or a goiter! LOL Take care Jo.
sending positive thoughts your way, waiting for test is hard. Hope all well and if not, is fixable.
Prayers for good results!
We are all with you on this…… Hugs!!
It takes a lot of WORK to keep up with our aging bodies, doesn’t it?! I am so glad that you went in for your check-up! I will keep a good thought for you and expect to hear that all will be well. I am glad that you have such a supportive family and so many delightful hobbies to keep you busy! Take care.
Very glad to hear you’re not overcome with worry when you don’t know if there’s anything to worry about. Also touched that you decided to share this with ‘friends you’ve never met’. Good vibes being sent your way and big hugs.
Sending you a virtual hug and positive vibes that all will be well when you get the test results. Take extra good care of yourself, and try not to stress too much about it.
It is so important to have our regular check ups. Sending prayers and thoughts for you.
Praying for good results for you, Jo. I am scheduling an appointment for myself next week.
I will be praying for you on the 5th…..A lot of people will be getting check-ups because of you sharing….God Bless……
I had thyroid cancer thirty-eight years ago. They removed my thyroid, and that has been the end of that problem. Surgery was a piece of cake to go through. I’ve since had two friends diagnosed with thyroid cancer, each has had the same result I did. I’m hoping yours is not that serious, but wanted to give you something a little more on the positive side to think about.
I’ll be praying for you.
What a way to end the year. I hope all will be good news for the new year.
I hadn’t the opportunity to write you before now…my DH made me one of the looms from your book for Christmas. I have plenty of fabric and as this is the placemat size loom I am anxious to get started on one. It will have to wait a bit longer though because we haven’t had our family Christmas yet and that is happening this weekend.
Thanks for the book and know that all your friends in blogland are sending positive thoughts your way.
Kathy
prayers said for you Jo, hugs
Good wishes for your health tests. As you say, no use worrying too much. My motto is “I won’t worry till I have to”. And I tell my Oncologist that it is her job to worry for me.
Also…get that colonoscopy done… by far the worst part of the whole thing is only being able to have fluids for a day or so…the actual procedure is easy! Good luck xx
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Hugs!
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping for it to be nothing and I am sure that your attitude is the best.
Good luck, Jo. You have a whole rooting section here. Try not to put the cart before the horse but I know that is easier said than done. Wishing you only good things.
Happy New Year Jo to you and all your wonderful family, GOD is still in control and takes care of us all when we forget to, so enjoy the coming New year and let the Master handle it, you have quilts to make and children to care for and a Beautiful Family to cook for, when they come home for good cooking.
Prayers from all of us to you.
Dear Jo, I think it is wonderful that you have shared this with all of the people out here that love you and will all be there with prayers and support what every you need.
I went through breast cancer ten years ago and I am still here . Not worrying till you know what you are dealing with. I will sent a little prayer out there for you. Hugs and Blessings
Sandra
Good for you for taking care of business – if you don’t take care of you, you make it doubly hard for your family if they have to step in and do it. You’re an example for your family, friends, the kids, their parents, and us. Thank you for sharing so we can say a prayer or more for you. Thank you, too, for showing all that you keep going until the next appt. and then you decide what to do next. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Sew but don’t make the birthday quilt as I haven’t sent my block yet.
Jo, you can tell by the many comments how everyone is rooting for you because you are so well thought of. Prayers that everything goes well for you and it turns out not to be serious. Keep on sewing! A very happy new year to you Roger and the family.
Stay with it. I neglected a few tests for awhile and then thank goodness finally went in found out I had uterine cancer (beginning) and had to have surgery. Stay up with your tests and what you shared may help someone else who has been putting something off. We all have lots more quilts in us.
Hi Jo, I’m glad you went to the Dr. and are getting everything checked out. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that the biopsy comes out ok.
Keeping you in my prayers! Remember that God is in charge and let him take care of your worries!
Jo, I and others I know have had cancer of the thyroid. All doing well, I just take alittle pill in the a.m. Have faith and keep strong. Continue to do all the wonderful things you do. In my prayers. Edie
Well, glad you got your checkup, and sorry it wasn’t all aces. As the queen of “lets give her the good news first, and then when she pushes us, we’ll tell her the bad news”, I hope you aren’t in the club. My recommendations to you is to keep busy, which isn’t hard for you, and to push for all the answers and be informed on how all procedures will be done so you can schedule time off if need be. Sending you prayers, hope all is well. cdahlgren at live dot com
My thyroid nodule went away when I started taking thyroid hormones. My thyroid was enlarged due to hypothyroidism. It’s scary at first but most issues are easily resolved. Take a deep breath and take one step at a time. Best wishes!
Try not to worry and wait to see what the doctor says-easier said than done!
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jo thanks for sharing with your quilter and blog friends. You have a great positive attitude and take one step at a time. Please keep us posted and prayers sending your way.