The Latest from Today….Trucks and Thyroids

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For those of you who are entering this conversation now, here’s a little recap of my thyroid issue:  In December I went to my normal physical with my doctor.  She felt a suspicious lump in my neck.  She sent me on to have an ultrasound.  I was told I had large nodules….from there is was a biopsy.  It was then we found out one nodule was benign the other was undetermined.  Both were quite large.  I had the option to wait it out..go through the biopsy process all in three months again or to have surgery.   If I opted for surgery I could have the undetermined side removed and the good left or have it all taken.

I opted to have it all taken.  Last week on Thursday was the surgery date.  I’ve been recovering nicely.

Today was my trip back back to Lacrosse to check in with my surgeon. I really only expected a formality visit.  They’d take out the stitches…he’d tell I could shower normally and drive.  All good.  In light of that Hubby decided we’d do errands in Lacrosse on the way.  He needed to go to Menards.  I needed groceries and wanted to go to JoAnn’s.  All the way there we chatted about where we were going to eat and when we’d eat.  Hubby had a meeting that he needed to get back for but I was campaigning for the Mexican restaurant on the way home in Waukon.  If we did that we’d need to just grab a sandwich now….so we grabbed something at the convenience store with the expectation of a nice supper out.

We got into Lacrosse and decided there was enough time to hit Menards before the doctor.  I didn’t have phone, I forgot it at home, to GPS directions to Menards but Hubby was sure he could get there….About a mile into town on the way…the truck started acting up.  There was a crazy ping-ping failure alarm going off that said low oil pressure.  We pulled into the closest Kwik Trip and Hubby popped the hood.  He called our mechanic and asked what he thought.  In the end we made the decision to just try to get me to the doctor.  Hubby would deal with the truck while I was in my appointment.

We started out good with no alarms but by the time we got to the clinic the alarm was pinging all over again.  UGH.  I went into my appointment worried about the truck.  We were almost two hours from home.  What were we going to do?  I didn’t have my phone.

I checked into the doctor’s.  They took me back.  It was all I expected.  The nurse took out my stitches.  I waited a bit and the surgeon came in.  He checked my neck and told me I looked good and asked how I felt.  Then he told me the pathology report was back and I have follicular thyroid cancer.

Wow.  I have cancer.

I didn’t expect that.  I didn’t expect that at all.So I am a person who makes up the 10% of people who have undetermined nodules who end up with cancer….

Now what does that mean?  I’m not really sure.  I did ask if he knows what’s next for me.  Being the surgeon, he couldn’t be exact…my doctor would be talking to me on my next appointment of the 25th.  From the sounds of it I will likely be taking a radioactive thyroid medicine…no chemo.  No radiation.  From my understanding what happens is my blood levels are tested and then I am given a radioactive medication to ingest.  I then am radioactive and have to stay on my own without anyone else around for a couple days.  Then I’m good to go.

At this point that’s really all I know.

There are many things to be thankful for.  Survival rate for this is high.  It’s one of the most curable cancers.  All of my thyroid have already been removed.  If I had opted for one side only, I’d now have surgery scheduled to have the other side removed.  Even though I just found out what I have, I am already on the road to recovery.  That’s wonderful news.

So out of the doctor’s office I’m waiting for Hubby to show up in the lobby.  I know I have to tell Hubby.  He wants to know my results.  I want to get out of the hospital before I have to say it out loud.  I ask about the truck.  I’m trying to figure out how to make the cancer not sound bad.  There just isn’t a way.  I say what about the truck again…he says what about you.  I say truck first.  He says…not good.  What’d the doctor say he asks?  I don’t want to say.  I never want to say.  I want to ignore it but know I can’t.  I have thyroid cancer I say.  He stops.  I push him ahead.  I want to get in the elevator where I won’t have to talk about it for a minute before I have to explain it all.  I don’t really care about me.  I don’t want to hurt him and I know it will hurt him to hear it.  In the parking ramp…I’m a little more together now.  I tell it all.  Telling the first time is the hardest.

I tell him everything you’ve just read.  He’s quiet.

We start talking about the truck again and start figuring out if we can or how we’ll get home.

The oil pressure is the problem.  We stop and add oil to the truck.  We do what we can to hurry out of town…no Menards.  No groceries.  No JoAnns.  We talk and drive.  Drive and talk.  We listen to the truck.  I finally ask for his phone and start calling the kids.  One by one they are told each time they are told not to call the others until I’ve told them all.  Each time I tell…it’s easier.

I’m still not all that bothered by the diagnosis for me…I still am more bothered that my problem will become Hubby’s problem.  It will become the kids’ problem.  For me it’s just a step by step process.  I have to do whatever I am told. On the 25th, I go to the doctor and learn the next step and then do it.  For them it’s a scramble.  Who watches the dog?  Who has to change their schedule?  Who has to wonder if they’ll have thyroid issues?

The truck goes along pretty good.  The alarm comes on again…then off.  Will we make it home?  I have Kelli on stand-by to come if needed.

We make it to Caledonia.  We find a Chevy dealer.  He put the truck on the computer and it seems it’s just a sensor that has gone out.  The guy was awesome.  Apparently Hubby told him -My wife has thyroid cancer and we are on the way home.  He needs to tell it to.  He hasn’t told it yet.  As annoying as the truck trouble was I am thankful that he had a chance to say it.  The more it’s said, the easier it is.  The sweet mechanic didn’t charge him a dime.  He said we had enough for one day.  He was right.  It’s been enough.

We finally made it home.  Kalissa came with pizza.  I messaged my childcare parents.  I have to tell them.

I write the blog post.  I have to tell it again.  It’s easier…easier every time.

Things will be different for a little while….but I’m still me.  I’m just me with cancer…but cancer that has already started to be treated.  The largest culprit has been removed.  I’m already on the mend.  I am so happy about that.

I’m sure there’s some reader reading this who better knows what’s next for me.  It’s a long wait until the 25th when I get official doctor’s word.  If you can share your story, I’d appreciate it lots.

My little nephew sent me the cutest drawing…He calls me “Aunty Jo Gracie” after our old beagle Gracie.

from Matt

It was another chance for me smile today!!  Thanks Matt!!

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86 thoughts on “The Latest from Today….Trucks and Thyroids”

  1. Jen B

    I don’t really know what to say Jo, except that I’m thinking of you and your family and hoping that everything goes as well as it can.

    Reply
  3. Marge

    Will be praying for you. I’ve had cancer but not where yours is. That word “cancer” scares the dickens out of you.

    Reply
  4. Bobi

    Cancer! Just about the scariest word in the English language. My in-laws had cancer, my Mom had cancer, my step dad had cancer. Survival rates are so much better these days and the uncertainty at the diagnosis is just the worst. Don’t let your imagination run away with you. Keep your perspective and your positive attitude. You obviously have a great husband and family who will weather this storm with you. I’ll be praying for all of you.
    You are right: you’re still you! And soon you’ll be able to add to your list of life accomplishments: cancer survivor!!!

    Reply
  7. Paulette Doyle

    Well isn’t that a kick in the pants! The good news is, that it’s been cut out…and you got it early! Now on to the treatment! Hug that man on yours and lean on those wonderful kids! Remember you have a lot of quilters out here cheering you on! Big cyber hug to you!
    Pxo

    Reply
  8. Shelly Branscom

    You got this, Jo. Your positive attitude will get you through this. Keep thinking positively and stay healthy. YOU GOT THIS!

    Reply
  9. Mary Jo

    I am a lung cancer survivor of 19 years! Survivors do happen! A close friend had thyroid cancer several years ago, took radioactive thyroid medicine, had her thyroid removed, had to stay away from other people for a while and is now doing great. If I remember correctly she is eating a special diet, but I am not sure if it is for her thyroid issues or for some other, but she is doing great. She and her husband travel all over the world and they are in the process of planning a trip to Viet Nam for this spring.
    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope all goes well.

    Reply
  10. Dot

    Sending you my love! I’m a breast cancer survivor (for 38 years, now), and I think it’s harder on your family than it is on you. You just do what you have to do, and put one foot in front of the other, and keep going. I think you’ll do fine, dear.

    Reply
  11. Donna R.

    My dad was diagnosed in November. Out of the blue. Scared the heck out of us, but somehow you have to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. Which is exactly what you are doing. You have a great support system and that’s half the battle. Thoughts and prayers are with you from New Jersey. :)

    Reply
  13. Linda

    You will be in my thoughts and prayers. It is a really hard thing to talk about, and I admire your courage. That is a long wait until next appointment, so luckily you are a busy person.

    Reply
  14. Debbie B

    So sorry to hear your news, Jo! I know you will do great. As you said, you’re already on the path to recovery. Prayers for you and the family. Hugs!!!

    Reply
  15. Carol

    Praying for you and your family. It sounds fairly positive; getting it out and early. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Warrior on!

    On another note I am going to a surgeon as I have small nodules on my parathyroid. Praying for good results.

    Reply
  16. JanetB

    Keep positive thoughts. Your primary doctor found the lump. You made the right decision on surgical approach. You have a strong family to help you through this and you have a strong virtual family who will pray for you through this.

    Reply
  17. Patty

    Hugs to you, and prayers to all. My 14 year old granddaughter,Octavia, goes in on the 8th for surgery. She,also, has thyroid cancer. 97% cure rate is great. I will be glad when the 10th is here.

    Reply
    1. Jo

      The surgery is really an easy one to recover from. For the most part, I’m a week out and feel “normal”. The worst part is my voice….it’s still a like uncomfortable.

      Reply
  18. Cindy F

    Sending prayers for you and your family. I’m a kidney cancer survivor of 3 1/2 years. Cancer is a terrible word and so much fear goes with it. Sounds like you’re on the right track for treatment and as others have said, thyroid cancer is very treatable. One thing I found very helpful was a support group for my particular cancer on Facebook. I found it about 6 months after I had my surgery and wished I had found it earlier. I imagine there is one out there for thyroid cancer and you’ll find others going through exactly what you’re going through and they will be a great source of information.

    Reply
  20. Erin

    All the best to you and your family Jo. My husband has been in treatment for cancer for the past 2.5 years. It’s been really tough and changed our lives in ways I never would have expected, but our marriage is stronger than ever and we just had our first child. His prognosis is nowhere as good as yours, just follow doctors orders and do your research and you’ll be fine. I really recommend doing your own independent research. We like to think doctors know best but sometimes they don’t and sometimes your own hospital and your own doctor aren’t the best people to treat you. Good luck!!

    Reply
  22. Lori

    Jo, I admire your honesty and courage! We’re all praying for you! Praying and cheering you through this! Wrap all of us around you like a big, ol’ quilt!

    Reply
  23. Robby

    You figure it out as you go, like many steps of faith. So glad you made the decisions you made when you did and didn’t procrastinate with potential bad news as many do. You may have cancer, but you are far more than cancer. Big hugs, and let those friends and family help when and where it’s needed. It will help you all. May the time pass quickly as you wait for the 25th.

    Reply
  26. Elaine Walker

    Yes, cancer is a very scary word. I am a cancer survivor of 15 years. Thyroid cancer has a very good survival rate. As has been said, you have a great supportive family. All your blog friends are sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. We love you

    Reply
  27. LisaS

    I’m very sorry to hear this news but I am encouraged to think that you are already on the road to recovery. I will add you to my prayers!

    Reply
  28. Janinne

    Prayers said. I also have a friend who had thyroid cancer. Same treatment, she’s very healthy about 10 yrs after.

    Reply
  29. Jody

    I know we chatted earlier but reading you describing your day brings back lots of the same feelings from June of 2013…you are exactly right, it is easier each time you say it and then it is surreal for a bit and then slowly with each step it becomes your history. I am SO GLAD that the surgery is ALL done. I have thanked God for your decision to have the complete thyroidectomy because it stinks to have to go back and have surgery again! You are absolutely right, you will get through this and you will worry more about those who love you than you will about your own self. That was the hardest thing for me too, watching their responses and watching them take care of me in their own unique and sensitive ways. I wish the socks had a super power to bypass the negatives of the day but I also see how you have been led to make decisions that put you in a better place today than you could have been. God is good and I am glad you are in his hands!

    Reply
  30. Steph Lindsay

    Hi Jo, and welcome to the club! Check out thyca.org. Everything you need to know about thyroid cancer, all types. I had papillary thyroid cancer in 2005, in my mid 30’s. Removed completely. Then, I went without replacement hormones for a month while following a low-iodine diet (yummy recipes on that site!) That helps you uptake the radioactive iodine, which is only absorbed by thyroid cells. That is what gives us a nice cure rate. I had two lumps, same side, no metastases. It had not come back after 10 years, and my Dr thinks it never will. I pray you will be hearing the same from your Dr in 2026!

    Reply
  31. Ann Gupton

    I’ve been cancer free for two years. Cancer is a scary word when you first hear it. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside of you which you haven’t…You are a strong woman. And blessed with a wonderful family who loves you. I read your posts all the time. You are so positive. I love that…will be praying for you Jo.

    Reply
  32. Dotti

    My friend had thyroid cancer, fifteen years ago. Still going strong. Sending positive energy your way on the wings of prayers.

    Reply
  33. Betty (from Canada)

    As I write this note to you all I can say is keep strong even when you don’t think or want to be-be brave even though you don’t think or want to be brave. But most of all don’t keep your feelings bottled up. Let them out how ever YOU want to let them out. Scream, laugh, cry or what ever you need to do to get it out of your system.

    Reply
  36. Marie Attew

    Reading this in tears as I went through this 3 years ago only it was breast cancer, whilst I was waiting for the results from my biopsy my son and his partner came round and told us they were pregnant , that made telling them 3 weeks later that I had cancer so much more difficult. Worrying about how it would affect the family not thinking of how it would affect you. It will be 3 years on the 7th March, clear as far as I’m aware just had mammogram so awaiting results to make sure my only boob is safe

    Reply
  37. Nicky

    I was in the exact situation you are now two years ago. If your treatment goes the way mine did, you will have a high enough does of radio active iodine to hopefully kill all thyroid tissue in your body. Remember this cancer is made up of thyroid tissue. You will have to go on a low iodine diet. I combined the American and Canadian versions because I am an over achiever. Months after that you will be given a shot of Thyrogen to make your TSH levels rise to and then they will test your Thyroglobulin levels. From then on, it is check ups, your doctor will try to keep you thyroid medication as high as possible with out unlivable side effects to keep your TSH levels low and suppress any cancer that is left. I now go in every 6 months for an examine and the doctor decides what tests she wants to run then. It was scary but my family really helped me out and now it is just a condition I have to manage. Take it one step at a time and don’t forget to still enjoy life. Try not to make the cancer the center of you life just part of it.

    Reply
  38. Deb

    You got this Jo, you have already made good decisions. You will with the next hurdle also. You have a great family that will step up to whatever is needed and a quilting community that has your back. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. Strength, peace and courage as you walk this next part of the journey. Hugs!

    Reply
  39. Karen

    I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. You are an amazing lady that can get through this with all the help of your family and us quilters who love you.

    Reply
  43. Lorraine Bujnowski

    My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. One day at a time and you will get thru this. You are such an inspiration to many people with all that you do and share.

    Reply
  44. LeeAnne

    Our daughter went through the exact same thing, just as you wrote it, except without the pinging truck. That was in 2012 and she’s doing great, you will too.

    Reply
  45. PattiLynn

    You’ll do fine Jo! You took quick action and have the surgery behind you.

    I’m a 20 yr survivor of lymphoma. One thing I learned: Live and Enjoy your Life, Everyday!

    Reply
  46. Myrna

    Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. You’ve been proactive so far and, as you said, you’re already better than you were. You can and will overcome this!!

    Reply
  47. linda

    many prayer warriors praying for you. I am a 6 year colon cancer survivor—-caught early with first colonoscopy!!! Cancer is curable!!!

    Reply
  48. Kay Mc

    So sorry to hear this news, Jo, but it is an easily treated cancer. I was found to have thyroid cancer 6 years ago when I went in for surgery to remove a parathyroid surgery. In the process of trying to find the parathyroid, they found cancer on the back of my thyroid, so removed everything. That was a real surprise to wake up to that news, but I felt God’s hand on me in finding the cancer. I had the radioactive iodine & stayed in isolation for 4 days. I holed up in my sewing room. While my husband was at work I used the whole house & slept in a separate bedroom. My husband passed food in to my room. The time went fast & I got a lot done. I have not had an easy time getting regulated & go to a endocrinology oncologist at Univ. of NE Medical Center in Omaha that has really helped. I have blood work frequently & a ultrasound once a year. I also had ovarian cancer 3 years ago & it was another kind that they said was a good kind to have because it is slow growing but I have to go to Omaha every 3 months for exams & tests. Even though the Drs. said that both of these cancers were the good kinds to get if you are going to have cancer, it is still cancer & you never expect it will happen to you. I pray for the best for you & that they can get you regulated easily.

    Reply
  49. Nell

    And as Bonnie’s post this morning pointed out, turn the negative into positive by sewing something. You have a wonderful family and community to help you overcome. You have fans and friends praying for you and that will help tremendously! Take your mind off of all of it with some brainless piecing! Wishing I could hug you from here!

    Reply
  50. Laura

    What a shock this must be! My oncologist says that if you are going to get cancer, thyroid cancer is the one get. I hope your experience will cause everyone with suspicious lumps to get them checked. I’m so glad your primary care doctor caught this in December! Sending you hugs and and best wishes for your complete recovery.

    Reply
  51. Lee Ann L.

    Wow. I was not expecting that. I figured it was a good proactive thing to be doing. Never in my dreams would you be one of the few to have thyroid cancer. I hope they caught it early and I hope treatment is smooth sailing from hereon.

    Reply
  53. Debbie Huber

    Hey, what a scare. But what a miracle that you have already taken steps to prevent further issues. What a blessing to have the wonderful family you do.
    Without seeming Pollyanna ..ish, I can somewhat emphasize as I have a similar, but not identical story. ( No truck issues, though) This summer I was told I have a heart condition and I am only a little older than you. Plus I don’t feel the issue at hand, nada, none. That, too, is permanent and scary. My father died of a heart attack and my mother is on tons of medication for very similar issues.
    You are among many friends. I appreciate your candor, and your spirit. We may not know the good or bad of what tomorrow brings, but we do know that with help, you will get through this. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  54. Anne D.

    Hugs and prayers going out to you Jo and to your family. I thought Kay Mc had such helpful advice and Nell too. I I’m worried about something I like to retreat to my sewing room and sew and pray. God will help you all through this.

    Reply
  56. Cherie in St Louis

    You are so right about the telling….the first time is the absolute hardest. Hugs to you, your hubby and family. It’s a blessing you have a wonderful family who will help out when you need it (even though you hate the necessity of it).

    Reply
  57. Linda Pawlak

    Jo –

    I had my thyroid out in 2006 for two large nodules. The biopsy before and the pathology after surgery were both benign. However, my thyroid was taken out because of my family history of thyroid cancer. I have an aunt who is 78 years old who had thyroid cancer when she was 17. I have a cousin who was diagnosed in her 20s. Both are alive and well. My cousin even went on to have another child after her surgery/treatment. If my 78 year old aunt is still surviving from surgery/treatment done WELL before modern techniques…I feel pretty confident that thyroid cancer is treatable and survivable. Concentrate on the positives…thyroid cancer is treatable, you caught it early, you made a wise decision in going with the surgery as a first step. Be good to yourself and your husband…you both need a bit of pampering. In no time at all the shock of this day will be a memory. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

    Reply
  60. Sue

    Jo, So sorry to hear that the tests came back positive for cancer. I hope the treatment goes ok. I worked with a guy some years ago and he had this also. But It must have been more advanced because he was in isolation in the hospital for 4 or 5 weeks and had more than one treatment. But he is fine, takes daily medication but doing great. We will all be keeping you in our prayers and following you thru this process. And how wonderful for you to have the family that steps right up and is there for you. Every day is a blessing and we have all been blessed to have you in our lives. Best wishes.

    Reply
  61. Myra

    Prayers and Love to you and lots of prayers for your family, they will have a harder time of this than you will but with lots of love and care, everyone and everything will be alright.
    You take care of yourself and Ruby. Big Hugs from Georgia for the road ahead.
    Myra

    Reply
  62. Sandra Davidson

    I heard that scared cancer word ten years ago. Mine was breast cancer and after a double mastectomy and one year on cancer drug I am a cancer survivor. I didn’t need chemo or radiation which was a relief. I am 73 years old and have thyroid problems since I was 12(hypo), I would be inclined to do what you have done if that happened. From all I have read thyroid cancer seems to be the easiest one to deal with and cure. I will be praying for you and family. You have so much wonderful support with family and friends and a great attitude that I know everything will work well for you. Hugs and Blessings Sandra from Canad

    Reply
  63. mary

    As everyone has already said, you have a lot going for you in this fight. You’ve made good choices and you have a great support team. Positive healing thoughts are being sent your way. I’m sure you will make a speedy recovery from this. Wishing you well
    Mary

    Reply
  66. bErgere

    My prayers are with you. You are already on the way to cancer free. A few more hurdles and you are done. You are an incredible inspiration and role model for me. wHen I lag in energy, you are my motivation to do a little more! lOve to you very wonderful, special husband.

    Reply
  67. Sherry

    My sister had this same thing Jo and she recovered nicely. You will do the same. My prayers are with you. I know the radioactive treatment sounds weird and isolated but necessary. Just do what they tell you to and be positive. That is so important. Will be thinking and praying for all of you!

    Reply
  68. Caryn

    Take care of yourself and hubby. Don’t let it get you down. You have the right attitude and as you said, you have already started well. Wrap yourself up in your cheerful Allietore quilt. You also have a wonderful support system.

    Reply
  70. Debbie

    Cancer is such a scary word! I hope all goes well for you. As encouragement I will tell you that my sister is a thyroid cancer survivor of 20 years. Sounds like her treatment was the same a what you think yours might be. She had her thyroid removed and then the radio active stuff ingested..isolated for a few days and then checkups every year for five years when she was considered cancer free.

    Reply
  71. ShirlR

    I said a prayer for you as I was reading and will continue to keep you in my prayers. From reading your blog each day, I know you are a strong woman with a very positive attitude. You will beat this! We are all standing beside you as you continue on with treatment, and as you say, the largest part has already been done, what a wise decision you made!

    Reply
  73. Andi

    you know jo, i just got my pathology report today, similar to yours. I won’t know until next Wednesday for sure what will be happening for me. I’m a strong person, but this does scare me. I’m going to keep you in my prayers. Am glad you are already on the road to recovery. Even though you don’t know me, I’m sending you a big hug. Take good care of you!

    Reply
    1. Jo

      Oh Andi.
      I am so sorry that you too have to deal with cancer. I know Wednesday is a long time…I think we’re moving into the dreaded “Hurry up and wait” stage. Keep me posted. I care.

      Reply
  74. Jeri Niksich

    My prayers are with you and have been since the beginning of your ordeal. I’m not sure if you read my comments from before, but my oldest granddaughter had Leukaemia when she was 11 she had the most curable of the many types of childhood Leukaemia but still became deathly ill before being diagnosed and also lost her hair in the process. She was stronger than any of us adults and she was the one that was fighting for her life more than any of our fears and prayers. She is a survivor…thanks to the good Lords love and through our prayers. I have absolute confidence that you too will be a survivor with your faith in God and from all the prayers for you and your family from your faithful followers. God Bless you Jo and your upcoming fight. You WILL make it through everything with flying colors! As everyone has said! Also along with everyone..please let us know if there is anything we can do for you besides prayers please let us know.
    God Bless
    Jeri

    Reply
  76. Cheryl in Oz

    It is a shock when you are first told you have cancer…I was so defiant when my Dr pulled her chair close to me and said that dreaded word. I said “how can that happen?”… my husband and friend were shattered but I was peed off.
    Like you, I needed to say the word many times… Looking back I was in shock. I was so matter of fact and just needed to tell my nearest and dearest. My poor sister in law was reeling.
    I am sure you will be fine Jo…you got that thyroid sorted pronto… great choice you made.
    The wait will seem eternal but you have your wonderful hubby and gorgeous family with you everystep of the way…as weĺl as all your friends…and the little kiddos will help keep life real as only little ones can.
    I will be channelling best wishes your way through this rough patch…for you, your hubby and your family.
    Much love and big big hugs
    Cheryl xx

    Reply
  77. Myra

    Jo, I was just on Pinterest and came up on your “Chain of Faith” quilt and pattern and the thought came to me, look at all the people that are praying for you and your family, you have a Chain of Faith on your blog.

    Reply
  78. Pam C

    My son’s mother in law’s story is basically the same as yours, just a month earlier. She developed a lump in her neck, doctors took out entire thyroid. It was cancer (I think she knew ahead of time that it was cancer.) She was told the type of cancer she has typically stays in the thyroid and is the most curable. She is going to take the radioactive iodine to kill any remaining thyroid tissue. I don’t think it has been decided yet whether or not she will need any additional treatment or not.

    Blessings and prayers for all of you as you deal with this.

    Reply
  79. Berni Crawford

    Dear Jo-
    First, I want to thank you so much for your wonderful website. I live in the Pacific Northwest and have been a professional seamstress most of my life(working in costuming and fashion), but always wanted to quilt. I was finally able to embark on this wonderful odyssey and I made about eight quilts so far, beginning with a queen log cabin one I started some thirty years ago, then put away carefully for about fifteen years until I was able to buy a new Viking machine and complete the other forty-one blocks I needed to complete it. Most recently, I have completed the top for a Disappearing,self-sashing nine-patch for which I used your excellent pattern. I have been so grateful to access your site for creative ideas and encouragement when quilting. I feel like I know you and your family from reading your blog and wanted to cry when I read this lousy news about your cancer diagnosis.

    I do not have first-hand knowledge of thyroid cancer, but I have had a few close calls of another variety and know in my heart you are going to overcome this obstacle and am sending prayers to help you achieve that end goal.

    I am an accomplished knitter and although I read that you are not going to have that kind of treatment, if that changes, I have made many beautiful Chemo Caps
    and would be happy to make and mail some to you in your favorite colors and head size. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help ease your load and we can call it a trade for all I have gleaned from your free website.

    Take care,

    Berni Crawford
    Bellingham, Washington

    Reply
  82. Judy

    I am so sorry to hear about this, I will keep you in my prayers. My cousins daughter had this type of cancer and had the radioactive medication and had to stay home alone like you will have to for a period of time. There were also certain things she had to be careful about such as how she handled things like garbage. That was almost two years ago and she is doing fine now and as far as I know has not had anymore problems.

    Reply
  83. Janine Baker

    One of the girls in my Quilting group had the exact same thing as you. She too had the radioactive stuff. It was a little bummer for her having to be away from everyone for a certain length of time, but she did alot of reading & sewing. It was a sort of vacation from everyday life! She is totally fine and said it was a piece of cake. I hope it is the same for you. Prayers & hugs to you.

    Reply

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