It's out! The verdict is in... the entire thyroid was removed and "looked bad, like rotten oatmeal in some places." The left lobe was full of papillary adenocarcinoma. Luckily, the parathyroid was unaffected so they got to stay. He also removed the yucky lymphnodes that were under the thyroid, but they were benign! I will have two rounds of radioactive iodine, one in 6 weeks and on in 6 months. That should kill off whatever's left and life will go on.

I feel very blessed to have a wonderful doctor who took care of this so quickly. These last three days in the hospital have not been enjoyable by any means, but I have definitely seen the hand of the Lord in my life. I can't thank family and friends enough for your love, support, prayers, fasting, and service. I am inspired by you!

I should be going home today after the last two rounds of anti-biotics and removal of the drain. The respiratory infection is clearing up and the new antibiotics are working well (I was allergic to the last one). Still haven't seen the scar... it's bandaged pretty well. I am sure that will be shocking.

I guess I should try to get some more sleep while I can. I am in the OB ward in the Casa Grande Regional Medical Center (the med/surge floor was full) and my room is right across from the nursery. I miss Skeet so much every time I hear a baby cry.

He will be in my arms soon enough. I sure love my kids!

So it’s 4am and I have been up with Skeet most of the night. I finally realized that I have cancer last night. I knew I had it, but it didn’t really sink in until my break down last night. Lots of sobbing in Jay’s arms. My concerns: the horrific nature of the surgery, cutting my neck wide open and being so close to major arteries and my trachea, if it’s in my parathyroid and/or lymph nodes, waking up to the pain, possible vomiting after the surgery, staying in the hospital without Jay, metastasis, dying on the table, not being able to breathe after from the swelling, the scar, the distance from my kids, the emotional distance from my kids post-surgery…

These are only some of the concerns I have. I do know that I have one of the best surgeons. He loves the hospital. He has been doing this for years. Despite not recognizing how hysterical I am, he is a great guy who is taking this whole thing very seriously. My tumor does not have a spine! I guess I am strong enough to deal with this. Life will go on. And I am sure it will be good. :-)