Has it really been about three months since I have actually written anything on our blog (other than posting a few pictures)? I would have to say that the "busyness" really began last Fall, and just continued on into the winter. As I look back it has become one big blur, full of life changes for our whole family...emotional, exhausting and exciting. As I catch up, I hope to become more regular in my postings again. I miss hearing from our blog friends!
Going back to September when I flew to Georgia to help with our daughter Leah's thyroid surgery, one very unexpected turn of events occurred when she went for her post-op appointment. Much to our shock and dismay, we found out that one of the three nodules they removed was malignant, and it was not totally contained inside the nodule. Yes, papillary carcinoma at age 29. Our sweet daughter would now face a cancer diagnosis, and though her whole thyroid had been removed, there was a slight chance that some cancerous cells could still be floating around in her body somewhere. Therefore, she and her husband chose to have her go through a single radio-active iodine (RAI) treatment, just to be sure any rogue cells were sought out and destroyed. The most difficult part of this would be the time of isolation from her family, especially her little girl, but it was something we all felt she should do.
This is the canister that held the radioactive iodine pill.
Here is Emery peeking out the window at Mommy during the isolation period.
Finally they could be around one another and this reunion and hug was the sweetest moment!
Time for Grandma to head home. Parting is such sweet sorrow!
We couldn't be prouder of the faith and courage Leah showed when faced with her unexpected diagnosis and consequent treatment. Learning from her Daddy, she remained positive and hopeful, knowing that the Lord had this, and she would be fine. He would be with her in the storm, and He was. All of this is now in the past, her Synthroid levels have been adjusted, she will be closely monitored through blood work, and she is thriving as a busy young mommy of a two year old! We are certainly grateful for how everything turned out.
Linda and EZ, a cancer diagnosis for your child or grandchild is heart stopping. I know. Everything else just pales and slips into the background. Leah certainly made the right choice, and everybody out here in your blogosphere has her back. She'll be fine . Lovey
ReplyDeleteThank you Lovey! We are grateful that this was caught early, the thyroid and nodules were removed, and the treatment was fairly simple with a high rate of effectiveness, and no side effects for Leah!
DeleteI am glad your daughter is doing well. I myself had breast cancer in 2005 but in 2012 our daughter(32) was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. It is so much worse when your child is suffering.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
DeleteIt is so much worse if your child is suffering or worried for their future at such a young age. Sounds like both you and your daughter are fighters, and survivors! She was certainly young to be diagnosed with MM, but I am certain she learned how to battle from her mama!
Holding your precious daughter in the Highest Light of healing along with EZ and knowing it is a huge challenge when it is a child (or in my case, a child's husband) who is facing disease.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy! She is doing wonderfully and thank goodness the doctors feel she will not see any sign of that cancer again!
DeleteThank you again for coming and staying 2 weeks with us during the whole RAI treatment. The hardest part for sure was being away from my little sweetie but knew she was having so much fun with Grandma and Daddy. (If there every is another time, I will be OUT of that house!) Love you!
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad that Leah's cancer diagnosis was totally curable and that the RAI treatment worked!!! So glad that you were able to go and help them during that time too, Mom.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Linda I cannot believe the parallels in our lives! Your daughter at 29 (with Thyroid C) and my son at 25 (with bladder C)! Cancer is just everywhere! I have a colleague's daughter who is going thru the same procedure as your daughter and having to be isolated from her kids too. O my this world! So happy to know all is better with your daughter! Your pictures are beautiful and delicious!!! xoxo
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