Address to:
Cancer cells
My thyroid gland
Dear Cancer,
You really suck. For the past few months I have been living with a diagnoses of you sitting on my thyroid gland. From ultrasounds, biopsies and a vampire’s wet dream of blood taken, we are now preparing for my upcoming thyroidectomy surgery to remove the entire thyroid, nodules and main threat of you spreading your nastiness in my body. Cancer, you’ve been on my mind a lot lately, but I’ve been reluctant to tell too many about our little situation. See, you represent death and disease and I work too hard at living to be looked at like I’m dying. I don’t want anyone looking at me with those sad eyes, voice raised with forced concern. No, thank you. At least that’s how I’ve had to feel for the past few weeks, while I fight to maintain normality with work and kids. But, after today’s full curriculum of pre-op appointments, I was reminded that I am f*#king terrified by you. Because of you someone is cutting into my throat and removing a large piece of it. Because of you I won’t be able to use my vocal chords for weeks, and I will be on medication for the rest of my life. You suck! And I don’t want to keep this to myself anymore.
Let’s get this perfectly clear, what we have here, in the grand scheme of things (as cancers go) is a mere inconvenience. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with treatment. Since my diagnosis, I’ve learned thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is the thyroid that produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.* Technology is making it much easier to detect thyroid cancer and extraction of the entire gland, with a treatment of the synthetic hormone have proven to be successful in removing your ongoing threat.
It was a much stronger version of yourself that robbed me of an amazing mother-in-law and my children of their Gran E in just 6 short months and I will always have a vendetta against you for that. You’ve attacked friends and family members, through pancreatic cancer, leukemia, cervical cancer and breast cancer, and I hate you for that too.
Cancer, I know you’re not going away tomorrow. Let’s face it, it was only 60 years ago that governments were dropping atom bombs into the ocean for curiosity sake. Not that long ago smoking was “cool” and DDT was an inexpensive way for farmers to protect their crops. We’ve done a lot of damage to our environment, our diets and our health in the last 100 years and we’re going to pay for it. Fortunately, appropriate changes are being made, and technology is becoming more capable of detecting you in the early stages – this is how we will beat you.
My personal process of testing for you has been exhausting. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining 80 pounds during our first pregnancy; a routine ultrasound discovered nodules on the thyroid gland; biopsies and blood tests had me passed along to a series of “specialists” until I finally landed in the competent office of my Endocrinologist (hormone specialist), and he made the diagnosis. Sure, it was a kick to the stomach when you were mentioned and the decision to “extract the entire gland to remove the cancer” was made, but it’s also been a great relief to finally have some action being taken.
I have discovered that the health system is flawed, and it has pushed every button I have to push, but the food adventures have been awesome. The Endocrinologist’s office is next door to a Longo’s market (similar style and products to Whole Foods) and the Surgeon’s office is in the heart of Markham’s Chinese community, so I’ve been getting my fill at the T&T Supermarkets and the Pacific Mall. I’m doing my best to stay positive and look at the ‘food side of life’. So far it’s been working.
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- Check out all of the Ontario grown squash available in the dead of winter. Thank you Longo’s.
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- These pork tongues just scream, “put me in a sandwich!”, don’t they?
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- Umm.. reasonably priced? I really have nothing to say about pig hooves.
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- I miss my Spadina hood.
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- Individually wrapped rolls and sashimi, for the sushi lover on the go.
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- Hot and sour soup cures all, or so I am willing to believe. I promise I’ll post my vegan version soon – it’s excellent.
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- Each specialist appointment I’ve focused my thoughts into ‘what new fruit will I explore this visit?’. Above is my ‘3rd biopsy dragon fruit’, a large needle to the throat sucks but this cactus pear is delicious.
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- Live eel and trout for sale, well, kinda live trout.
So, Cancer, you’ve had me down lately and you’re putting me in a pretty compromising position but I’ll beat you. I am far too rock and roll to be taken down by something like thyroid cancer, (I have my sights on a flaming motorcycle accident in my late seventies). Thanks for the frustrations and the personal perspective. I’ll be sure to use them, with my loud voice, to raise awareness and fight you with the rest of the world’s great committees and fundraisers.
… And for those days that you really have me feeling down, well, at least I have my Monty Python.
Sincerely,
Your arch nemesis, Dana
*Information provided by MayoClinic.com
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Let me know when we start the fundraisers Dana…
I’m there.
WELL SPOKEN, remember well you washing my hair eleven years ago (as I couldn’t even sit up) when we travelled that road so I owe you a favour or two or three. hugs g
I will be keeping you in my prayers. You can sure beat this.
Here is a wonderful blog of a fellow blogger who just was cleared from her battle of that ugly C word. You will be so inspired by her.
http://www.lilbloo.com
Here is the correct link
https://www.facebook.com/LilBlueBoo
Go to her cancer chronicles
She is amazing. Her motto is…..
Choose Joy
Well put. Wishing you well thoughts and a speedy recovery.
WOW Dana. You attack everything with the creativity and flare that much of the world lacks and your perspective on life and now cancer, is inspiring. Lucky for you, you have an amazing talent for expressing yourself through the written word, otherwise the weeks of no talking would be a bitch! lol
You will kick cancer’s ass, just like you’ve triumphed over multiple hurdles, I have no doubt.
Praying for you and yours and sending you huge encouraging hugs!! xo
I just want you to know that Rob and I are sending positive vibes your way. Honestly, you are one of the strongest, most positive, and badass women that I’ve ever met. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance with you. If you need anything, just ask! We’re thinking of you and your amazing family.
Dana – you rock! You will be so fine. You are far stronger than me, and I beat cancer, so I have no doubt you are too! If you ever need an ear of someon who can relate, I’m here my friend.
Dana, as always, you’ve said your piece so eloquently and with flair. I commend you for your strength, perseverance and ability to look on the bright side of life. You WILL beat this. Best to you and your family during this time. You rock.
Dana,
Although I only know you by our blog – we are sisters in food…keep your thoughts positive, and your body strong…you will beat this…I believe in prayer and positivity -I will pray for you and send positive thoughts into the universe for your recovery…thank you for sharing your journey.
My daughter has lived with thyroid disease and will require medication her entire life (diagnosed with hypothryoidism at 5 – now a beautiful healthy 17 year old girl) – it can be managed…and it was with the help of a talented endocrinologist that we have sorted this all out.
Please let your community of faithful followers know how we can help you in any way – you are a gem.
Cheers,
Kelly
YOur attitude is brilliant and amazing. Sending good vibes and prayers.
You will beat this. Of this we have no doubt but we are keeping you in our thoughts.
Let us know if there is anything we can do.
Sending our love.
Hey Dana,
Stupid cancer. But it’s totally picked the wrong woman!! You’ll kick it’s ass 🙂 it was a pleasure to meet u at the ux creative social and hope to see u soon!
Kirsty (formerly sweet world media, now Imaginemum) on instagram.
Hey Dana,
I just wanted to send a quick note of well-wishes. I went through thyroid cancer treatment with my mother several years ago, and I can totally agree, it’s a sucky, scary thing.
I can only offer you this: the creativity, positivity and absolute enthusiasm and dedication I’ve seen you show so many times can only help you to kick ass and take names with the tricky C-monster. I’ll keep you in my thoughts, and if you need anything (even if it’s just a signal boost for HPA!) let me know. 🙂
A late comment, but just saw this tonight after seeing you on instagram. You are truly amazing; this post is inspiring as are you. Glad to see, with the benefit of a few weeks and the internet that things are looking up and sending all our thoughts and hugs,
Joel (Dana and Shaef too).