Breaking the News to the Kids

My husband and I went out to eat with our 3 children last night and at the end of the meal, we broke the news that I would be having surgery next week. Our oldest said nothing. Our middle child asked what exactly was being taken out - we told her a nodule and that we wouldn't know more until after the surgery and that is why it has to be taken out - so the doctors could examine whatever it is more thoroughly - she next asked if what I had was contagious and I said no. Our youngest just started crying. She said she doesn't want me to have the surgery and I told her it had to be done. Finally, by the time she went to bed she seemed to resign herself to this fact and said she wanted to come visit me in the hospital. I told her if I have a short stay, that won't be necessary but if I stay 2 nights she can come visit. Although this was not pleasant news to give, I'm glad it's out there and hope the next week and a couple days go quickly. With all I need to get done by then - I think they will.

Crunch Time

I know it's been a while since my last post. It's now crunch time - my surgery is scheduled for the morning of June 7th and I have been extremely busy getting everything at home and at work ready for my time off. I'm planning on telling the kids tomorrow - and am anxious to see how they react to the news. I've never been away from the office for 7 business days straight (except for maternity leave) so that will be a first. I had "perfect attendance" up to this point and I hate to break the streak but oh well.

We've been having beautiful weather here every day and I'm doing my best to enjoy every second of it. One of my good friends recently sent me an email for mother's day that had a short story by Anne Quinlan about being a mother. Her kids are now evidently grown and she is looking back with reflection and some regret and says that she wishes she had enjoyed the doing of things more and the getting done of things less. I have been trying to live this attitude and felt her story depicted my thoughts and feelings exactly. I have felt for a while now like there is a large clock ticking which signifies the time I have left with the kids where I will see them everyday before they go off to college. While I want them to grow up and be happy and independent adults, I really want to savor those last years where you see them everyday. My thyroid issue has perhaps made the clock tick louder. I am looking very forward to summer and the vacation days I will take to spend time with the kids. I'm sure the other moms think I'm crazy but I'm enjoying (most of the time) running the kids everywhere, selling concessions together and working in the yard with each other. I find myself making more time for playing "HORSE", "PIG" or "PIGTAIL" in basketball as my youngest likes to play the later to draw the game out longer, or playing golf in our yard. As I'm typing this the wind chime is chiming, the birds are chirping and the water fountain on the back patio is making the soothing bubbling sound I love and I am thankful to be able to enjoy this gorgeous day.

Is Anybody Out There?............

Since I don't know anyone who has had their thyroid removed, I thought I would try to find a celebrity or two who had undergone this procedure. So far I've discovered that Catherine Bell, who appeared as "Mac" on J.A.G. and legendary singer, Rod Stewart have both had thyroid cancer. In fact, Catherine Bell is the new spokesperson for the Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association. For some reason, I found it very comforting to know these two individuals have had thyroid cancer and appear to be successfully going about their lives. I would not have wanted to have been the surgeon to operate on Rod - what pressure with the very real risk of damaging vocal cords during surgery. I have always loved Rod and have decided to purchase some of his music off Itunes to serve as inspiration during the recovery from my surgery. I'm feeling better already.

The Funeral

I attended the funeral of a mother of a friend today who passed away from cancer. Her premature death was a grim reminder we should live every day as though its our last, spend time with the people we love, and tell them we love them every day. The older I get the more I realize the material things aren't what matter, it's the people in our lives and our experiences with them that are the real treasures in life. Here's to being more laid back about the small stuff and focusing on what's really important in our lives - people!

The Doctor is In...

I spoke with my family physician today after her return from vacation. She knew the endocrinologist and surgeon were recommending removal of the nodule. When asked if she agreed with their recommendation she said she did agree. I remembered then that her husband passed away a couple of years ago from cancer. We both agreed it was better to know if I have cancer rather than sit around and continually wonder. I'm very thankful she saw the mass on my neck. I'm ready for the fight against cancer if that time comes.