I prepared this press release earlier today for work and wanted to pass it along. I will soon be sharing my journal entries and wanted to keep you guys informed.
I was officially diagnosed with a papillary carcinoma (thyroid cancer) on August 12, 2009. I began my journal entry that night with the words, “Today I officially became a cancer survivor.” My family and I met with Dr. Dale Browne and his associate at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center yesterday in order to discuss my care plan and various treatment options. Further tests revealed that the cancer has metastasized into the surrounding and underlying lymph nodes.
I will return to WFUBMC next Wednesday for additional tests and pre-op clearance. Surgery is scheduled for September 2, 2009. My care plan calls for a total removal of the thyroid gland, surrounding tissues, and any affected lymph nodes. Further treatments will involve highly radioactive doses of iodine that kill any remaining thyroid tissues and cancerous cells. Other medications will be utilized to supplement thyroid production and aid recovery. At this point chemotherapy and radiation are not even being discussed due to how effectively the radioactive iodine addresses this type of cancer.
Cancer is not a word I had ever anticipated hearing when discussing my own health, but I am very thankful that my particular type is very treatable and has a high success rate. I am so appreciative of the outpouring of love and support my family and I have already received from so many people. With God’s help we are determined to remain nothing but positive and trust Him through this experience.
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Travis - I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you!!
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