WLS may have saved me in more ways than one...

Last fall I discovered a lump in my neck.  I initially thought it was probably a swollen glad, I would soon become sick, and everything would go back to normal in a week or so.  Well, I never got sick and the lump did not go away.  I finally went in to have it checked out (I know, should have gone in right away).  After a physical exam, referral to a surgeon for a consult, ultrasound, CT scan and a needle biopsy I was told I have a papillary carcinoma, a cancer of the thyroid.  Thank God it is a slow growing type of cancer that responds well to treatment.  Of course I am totally freaked out at the thought of this thing that is trying to kill me being inside my body but I do have hope that it will be treated successfully.  

My surgeon told me this lump has likely been there for a very long time.  He was very surprised that it was not discovered during my routine physicals, which I have been very faithful about getting each year.  In addition, I had several other physicians examine me through my journey toward weight loss surgery and every one of them also missed it.  We believe that the excess weight I was carrying around might have concealed the tumor and I only discovered it after losing the weight.  This week has been very stressful for me but I am now even more thankful for having undergone WLS a year ago.

Wow, WLS saves us in more ways than we'll ever know!  I'm sorry you're going through this cancer, but it is so good to hear that it is slow growing & responds well to treatment.  I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts & I hope that your treatments are quick & very successful & that you are rid of this cancer quickly! 

Scary!   You sound good and determined to take care of this.  Another thank goodness for WLS!!  Take care.

WOW SCARY!!!!!! I am glad you have taken care of it right away.  .  I am just starting my journey and I only hope to have it sooner than later and to not have any surprises.  Good luck!

I know of 2 people who are occasional posters here that have undergone the very same thing.  Both had a heckuva scare, both are fine now.

I hope they'll reply here 

Yeeikes, Tami!   I'm sure you are bouncing between grateful and nervous but wanted you to know that you are strong and have come so far.  This will be another bump in the road.  I'm saying a quick prayer for you and anyone else that may have hidden problems that come to light.

Tuna

 Yep, losing our "bulk" can be a good thing!

Keep your spirits high - your attitude will mean everything during this next phase of treatment for you, success will be your's!

Thank you for your kind words, everyone. 

WOW.....I'm so glad they found this and can get it taken care of!!
Good luck - I'll be thinkin' bout ya!

Tami - Jimmy Hoffa could be under the flub on my neck for all I know!   I am sure as you thinned out it became less concealed.  I am so glad that they have found it. 

Stay on top of the treatments and appts and let them get you "fixed up"  I'm glad it is a slow grower and that worked in your favor.

This is a hard road but the benefits out weigh the rest.  This was just one of many!  Good luck and let us know how you are.

Tess