There is a fair bit of irony here. Before I knew the results of the pathology, I kept telling myself that even if it was cancer, I would at least know and we had a plan (surgery and radioactive iodine). Well, that isn't exactly the case.
The surgeon said she didn't necessarily recommend taking the rest out and doing the radioactive iodine. I believe the words she used were "overly aggressive." Honestly, considering she recommended against the first surgery I'm not sure her new recommendation against the second surgery sits very well with me. AND when the word "cancer" is being thrown around, I think I am ok with being "overly aggressive."
She is going to take my case to the tumor board, I am going to talk to my endocronologist (after I remind her my name), and then the decision is mine to make. They are probably going to have to make a pretty amazing argument against the second surgery for me to not to do.
I mean, what are the likely consquences? A neck scar? Already there. Take an thyroid pill daily for the rest of my life? There too.
And since further treatment will help minimize the risk of it coming back and spreading, it kind of feels like a no brainer to me. But I'm no doctor.
The next surgery can't be scheduled for at least 6-8 weeks after the first one anyway, so there is time to figure things out.
After having the weekend to think things through and after a short conversation with one of my pastors today (who had some kind of stomach/intestinal cancer), there is a big sense of peace that I feel comes along with being overly aggressive here. I am pretty sure my mind is made up.
I meet with the endocronologist today to discuss things. Hopefully she remembers who I am this time (read No. 10).
I would think there would be no such thing as overly aggressive when it came to taking preventative measures for your health when faced with cancer. Always go with your gut. Bottom line.
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