Thyroidectomy Surgery 2-13-08

Hello Friends, Family, and Associates;

Well the 3rd. surgery in the last month and a half took place on schedule this morning at 7:30am.  I spoke to Dr. Kletzing after surgery around 10:30 am.  It took around 3 hours, and he seemed quite worn out.  The report overall sounds good to me. It was very tedious and delicate surgery since he was removing the thyroid gland both lobes, and all of this is around the carotid artery, voice box and nerves. He tried not to take any more of the Para-Thyroid Glands out during this procedure. I forgot to ask him what stage of cancer it was/is. I was so tired and anxious over the length of surgery, that I had a hard time thinking when I finally saw him. He unfortunately or fortunately (depending on viewpoint) found a cancerous nodule in the Thyroid itself, which was causing the cancer. They did not find this nodule before in testing and biopsies. He also mentioned finding another nodule in the “Isthmus” between the lobes. (I don’t know what that is.) He does believe that he was able to remove all the cancerous tissue, and says she will be fine.

She is resting now and quite uncomfortable and unable to speak at present, so I appreciated that she had no visitors today. Many have asked to visit, but I suggested waiting a day or two. We expect her to be there at Memorial Hospital for a couple days at least according to Dr. Kletzing. They are monitoring her blood levels and calcium carefully.

We will see Dr. Ansari, Oncologist on the 20th. to discuss further treatment. We expect that radiation therapy will be recommended. We will also be having  a Thyroid scan in about 4 weeks with Dr. Boll, and she will have a oral medication of Radioactive Iodine then. It is my understanding from Dr. Kletzing that since the Thyroid is an iodine based tissue, that any remaining cancerous tissue there will draw the radioactive iodine into itself which will kill those cancer cells if any are left in there.  The scan following the radioactive iodine will also point out any remaining cancer cells, which is the surest way to follow up after the surgical removal.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and especially your prayers during this time, on our behalf.  Admittedly I am worn down and shell shocked over all that has happened in Carmel’s health during the last yr. It all started with a kidney stone attack last March, another in September, diagnosis of Hyper Para Thyroid Disease & then that surgery, mammograms, ultrascans, biopsies, breast cancer surgery, now Thyroid cancer surgery, and next who knows what further treatment. I have heard and often repeated that, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!  Well, we should both be like the mythological Atlas or Hercules right? I just want to scream: “ENOUGH ALREADY”!!

My angel Carmel, is not only an incredible wife, mother, and grandmother; she is an incredible human being. Her faith and strength is a real encouragement to me! I have always been confident and felt I was strong; but this has shaken me to my very core. So when you think of and pray for my lovely wife Carmel, also include me in that prayer, that I can have the strength to be the support base that she needs in all ways and that I can be the upbeat positive influence in our home. I know this will aid her healing and recovery – and I really want to be here in the right ways for her.

We also both thank God for our business and the tremendous folks that surround us there and also so many people of faith and prayer warriors who are supporting us in that way too.  We thank God for you all! We will be in touch in a day or so.

Love, Curt and Carmel