Thyroid Cancer, Osteoperosis, Diabetes & Me

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

and you restored my health.

3 You brought me up from the grave,[a] O Lord.

You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

Psalm 30:2-3

 
Thankful is an understatement of how I feel this morning.  I've just returned from a doctor appointment where I've found out for the first time in years, bloodwork has returned with highly favorable results.  Most of you know this, but for those who don't, I am a cancer survivor.  I had thyroid cancer.  My thyroid had to be completely removed.  I underwent treatment.  And I've been on a high dose of synthroid for 10 years.  Ever since my thyroid was removed, I've routinely paid homage to my specialists office every 4 to 6 months - each time required bloodwork - bloodwork which always showed the presence of thyroglobulin.  Thyroglobulin can only be produced by active thyroid cells.  Because of the type of cancer I had, any surviving thyroid cells are bad.  Even after surgery and treatment, there is always a chance that a few remnant cells survived.  In order to keep them surpressed, I had to remain on high doses of synthroid.  Today, for the first time EVER in the 10 years since my cancer diagnosis, my thyroglobulin level was ZERO!!!!  Nilch!  Nada!  None!  I'm taking this to mean I'm CANCER FREE!  Hallelujah!

So, what does this mean?  It means my doctor was finally able to reduce my synthroid dosage.  High dosages of synthroid also takes it toll on the body.  For one, they believed this  high dosage was causing the increased migraines I suffered.  In addition, I was diagnosed with osteoperosis today, due to being on such a high dosage for so long.  But wait, there's more!  I am also having diabetic/glucose issues, which can also be a side effect of the synthroid.  They are doing further tests for diabetes.  All of this can explain so many of the health issues I've had over the years - especially over the last couple of years when it seemed my health was in a downward spiral - pointedly the recurrent ankle/foot injuries over the last six months and the difficulty in their healing!

Even though I have osteoperosis and I quite possibly have diabetes, my heart is GLAD and I am THANKFUL!  A day without the fear of cancer is a blessed day indeed!  My God has rescued me, yet again!

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

Psalm 73:26

   
In His Love, Cathy