It was around 11:30 am on Friday, April 5, when I was waiting in my endocrinologist office to talk about the results of my thyroid biopsy. When she got into the office and she did not have the usual smile in her face I knew something was not right; well I knew something was not right when they called me the next day I had my biopsy to tell me they needed to talk with me.
She sat next to me and asked me how I was feeling and I told her I was great. She then continue to tell me she received the results and that she had some bad news to give me, I knew then what it was. She showed me the paperwork and I saw the word, Papillary carcinoma, and I knew right there I have Thyroid cancer. She said, I am sorry Lorena they found cancer and you need to go to surgery very soon to take it out.
I am not going to lie and said I was okay, I was very confused and in shock even though I got the feeling that will be my diagnosis.
I have always been concerned with my thyroid because I noticed it looked enlarged, I always asked my doctors to check my thyroid but they only did a regular blood work and it always came back normal but this time I was not going to accept only a blood work, I asked to have a sonogram to be more sure. Thanks to this they found I have lots of nodules and one of them was more than 2 cm big. Anything that is bigger than 1 cm needs to be check out and they told me I will be having a biopsy.
I know I am blessed because this type of cancer is not as bad as any other type and I have faith it all will be okay after the surgery and future treatment.
I am writing this very personal moment because I have always been a person who likes to share my experiences, good or bad. I am very passionate about my family, my art and my life and I will go through all this with the same passion I have for all the important things in my life.
Am I scare? YES I am
Am I concerned? YES I am
I am only human and it is normal I feel like this, mostly because of my kids and my husband but I know it all will be OKAY.
Thyroid Cancer, I am READY to say Good Bye to you very soon !!!!!
Bless you, Lorena. I have Graves Disease, so I've encountered a fair amount of information on thyroid cancer in reading up on my own issues. It's very treatable and VERY survivable. Brooke Burke, the celebrity, was diagnosed with it about the time that I found out that I have GD. You *might* want to read up on her experience. It was inspiring--and I am not a big "celebrity fan."
ReplyDeleteThank You Pamela ! ♥
DeleteSorry to hear about your disease, kisses to you and hope we can meet in person one day.
xox
I would love to do that. And I think that your photo with the heart on the thyroid is amazing! Such creativity, even at a stressful time. Take care!!!
DeleteI also have Graves Disease, Lorena and Pam. I told the doctor he could not take out my thyroid (but he wanted to) because it is an autoimmune condition and I was going to go into remission, and what do you know, I did. If he'd said it was cancerous, I'd go the route you're taking, Lorena. You're a very brave woman, and everyone will be rooting for you. I'm sure you're already feeling all of our energy that we're sending your way. Thanks for sharing your personal plight; you're an amazingly open and lovely person, and it will no doubt help someone else facing this problem.
DeleteIt is quite scary hearing the doc tell you that you have cancer. I was recently diagnosed with Hurthle Cell Carcinoma of the thyroid. It has spread to my lymph nodes. Being a 34 year old single mother of 2 boys, I am scared out of my mind. We just have to keep faith & stay strong. I will be thinking of you.
DeleteIt is quite scary getting this kind of news. I am a 34 yr old mother of 2 who was recently diagnosed with Hurthle Cell Carcinoma,of the thyroid. It has spread to my lymph nodes.
DeleteStay strong and have faith. I will be thinking of you.
Dear Michelle,
DeleteI am sorry you are going through all this too. I already had my surgery and they took the whole thyroid out on May 15th.
I am wishing you lots of luck and also to stay strong and keep your faith very high.
Kisses and I am here anytime you want to talk !! ♥
You have an army of angels with you. We love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks my dear Lori !!!! ♥♥
DeleteLove you too !
Querida Lorena, te envio toda mi energia positiva. Llenate de amor, rodeada de tu familia y todo lo que amas y veras que dentro de muy poco seras sana y feliz. Mas sabia. Besos :)
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias amiga !!! ♥
DeleteLorena, my prayers are with you and I know all will be fine. God bless you as you conserve your energy and fight this. Take care and you will be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks !! ♥
DeleteLorena, I wish you fast complete recovery. Lots of love,healing and courage!
ReplyDeleteThanks !! ♥
DeleteLorena, I send you prayers for strength, comfort and your healing.... your courage to share with us, allows us to stand strong in prayer for you.
ReplyDeleteDon't ever forget, the amazing healing that our art brings through us, and to us. May you be blessed each day. Hugs, C
Thanks !! ♥
DeleteHola Lorena
ReplyDeleteNo te conozco pero me llegó lo que escribiste a través de Facebook. Te quería contar que a mí me operaron de cáncer de tiroides hace 13 años y aquí me ves, vivito y coleando. Es la palabra lo que asusta. Pero te juro por Dios que se cura. La herida no duele, pero a lo mejor vas a sentir un poco duro el cuello durante los próximos meses, cuando movés la cabeza para atrás.
Te mando un beso enorme desde la Argentina. Y si no te ofende, rezaré por vos.
Manuel H. Castrillón
Hola Manuel,
DeleteMuchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia conmigo. Me alegra saber que vos estas bien y se que yo tambien lo estare.
No me ofende en lo mas minimo! ;)
Saludos!
Lorena,
ReplyDeleteYou are such a neat person... thank you so much for sharing your pain and your fear. It is a gift to others letting them in your life to send you strength and healing which is just what I am doing.
Know you are loved! Please keep us up to date.
Hugs,
Holly
Thank You dear Holly !! ♥
Deletelorena, i applaud your attitude and strength in sharing this personal post with us. i'm sending you LOTS of prayer, positive vibes & energy. yes, you will be okay! <3
ReplyDeleteThank You, Susie !!! ♥
DeleteHola Lorena
ReplyDeleteComo ex enfermo de cáncer de tiroides, te cuento que durante estos 13 años desde mi operación he podido hacer mi vida normalmente. Sólo ha sido un mal recuerdo. Lo único que me lo recuerda es que tengo que tomar todas las mañanas la Levotiroxina (o T4).
Saludos desde la Argentina
Manuel H. Castrillón
Lorena, my dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer about 12 years ago, he is now 88 years old and has been cancer free for several years. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be fine, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caren ! ♥
DeleteDear Lorena - Bless you for knowing something wasn't right and listening to your body. Your strength will make this a piece of cake I'm betting! Well, not one you want to eat, but one of those dry tasteless ones that you just leave on the table or give to the dog. ; ) All in fun to make you smile. Wishing you wellness and love, Janet
ReplyDeleteThank You, Janet ! ;o)
Delete♥
In meditation I often focus on my thyroid as I am the only one in my family that has had NO thyroid issues! Yours is extremely treatable. I love that you placed a heart on your thyroid and are sending love to your throid gland! I have never written but have long admired your work! I will include your thyroid in my prayers and meditations too. Love and hope to you!
ReplyDeleteThank You, Leslie ! ♥
DeleteBless you for sharing. I know you will go into this fight with all the same passion that you give your family and your art. I love your work, and I love you.
ReplyDeleteEllen Eddy
Thank You, Ellen !!! ♥
DeleteI hope you get your surgery soon. I will be praying for you that everything will go well, for a fast recovery, and for wisdom for the Drs. Sending you all my love from Florida. Glenda
ReplyDeleteThanks, Glenda !!!! ♥ ♥
DeleteThanks my dear Sophia !! ♥
ReplyDeleteWishing you a quick and safe recovery. You will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank You, Sandra !!! ♥
DeleteWishing you a pain free and quick recovery. You are in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to see how your art will evolve with new emotions and experiences you will be having. Also make sure to read up on an Alkaline diet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally !!! ♥
DeleteLorena, thank goodness you asked for a sonogram. We have to go by our gut feeling because I know of so many other cases where doctors have told patients it's nothing to worry about etc, and it ended up being cancer. You caught it earlier than later, which makes all the difference in the world. Yes, thyroid cancer is very treatable and I know a few other woman who have experienced this same disease and are doing wonderfully. It can still turn your world upside down but you will walk away from this even stronger...I know I did.
ReplyDeleteThank You, Jeanette !!!
Delete♥
querida Lorena mi ingles no es tan bueno pero no neceistaba tanto ingles para entender por lo que estas pasando,,,definitivamente una muy mala noticia,,,pero eres una mujer luchadora,,hermosa,,llena de arte de creatividad de amor por tu familia,,por las personas y sobretodo or la vida desde Venezuela te envio toda mi energia positiva,,mi cariño,,mi amor y mis oraciones a la virgen de guadalupe a la que tanto pintaste muchas veces, para que estes sanita y de vuelta a tu bella familia,,,desde todo mi cariño mi amor y mis oraciones,,,,QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA SIEMPRE LORENA ANGULO,,, me siento orgullosa de que seamos amigas aunque sea a la distancia besotes,,
ReplyDeleteMuchisimas gracias mi querida Katia !!! ♥
DeleteHi Lorena,
ReplyDeleteMy son in law told me your husband is some one he knows. He knew that I was very active as a 17 year cancer survivor and involved with helping others as well through the American Cancer Society. I am also a retired R.N. I wanted to reach out to you and give you all my strength to fight for the cure and know that you are so fortunate as you clearly put it that your disease is very treatable. If you ever need to talk, I am here for you. I have known many survivors of thyroid cancer. The treatment is worth the survivorship. Keep that positive attitude going and hope to meet you one day. Nancy agronin@sbcglobal.net
Dear Nancy,
DeleteThank You for writing this message to me! I know everything will be okay and I appreciate you contacting me, I take your word and contact you soon. I am very happy you survived the cancer !! ♥
Love,
Lorena
Dear Lorena,I wish you the very best and I will hold you in my heart. I have a very dear friend who had thyroid cancer many years ago and she's been healthy and happy for over a decade now. I wish that and more for you. Take it one day at a time and thank you for all you share.
ReplyDeleteThank You ! ♥
Deleteπεραστικα!!
ReplyDeleteκαλη δυναμη...!!
οι ευχες,,,,, και οι προσευχες.... μας
....να σε αγκαλιαζουν....
σας ευχαριστούμε, Irida !! ♥
DeleteQuerida Lorena, you are in my prayers. Take care. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sabine ! ♥
DeleteDear Lorena,
ReplyDeleteI'm admiring Your wonderful works on FB since a while and You've become one of my favourite artist - looking at Your jewelry and paintings I feel some strange kind of bond between ours sensivitis - our world perceptions... You become someone very close to me and I'm concerned abour Your health, but I strongly beliewe that EVERYTHINS WILL BE FINE! So much love, beauty and God's blessing that You carry in Your heart just have to fight this cancer! I'll will try to support You in my mind and pray for You to God!
And when You get well I invite You with Your family to my beautiful city of Cracow in Poland! :)
Best regards!
Zuzanna Bieniek
Thank You very much, Zuzanna !!! ♥
DeleteHope one day we can visit your beautiful city !
In bocca al lupo Lorena!! <3
ReplyDeleteGrazie !!! ♥
DeleteDearest Lorena...I am praying in faith for your speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteThank You my friend !! ♥
DeleteI wish you the very best and a complete recovery without any complications. You and your family will be in my thoughts. :)
ReplyDeleteThank You ! ♥
DeleteGod bless and you and your family, Lorena. I shall be praying for you and lighting a few candles to St. Jude.
ReplyDeleteGeorgina
Thanks !! ♥
DeleteLorena, I found your blog through a facebook friend that I have because of my hobby of PMC clay that I have. I am an Ultrasonographer in Louisiana. My main area of sonography is vascular because I work at a cardiovascular clinic. I keept finding thyroid mass while scanning the arteries in the neck. My physicians and I started scanning the thyroid and documenting the masses in order for the patients to follow up with their physician. Most of these masses are not cancerous, but for the one person that the mas was positive for cancer it can be a lifesaver. We now do Thyroid screening ultrasounds for people who are concerned about their thyroid but have NO reason for their physician to order the test. I applaud your persistence for getting your physician to order the ultrasound. It is important for all of us to follow up on our own instincts and to take responsibly in our own health.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacey ! ♥
DeleteI agree with you, we have to take responsibility in our own health. I did not any "problems" with the thyroid but I knew something may not be good.
Sweet Lorena, I am so sorry you are going through this. You are deep in my heart with thoughts and prayers and love for you and your lovely family. If there is anything I can help you with, drop me an email and let me know.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend ! ♥
DeleteYou are in my prayers. Sending you positive thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery. - Marlene
ReplyDeleteThanks ! ♥
DeleteLorena, Deus te abençoe neste momento tão difícil. Ele esta sempre a seu lado pois voce é uma filha amada e Ele disse: "Nunca te deixarei nem jamais te abandonarei"......bjs voce está em minhas orações..Inaê
ReplyDeleteObrigado, Inae !! ♥
DeleteLorena, não sei porque ja tentei postar 3 x e não funciona. Deus tre abençoe neste momento te dando força e coragem. Ele estará aseu lado o tempo todo, pois voce é uma filha amada Dele. bjs Inaê
ReplyDeleteEstarás en mis oraciones para que tengas una pronta recuperación. Oraré también por tu familia que probablemente también están algo asustados. Dios te dará la fortaleza para salir de esto pronto, ya verás. Dios te bendiga,
ReplyDeleteNorma
Muchas Gracias ! ♥
DeleteLorena, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong and positive! You are right, as far as cancer goes, this one is easily treated. Sending good vibes your way.((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))...
ReplyDeleteThank You ! ♥
Deletei'm going to hold you in my heart Lorena, very tightly!
ReplyDeletei know you will get through this . . . because after everything, you are meant to be HERE!
sending SO MUCH love!
xoXO
Laurie
Thanks my lady !!! ♥
Delete(((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteThanks ! ♥
DeleteAll will be well Lorena! Sending love, prayers, and strength your way for you and your familia!
ReplyDeleteThank You !♥
Deletelorena, i am just now seeing this! i hope you are doing well and i know that everything is going to be just fine! i will be thinking about you and sending big hugs from new orleans!! my cousin had thyroid cancer almost 10 years ago and she is and has been doing fantastic!! keep us updated as to how you are doing...
ReplyDeletemuch love!!
xoxo
amber
Thanks Amber !! ♥
DeleteDear Lorena,
ReplyDeleteI came here via Facebook. I want to say that you're starting this journey with the right state of mind. I send you a big tight hug and my best wishes for a successful treatment and a complete recovery. Love from me and my family!
Elsita
Gracias Elsa !!
DeleteThank You very Much ! ♥
Thinking of you Lorena!
ReplyDeleteCancer is a bitch and you will kick her ass!
xxoo
Thank You ! ♥
DeleteMi querida Lorena!
ReplyDeleteTe deseo una rápida recuperacion. Estás em mis pensamientos e em mis oraciones.
Um grande abrazo.
Gracias Ligia !! ♥
DeleteI love that you share your life. I'm thinking of you, and have huge faith that you will be FINE. You're an inspiration to me. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks dear Lori ! ♥
Delete<3
ReplyDeleteThanks ! ♥
DeleteI don’t understand how doctors ignored an obvious lump on your neck. The moment I saw your picture, I was trying to reach out to ultrasound machine.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, you need to make a video to spread thyroid cancer awareness!
Best wishes and may God bless you!
Thank You !! ♥
DeleteLorena, you are in m prayers and I know that your deep sensitivity and strength will see you through. Follow your instincts and stay strong. Many here love you!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Zinnia
Thanks ! ♥
DeleteLorena,
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery your way! I have had a few friends with this type of cancer and they came through with flying colors and are cancer free today! How wonderful of you to be so candid about your cancer...you never know who you may help or save by posting this information....god bless you!
Mary Jane
Thank You, Mary Jane !! ♥
DeleteHola Prima Lorena
ReplyDeleteDisculpa que no sabia esta noticia, pero sabes que estamos contigo, con la ayuda de dios y la virgen de guadalupe saldras adelante, con lo positiva que eres y las ganas de vivir que tienes vas a vencer cualquier obstaculo, lo que hoy es una realidad mañana sera solo un experiencia de vida, te amamos y haremos oracion por ti.... un fuerte abraso y muchos besos.
Claudia Angulo
Muchisimos Gracias prima !!!
DeleteLos quiero mucho y se que todo saldra muy bien.
Besos a todos por alla! ♥ ♥
Hello Lorena,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Pamela.. and I really admire your work and want to send you my best
wishes for a speedy recovery!
Thanks, Pamela !! ♥
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHola Nancy,
DeleteThanks !!! ♥
Wow, were you all exposed to radiation? Why did your neighborhood had some many cases?
I ma glad you are doing great, I also believe I will do great; it is just that for me all is so new and I have so many questions. ;)
keeping you in my thoughts and sending you so much positive energy and hugs! you will come through this stronger and shining more than you already do.
ReplyDeleteThank You, Stacey !! ♥
DeleteNot having seen this sooner, I hope you are now on your way to recovery and feeling fine! Sending many good thoughts to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks my lady!!
DeleteI will see my surgeon tomorrow and will know when I will have the surgery.
♥
Lorena, you are in my prayers! I have two first cousins and an auntie that had thyroid issues. Until I read your blog I had forgotten. My neck has changed a bit the last couple of years the bottom part, I had not realized it could be thyroid related. Your courage is an inspiration. I know I need to get mine checked.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Sending prayers your way :)
Thank You my dear !! ♥
DeleteCheck your thyroid, if I did not ask for a sonogram I will never know I had the cancer, my blood work was always normal.
Hugs, and thank you!
DeleteAnise
♥
DeleteWishing you the best. I too was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, stage 3C. I was diagnosed September 2012, had surgery same month and a long road to recovery after that -- nine months later, I'm doing fine and living a new "normal". I just started a blog so I could share my experience. I would love it if you would visit my blog. I welcome comments and feedback. The blogging world is very new to me.
ReplyDeleteHere is my blog. www.musingsbydianna.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Dianna!
DeleteI am glad you are doing well! ♥