Finally!!!

Finally I got some answers to my health issues!! I know I haven’t written a lot about my health recently since it seems unending but I’m finally getting some good solid answers.

The appt with my oncologist revealed little as far as the constant sore throat and all the RA problems. The CT scan of my neck, head and upper torso showed no signs of cancer but showed some funky lymph nodes. She ordered a ultrasound of my thyroid which did show something. The ENT I saw last week still wanted to do a scope up the nose but when I flatly refused , he changed his tactics and started playing 20 questions. After he looked at my CT and ultrasound results, gave me a thorough exam he determined this isn’t a single issue!! The lining of my throat and esophagus was probably compromised by the radiation for the breast cancer 6 1/2 years ago. This and some "silent" reflux is causing my throat issues. Silent refers to the fact there’s no heart burn or other associated side effects of reflux, thus it just happens w/o the person being aware of it. Since my secretion glands in my throat aren’t working well, it lead to damage in my throat. I also have some lymph nodes that are probably reacting to that and the thyroid issue. I am on OTC reflux medicine now and it seems to be helping already.

Ah yes, my thyroid is acting up!The ultrasound showed a 4 cm node that isn’t normal. The ENT doc wasn’t sure what it was but knows it’s something I need to get checked out by an endocrinologist ASAP. He gave me the name of 2 and it turns out a friend worked as a MA for one of them and loved working for her! I called that office and they couldn’t get me in until the end of July!!!! Yikes! I asked to be on a call back list for cancellations and when I explained I’m a cancer survivor and concerned about this issue, she moved me to the top of the list! Then she called me back the next day and I see the doc today!!! The friend who worked for her said she will more than likely recommend a biopsy and see what happens from there. If it’s cancer, more than likely I will be seeing my oncologist again sooner rather than later. If it’s not, she might be able to treat it or if it requires surgery, I might see the ENT again since he does that kind of surgery. Lots of unknowns as of yet but today I’ll get more answers.

Knowing my thyroid is all frelled up, that explains why my RA is in total flare-up and why I’ve gained weight and have no energy. I have spent the whole Winter thinking I was getting sick off and on when in reality, it’s linked to these 2 conditions. Luckily, thyroid medicine will help get me feeling better quickly, within 2-3 weeks, and I will feel like moving and be able to lose weight again! I really hate the fact I haven’t been able to do anything all Winter long! I can’t wait to feel better and start looking better too.

It’s hard having had so many issues and changes in my health over the past year since I’ve been tracking it at least. It only took seeing 7 medical professionals until I finally got to the bottom of the problem!

J