Mom’s are so very special……

Mom’s are so very special.   Over the last several months my mom’s health continued to be very precarious but I remained upbeat and trusted she would get better.  In May, however, she was admitted to a nursing home.  I would visit  her every day, sometimes twice a day.  We would sit and visit or watch The Price is Right.  Sometimes she was resting when I came so I would sit next to her bed until she woke up.  The time I spent with her was so precious and I valued every minute.

One evening when I came to visit her at the nursing home I learned she had a low grade fever most of the day and she was sleeping a lot.  The next day she had a doctor’s appointment  and was immediately admitted to the hospital.  I visited every day and tried my best to keep her company. 

One night when I came she seemed quiet.  I asked what was wrong and she said ”nothing.”  She proceeded to say that she didn’t want me to ask her any questions or talk to her that evening.  She just wanted to watch television while I was there.  I respected her wishes and sat by her side holding her hand until it was time for me to go home.  

Within several days, her prognosis wasn’t good.  She acquired a staph infection and it  took over her body. 

My mom died on June 23, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with her husband by her side.  She was 75.   Mom, thanks for being the special person you were.  I think of you often and miss you so much! 

Another surgery……..

On June 6, 2007 I had surgery to remove the left lobe of my thyroid.  My doctor suspected it would have some cancer in it and it did – one nodule. 

June 1, 2007 was life changing!

On June 1, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. I  had an appointment with the surgeon as a follow-up to my May 16th surgery (right lobe of my thyroid was removed).  I figured the doctor would look at the incision and that would be it.   Instead, the doctor walked in and asked if anyone had told me the results of the biopsy.  I told him no.  He apologized and proceeded to share with me that  I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer by the doctors at the Mayo Clinic and they found three cancerous nodules.  He also said that a  second opinion was obtained just to make sure and that confirmed the diagnosis.   I sat there in disbelief.  I thought I came in for a follow-up visit.  I had no idea I was going to be told I had CANCER.  The doctor recommended that I set up an appointment to have the other lobe removed because three nodules were found in the right lobe.  I made that appointment and left the office.

Four hours after my diagnosis, I was on the podium at the Relay for Life Annual  Survivor’s Banquet continuing my pink scarf campaign.  I shared with them that I had a speech prepared but I decided to change it somewhat.  I said “I joined your family today.  I was diagnosed with cancer four hours ago.”  The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.  I proceeded with my pink scarf story and told them that anyone who had not received a pink scarf needed to stop by before they left for the evening and pick one up.  I left the podium with a heart-felt standing ovation.  Shortly thereafter, the survivor’s committee presented me with one of my own pink scarves.  I knew I was passionate about this project when I started.  However, I never  imagined that I would become a member of the pink scarf family but I can say I’m a much better person because of it.  I know from personal experience what it means to receive such a special gift.

One test, two tests, and then what?

My endocrinologist recommended that I have an ultrasound to confirm the suspicion of what he thought was an enlarged thyroid. I went to the test knowing what to expect and wasn’t worried about the procedure. The procedure took quite a while. If fact, it seemed like it took forever. I started to worry because I knew an ultrasound usually doesn’t take that long. After the gal was done with the procedure I asked “Didn’t that take longer than usual?” She promptly replied “Yes.” I shrugged it off and decided to wait for the test results from my doctor.

The test results came back confirming that the right lobe of my thyroid was enlarged. My doctor then recommended having a biopsy done and I made the necessary arrangements. I went to that appointment with some nervousness. I really didn’t know what to expect. However, once I was in the room, the procedure went fairly quickly. It was painful at times but I knew that it would be over soon and I would be on my merry way.

The results of my biopsy were inconclusive. I looked at my doctor with disbelief. I said what happens now? He suggested that I have the right lobe of my thyroid removed. I had surgery on May 16, 2007.

Until next time……..

A Surprise at the Doctor’s Office

March, 2007 – I went to see my ob/gyn for my annual exam. After the exam was finished, I visited with my doctor and expressed concern about the difficulty I was having losing weight. He suggested that I meet with a dietician to ensure that I was eating the right foods, eating the right amount, and exercising. I met with the dietician and was assured that everything I had been doing was correct. She suggested that we meet weekly to monitor my progress and I did.

April, 2007 – After several weeks of not seeing any weight loss, the dietician suggested that I see an endocrinologist. I made my appointment and visited with the endocrinologist. He had me drink some water as he felt my throat and he said that he suspected that the right lobe of my thyroid was enlarged and suggested further testing.

The diagnosis really didn’t affect me that day. I had more important things on my mind. My mom’s health was very precarious so I focused all my time and energy on her.

More to come…….

The Evolution of the Pink Scarf

In October of 2006 Mary Kay had a promotion where the hostess of a Mary Kay party was given a pink wrap to help generate awareness of breast cancer. A portion of the company’s proceeds from the promotional sales went to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, which funnels money to women affected by cancer or domestic violence. I decided to give them not only to my hostesses, also, to women who were recently diagnosed with cancer, or were survivors of cancer. The first pink wrap went to Bismarck Police Chief Deb Ness, a breast cancer. The Mary Kay promotion soon came to an end and I knew I wasn’t ready to stop. I had watched three women in my family fight and beat cancer and I wanted to do something to help others get through it so I decided to knit pink scarves and donate each one to someone special.

Until next time……. 

I did it!

Hands to Hearts is officially part of the blogosphere!My name is Tara and I’m in Mandan, ND. I’ve started an exciting project called Hands to Hearts and can be found at http://www.mypinkscarf.com/.Check back. I will be sharing stories, messages, and updates 0n this project. I would love for you to get involved!

Peace…..

Tara

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