Today...was my last treatment!

I no longer have to walk through this door anymore!
Today was my last treatment. You would think I would be jumping up and down celebrating...yes and no, I am very happy that today is my last treatment, but no not jumping up and down! A new mood has settled over me. I can say I am nervous. I still have to have an exit scan to see if the treatments did what they were supposed to do...cure the cancer!

I no longer have to lay on this table to receive treatments.
Will I miss this room...the answer is a resounding NO! Will I miss the encouraging words and the calming pats of reassurance, YES! My sister asked me today..."so, how do you feel?". I really wasn't sure at first what to say...a part of me wanted to run outside and shout at the heavens "I'm DONE!", then on the other hand a part of me held me right there on my seat cushion and answered "I'm nervous" and realized that was the truest statement. Today was not a true celebration. There will be a day though where I will have cause to do so. Today was one of thankfulness. And I am OK with that.

This butterfly represents Thyroid Cancer Survivors. Since the thyroid is shaped as a butterfly it seems to fit. And with all the meanings one can form from the symbol of the butterfly. Metamorphosis, the 'stage to stage' if you will. Or one to take flight on their new journey, cancer free. So, friends I offer this butterfly as my thank you gift for all the wonderful outpouring of support and kindness you all have bestowed on me. Please copy this and attach to your blogs to set this awareness on it's path.

Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2008
ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence, is expected to reach a new record of 37,340 people newly diagnosed in the United States in 2008, reports ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.

This record total is more than 11 percent higher than last year’s record numbers, and about double the number from 10 years ago, according to information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society.

Thyroid cancer is now the 6Th most common cancer in women. About three times as many women as men get thyroid cancer. It has several types and variants,. It affects people in all age groups, from young children through senior citizens.

Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early.

A total of 28,410 women and 8,930 men are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. The number of deaths is expected to increase by almost 4% over last year, to 1,590 in 2008.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and to ask for a neck check at each doctor's appointment.

Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers that has increased its incidence rate over the past several years. About 40,000 people will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the U.S. in 2009. September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc., encourages people to ask for a neck check the next time they visit their doctor. Signs to discuss with the physician include a lump or fullness in the neck, lymph node swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or voice changes.
I hope you will help me raise awareness among family and friends. Please join me in supporting THYA:Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Assoc.

I hope to come back soon and post a clean bill of health and claim the new title of SURVIVOR!
Again, I can't thank you and my family & friends enough for the loving support I have received through this fight. I hope you accept my gift of the blue butterfly on this post as the gift of awareness. Blue/purple are the colors that represent Thyroid Cancer. As the butterfly, too (which represents the shape of the Thyroid). Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...I know that I will be having a lot to be thankful for this year!
With much love,