Did you know you have between 500-600 lymph nodes in your body?

And it only takes one to mess everything up - and in my case, the answer truly is one. I had my six month and first ultrasound since my surgery - the hope was that all lymph nodes, which are shaped like kidney beans would come back clean. However, I have one rogue node that decided to look more like a pancake. I would like to thank my Dr. for the fabulous food analogies.

What does this mean - I dont know, I have to see my dr. on thursday. It most likely means that i will soon be starting radioactive iodine treatments, which will be not fun, but, hey, it could be worse. The biggest frustration is that we have spend the last 6 months getting my medication correct and now we will have to start all of this over after the treatments. I will keep you all updated, as of now i really dont know much, but wanted to give everybody a heads up. Enjoy the warm November weather,

jess

Great news!

Hi everybody!
Well, I hit my first cancer milestone, the six month mark! I am currently undergoing through my rounds of testing to see if the cancer has returned or if there are just any signs of it left in my body. I had my first test a few weeks ago, which was the bloodwork for the tumorcheck. It came back very low, which is good, and will know be the baseline to work from - if the number goes up, it means thyroid cells are back. If the number stays the same, all is good. This coming Thursday I have the lymph node ultrasound, where we will check the entire neck and throat - if any of them show any signs of anything, we will automatically do radiation treatment. I am anxious and just want to find out soon. I am hoping to know by november 12th. we are also still trying to get my med levels figured out, 6 months later and we are still chaning meds every 6 weeks. I am hoping to get this taken care of after the next round.

Life is great otherwise, it has been fun traveling with a speech team (and coaching them) of course. I dont think i realized how much I enjoyed this activity until I came back - who would have ever guessed this could be my future!!

Greetings from Mayo Clinic Gonda Building

That's right, this blog is coming to you straight from the Gonda building in Rochester MN - home of the mayo clinic cancer center and oncology. And no, I am not writing this as a patient here - thought I should go see if I can access my records, this is where my official diagnosis was made - I am actually attending a conference and the Khaler Grand hotel, which is across the street. This building has a lot of meaning and takes me back to when I used to visit my grandpa in the hospital. We used to watch the construction of this building from his window when he was at Methodist hospital for treatment. The building is gorgeous, to say the least. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tradition-heritage/gonda-building.html you can check it out here. sorry my links aren't more fancy.

It's been a much more difficult day since i have bee here - I have seen so many people who are clearly going through chemo and suffering the side effects, I have heard the words that cancer patients so frequently hear, and the nerves as families sit here in the waiting room anticipating news about their loved ones. The room is filled with such a strange energy, it could drive one crazy.


And grandma, just for you - remember the blown glass hanging from the ceiling - in greens, blues, yellows and browns. I am sitting in front of it writing this now. I bet I even have the pictures back home we took of it on your camera.

Research? Oh yeah!

Hi everyone,
Two posts already this month - yeah, I clearly need more to do. When I think about the amount of work I did in the last six months and what I am doing now, it seems like I have nothing to do. I went from teaching five classes and five preps, helping host the relay for life, planning comm day for my dept, mentoring in the brother sister program to teaching two classes, one prep, and coaching a speech team. My life seems so much more peaceful not - wait until tournament season starts.

For those of you who are academically excitable, I would like to tell you about my new research project. I am doing an analysis of messages aimed at young cancer survivors and how they need to to differ compared to messages that are aimed at older adults. I got my inspiration from a few different places. One was from a pastor that stopped by my hospital room last April and asked me what was my sickness. I explained it to him and he commented that his wife was also having her thyroid out and it became apparent that facing this issue at 27 is much different than 67. I have also been listening to a podcast from a website called "I'm too young for this" that talks about the dirty little secrets of being young and dealing with issues such as dating, fertility, hair loss, body image, etc. I am excited to be working on this project and hope to help others who have dealt with issues related to their age and cancer.

Have a nice weekend everybody! Good luck to my little brother as he will be playing football this week and also to Jason who is training for the Twin Cities marathon!

Happy September

Happy September and completion of the first week of the new academic year! Summer is (almost) over and school is back in session. It is so refreshing to have an actual schedule again after being in change for so long. I missed having a dept to belong to and a working office (piles of books at home) and being unpacked.

Work is fabulous and I love teaching at a private institution. While I will admit to having been pretty anti -private school up to this point, I have changed my tune. I enjoy my students, my office (double the size with awesome furniture) the culture and everything else. The dining center is pretty amazing also. I am only teaching two classes, which is a significant change from the 5 I taught last spring, I am also back coaching forensics, which I love. I missed every aspect of it, from the coaching to the literature and topics to the people you meet. I am very glad to be back and am looking forward to travel.

Healthwise (since it was the original purpose of this blog, things are going well. We almost have med levels figured out and I feel 100 times better than i did before. In fact, I am often confused when I know longer need to sleep for 12 hours and just get up early and feel fine. I am in the process of picking a new doctor ( I have it narrowed down to three) and just need to make some calls. Two speacialize specifically in thyroid cancer so I am hoping to work with one of them. I know I am nearing my first six month check (ok, November, but still - it's been four months already!) and need to find somebody I am comfortable with. I guess this is one of the benfits of living in a city, rather than going to the one person around, you get to choose who is best for you.

speaking of the city, I am finally getting used to not living in Mankato. I have realized that sitting in traffic is not a choice but a way of life and it is easier to just accept than to get frustrated. I went to the statefair last weekend wit my brothers and karie and had a great time! I am still disgusted by the amount of food we all consumed (nothing on a stick for me, ironically) but it was well worth it the one time a year it happens. Looking towards teh rennasance festival and a play in the next couple weeks.

tata for now, it's time to get back to work.

It's been a busy month...

Hey all,
The month of July and now half of August has flown by, and lots have changed, I have moved, worked at Le Cordon Bleu, tomorrow start a new job, you know, the basics.
First, I moved to Minneapolis about three weeks ago - it's been great, just busy. have not finished unpacking, which is not a suprise. But you know, we will get there.

I work a two week stint at Le Cordon Bleu for a friend. It was fabulous - I ate a lot of cake, taught some public speaking, and had a pretty great time.

Monday the 17th I start orientaiton at Bethel. Starting two new jobs in a two week period is a bit stressful, but I enjoy change, so it has been fun.

On a health note, we are getting closer. My doctor upped my dosage again, which is a good thing. The bad news is I am also in the process of having to change doctors before we get everything settled, which is tough. However, I am clearly in a place where good healthcare is abundant, so I will be able to find someone good.

good night for now,
jessica

Just another July day

Hi everyone, it's just another July day, spend grading papers and speeches and getting ready for my move to Minneapolis. I had a couple of thoughts strike me today, which have all been keeping me thinking.

Cancer came up in my class today - I had never intended to share this information, but I was talking with another student about health issues and felt like since she had confided in me, I needed to reciprocate back and share with her. As other students filed in, they heard bits and pieces and started asking about it. It was actually a great talk, as we often dont talk about this and as young adults, dont often find ourselves facing this problem. Ialso feel like I have a duty as a "survivor story" to share, especially since the sad truth is that cancer doens't have nearly as many of those as they should.

Since cancer seemed to be the topic of the day, it only seemed fitting that while watching the first 5 mintues of CSI New York they discovered the victim had thyroid cancer. This has been the second television show to bring this up in the last few months (the other was Grey's Anatomy). I find it interesting since it is not one of the more common cancers. I am guessing it is because the survival rate is so high, but who knows.

This Friday is the Relay for Life of Blue Earth County. Some of us MSU folks are going to go and help "Rock the Relay" and scope out new ideas for next year. It breaks my heart to know I will not be able to help with next years relay, but I am so proud of the group and confident in their abilities they will do nothing less than shine and put on a fantastic night for everyone. I am so excited to go back and check it out! Hopefully we will get great pictures next week to post!

round 2

well folks, just a quick cancer update - I guess it is important to do those once in awhile also! It's really not a cancer update, more of a medication update. I went in for my first 6 week bloodtest to see if my meds are right. Turns out, i have a good reason for taking naps, being tired, and not losing wieght. I was still hypo, which is what we dont want to be. My dr. needs me to stay hyperthyoridic so that the thyroid cells dont grow back (which can increase the return of the cancer). So we wait and see once again! I was hoping to have this all figured out before I left Mankato, but it looks like I will be making a trip back for stuff early in august. Not a huge deal, but i was looking forward to putting everything in the past until the first 6 month check. Not to mention I apparenlty have stubborn veins, it only took three times to get blood before they tried the front of my hand. Ouch!

On another note, I attended the St Peter Relay for the free survivor t-shirt and the need to expose myself to those positive messages. It was a little awkward after I registered, they were asking people how long they had been survivors for. I had a bunch of older woman in front of me, most of them surviving some sort of breast cancer for 5 or more years. When I was asked, my response was 6 weeks. The lady looked at me a bit funny, but did not ask questions (for which I was thankful) I often forget how much people dont expect young people to be going through this (since the percentage is much lower if you are under 40, only 6% of all cancer cases). I left before the actual survivor lap (it was a little harder than I anticipated) but am still glad I got to enjoy the speakers and donate to the cause.

I can't believe it is July 1! I wore a sweathshirt, socks, long pants and taught in a sweater today. You know when you are in MN when..... Now I just need to keep motivated and get packing for the big move in a few weeks! I cant believe I will be leaving Mankato so soon!

Summer Skool 101

As the weather is hopefully getting nicer, I am going back to school. Summer school that is. It's time to gear up and get abck to work. I am actually looking forward to this, (not the 7am part) but having a normal schedule of sorts. It's amazing how lazy you can get when the phrase "I can just do it next week" enters your head. I am looking forward to assignments and teaching, as it is truly what I love to do.

As for other big announcements, I have a new job! I will be starting in the Fall teaching at Bethel University in St Paul as an instructor and Assistant Director of Forensics. I am excited to be getting back into forensics, I didnt realize how much I missed it until I started applying for jobs. I have been literature and topic searching to get a head start. I love reading with a purpose.

Cancer wise, all is well. I go back for my second round of blood tests to see how meds are working. I feel like we may need a slight adjustment, but so far I can tell a difference, having more energy and such! My side effects haven't been to bad, though I have noticed an increase in anxiety and slight hair loss. Pretty mild as far as all goes.

Happy Summer! If it ever quits raining, I might be able to enjoy some time outside. Oh well, back to packing (so much stuff) and working on summer classes!

Love you all!

Great News!

Monday I had my first appt with my specialist, who is an amazing dr. not only did he answer all my questions, he asked all the ones i didnt think to ask! It's nice to leave an appt feeling better about everything that when i got there. Basically, all I have is good news. Because of the stage and earlyness of catching everything, we are not opting not to do any treatments and just doing frequent bloodwork and a 6 month check, which we will do every 6 months from here on out. The chance of return is 1%, which is awesome!

Now I am off to Vegas! I mean, where else does one go to celebrate! I am meeting my friend Brittany who has been dedicating her time to the peace corp there, we are set for an excellent few days! Brit, I can't wait - it's hard to believe I haven't seen you since August! Next week I had out to San Diego to see James and go to the Cubs/Padres series! It's gearing up to be a great summer!

Still dancing!

Well, the results are in, drum roll please. I have cancer. Now wait, didn't I already know that? Yes, but now it has been confirmed by my local Dr's and also by Mayo Clinic - which means I finally got my second round of results back. Not only was the cancer on the left side confirmed, Dr's also found three spots on the right side - which is where the largest tumor was located. I really dont feel any different with this information - had they come back and told me they were wrong and it wasnt cancer, then I would have experienced emotion. I am meeting with an endocrinologist on Monday to talk about the next step - I am glad to be finishing everything before my vacations (which we will working around, they have already been informed!). So, check back for updates after that.

I have been very blessed with a fast and easy recovery. My scar is healing very well (in fact, it is almost embaressing how small it is - I was hoping for a little more in the beginning) and feel 100%. I am taking temporary medication with is making my skin dry and my hair brittle and I go from hot to cold a lot, but this is all very minor.

Thanks again to all of you who have been so supportive with everything! It's amazing how giving people can be when there is need, from my family, the relay team, my friends, and the people at work! You have all been an awesome support.

The waiting game

I hate waiting. As a person who is always on time and early, there is nothing I hate worse that waiting for people (thought i have been a bit pokey lately). I had my post-op follow up on Thursday. I was anticipating stitches out (they are!) and results. My dr starts by asking if anyone has called. Um, no. Then he tells me they had to send them to Mayo clinic, at which point my heart drops. Mayo clinic and cancer do not go together well in my book. He then explained they needed to have a second diagnosis, but he wasnt too concerned, they just had a couple questions. So, it will be another week. Because I dont have enough going on this week, you know? He also started me on the replacement meds, which is good - they are just temporary, but he wants my body to get used to them. Not a huge deal. So, we wait. Some more.

On a happy note, I am feeling great and very recoved! It's been a week since surgery and I feel about 97% - the only thing holding me back in not being able to turn my neck. And yawning and the hiccups. Those are pretty minor compared to other effects. I am almost disappointed in my scar, it looks fabulous, I havent even been wearing a scarf, it's so clean and small. I was hoping for a good story to use in Vegas, it looks like I may need to find something else!

Hey all, it's me! Sitting at home in cloudy and dreary North Mankato - I kind of like how it is gross out, it makes sitting inside much easier. I feel pretty great, considering, I just have a killer sore throat and can't turn my head. Pretty minor. My sugery was about 3.5 hours long and went very well. On Sunday I met my nurses post op and they were laughing because i was apparenlty talking after about 5 min - she said they weren't used to that on patients who had their necks cut open! I will meet with my Dr. again on Thursday to go over the reports and decide what the plan of action will be.

Anyway, I am just at home now, grading papers and watching a lot of television. I am becoming pretty restless, but it's ok. I will be back in action very soon!

Post Surgery Update

Hi, this is Jason, Jess's brother for those of you that don't know me. Just letting you all know that Jess got out of surgery about 2 1/2 hours ago. It went well and they revoved her entire thyroid. She will be on in a day or two to give you more of an update.

Rock the Relay

Well folks, it's relay week. The excitement and stress of the event has begun to set in, but thanks to the most fabulous relay team ever, planning is coming together quite nicely. I have the most amazing group of students to work with. As one of them said, Jess, we aren't students anymore, we're friends. I don't think I could have said it better myself! Most groups work poorly under extreme pressure, we seem to get closer and support each other even more. While we have had some pretty tough issues to deal with this semester, everyone kept working and they never lost sight of the goal ahead. It you want to see a group who truly embraces the meaning of a relay, check them out! Have I told you guys how much I like you all!

I am in the process of writing the survivor speech for the relay. It's bittersweet, as I dont have a lot to say (it's only been three weeks!) yet I have so much to say. This isnt' my first time giving this speech, I spoke for my grandpa when he was the honorary chair at the relay back home. I found the copy of the speech I spoke from at the relay and have been reading it for inspiration. The word survivor seems strange. I think I will use the word fighter, since I am still doing that. I am also in charge of choosing the songs for the luminaria ceremony and survivor lap - any suggestions, send them my way. Even bad songs will be included in my decision making! Stay tuned for pictures from our glorious event and details!

Reality sets in

I have found this entire situation to be a bit surreal - Less than two weeks ago my biggest concern was the new shoes I desperately wanted. I haven't thought about those shoes in weeks (ok, maybe once, but not as much as usual). My friends and family have been the ones who have made the situation real - last week it was seeing luminary bags with my name on it, this week, an article in the Mankato Free Press. I like that it shows the extreme honesty of the situation - and how much this really does effect all of us.

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive! I love the emails, messages, and phone calls. Here's to making this the best Relay for Life ever!

http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/local_story_096195843.html

Meet Me in St Louis - Blue Bricks Tip night

I am writing from beautiful St Louis, Mo, where I am sitting in my suite at the Crowne Plaza with a gorgeous view of the arch from my window. I am here for a conference, and am excited to take some time to explore the area. The front desk women informed me there was also a 9 floor macy's close by. I think she knows about my shopping addiction.

Last night the Relay held a fundraiser at Blue Bricks bar in Mankato. While waiting for official numbers, it sounds like we made at least 1600.00! Pretty impressive for a cold snowy march night. We also had a great chance to promote the relay as well as decorate luminaria bags, many people took advantage of honoring and remembering their family members and friends with cancer. It was also a fun time to celebrate our accomplishments of the relay, everybody has been working so hard to get donations, make sure we have entertainment and events the night of the relay, and make sure everything is organized perfectly, it was fun to do a social outing.

I love my Relay Team!

So I never thought I would enjoy posting. It's kind of addicting, knowing people out there care about you enough to read your thoughts and hear about your journey. the past few days have been crazy, I have spent more time on the phone answering questions and becoming an expert overnight.

As many of you know, we are hosting a Relay for life here on campus at MSU. It's almost bittersweet, when I took over as the role of advisor, I never thought I would have survivor afterwards. I remember the stupid stuff, like the survivor cake, and thinking I wish I could have a piece. Looks like I can have my cake and eat it too! Our relay just hit the 10,000 dollar mark, which is AWESOME!! We have a huge fundraiser tomorrow night at Blue Bricks, I am so excited to see how well we do and get the advocacy information out.

For my relay committee members reading this, you guys are awesome. I have enjoyed working with you all so much, it broke my heart to have to tell you the news tonight. We all have a story of why we relay, mine just changed a bit, and yours did also. We are about to put on the best gosh darn relay anyone has ever seen!

Wow - Who would have thought

hi everyone,
As most of you know, I received a bit of news this weekend. Rather than trying to relate the story and make sure everyone knows what is going on , I thought it might be easiest to write it online and allow you to access it yourself. I do enjoy the phone calls, so keep them coming!

I found out last Wednesday, March 25th that I have papillary carcinoma, a form of thyroid cancer. My Dr's have been following the nodules for three years, many people have them, only 5% turn cancerious. On a positive note, it is very curable, which is not often a word that shares the same sentence as cancer.

I will be having surger on April 24th to have everything including my thyroid removed. I could have had only the left side removed, but was told there was a 90-95% chance I would have to have surgery again in two weeks for the full removal to be safe. Needless to say, I would like to avoid extra surgeries (not to mention I am heading on vacation to Las Vegas and San Diego a few weeks later!).

Anyway, this is really all I know for now - I just wanted to find an easy way to keep people in the know and to share the facts. Feel free to ask questions or give me a call, I'm always up for good conversation.