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.