3 Weeks Post Surgery.. Endo Visit..and feeling Groovy!

I cant believe that it has been only three weeks today that I had a total Thyroidectomy!
I went to go see my Endocrinologist today, and she was so happy that I went thru with the surgery. The last time she had seen me, I was a pool of tears and kept crying ' I don't want to have surgery, it will take away my voice.'

How selfish of me??

During this visit with her, she kept telling me how Blessed I am to have had this surgery and even though they had discovered Multi-focal Papillary Carcinoma- ( I'm getting better with the acceptance of that series of words... ) Its Truth. Its My truth, My Story.

I'm getting better with Relaxing my voice- and not talking as much. Which is hard to do while I'm searching for jobs, and going door to door, talking to potential employers... yet, Its a balance.

I heard from an old college roomate this week, and What amazes me is the power of Forgiveness, and the gift of Time. As college Roommates, We didn't end on a good note.
Yet- the compassion she has showed me since the discovery of our commonality ( we just had discovered that she had a Total Thyroidectomy, last year almost a year to the date of mine.. and had a ton of similarities in our journey)- Is beyond comprehension.

Its comforting to talk to someone about your experience, where you currently are in terms of fears, healthy and otherwise. About the procedure from someone who has been thru it, as well as feel like someone is REALLY listening to your thoughts... is priceless.

Above everything I have learned this far, besides the fact that My Lord has been there encouraging me, and lifting me up, and providing miracles and beauty in so many places-
is the VITAL IMPORTANCE to choose to think positive. You have to think positive, before it becomes a belief.
Keep a journal, start your own blog, encourage your friends to read it to have all the updates in one space is so convenient. And it allows them to get a glimpse into what you are really going thru.

People are going to let you down. That is a fact. It is hard to articulate our own needs when you are busy sorting thru test results, dr. appts, procedures, and life in general in the midst of a medical snafu- if difficult.
Let people help. Maybe even directly ask for help if not offered. Its when we get caught up in the failed meeting of expectations of others that we can so easily resent people. Because when you are going thru something difficult like a personal illness- you feel alone.

Reach out to family, friends, your neighbors. Let yourself be loved. Take time for you!! Go to the pottery class and paint- Art therapy is so AMAZING!! Go for a walk every day, and just clear your head. Rest when you need to, and eat food that is going to keep you strong. Now is not the time to give in to the mindset that we are entitled to have the extra scoop of ice cream, because we are going thru alot. Or even to skip breakfast, because we don't feel like eating.

So much of an illness- you can not control. Sure, Prevention is a hindsight way of looking back to what may or may not have gotten us to the current health we are in.. but it is critical to look forward with the mindset of ' What can I empower myself to do to feel more in control of something that I'm powerless over right now.'

For 3 weeks- I have not been online after the sun goes down. A week prior to to surgery- and two weeks after- I protected my sanity, by choosing to settle in and rest at night. To stay off the computer- because I was curious about what was going on in my body, and at night I would get so overwhelmed by it all.. and then my Peace was stolen.

Protect your sanity, your inner peace, your need to rest, and Nutrition pays such a key part of it. I'm not a health nut- but I have gone to Book stores and read about the importance of Vegs and fruits, and lean meats, and for the first time in a while- I'm recognizing how important that is to eat right.

For those of us that are on medicine(s), its so important to stay on a schedule of when we take them, and educate yourself about the side effects- possible and certain, and plan ahead.

You are deserving of the time it takes to plan to get some ME time in every day. Even if it is just 10- 15 minutes a day. Meditate, take an extra long bath or shower, go for a walk to breathe in positivity, call a friend and lay on the couch and talk about everything and nothing at all.

For us single people- the need to be touched is so important. Go get a pedicure, a massage, have a family member rub your shoulders, give you an extra long back scratch, or even just ask for a hug. There are times I feel it most at night - the absence of a body to hold onto- to have someone hold onto me in a tangible way- that is so obvious as my body is dealing with so much.
And for those of ya'll that know a singleton- keep that in mind the next time you see them.. Maybe hug them a little longer, ask your kids to run and give them a hug when they pull in the drive way...
Human connection... in a healthy way .. can really make you feel less alone.

ok..im off to go for my walk, and run an errand or two before going to bed tonight.

You are Not Alone.... Patty Griffith... Great Song.....

Julie

Exodus 15:1 ' I will sing unto the Lord for HE has Triumphed Gloriously!! '