The Battle I didn't Choose. Fighting the BIG C.

It was actually one of my professors who noticed and encouraged me to have it checked. I was hesitant to go to the hospital because I was used to having swollen lymph nodes every time I caught colds or cough. But this time it was different, the lump on my neck wasn't subsiding and the lump became noticeably visible.

Doctor Consultation:

I told my fiance (now my husband) and his family about the lump on my neck. They scheduled to see a doctor the next day. The doctor explained that the lump was suspicious for Papillary Carcinoma/ Papillary Cancer which he explained is the most common thyroid type.

After a thorough check-up, he advised us to schedule me for a biopsy and if the result came out positive, he would perform a complete thyroid removal. Since, the cancer was detected in my 20's almost 30's, the lump needed to be removed immediately. My doctor assured me this type of cancer is one of the most curable cancer types and the survival rate is close to 100%.

The Biopsy/ Surgery:

After the biopsy, they instantly found out the lump was not benign and the cyst already ate 70% of my thyroid gland. They scheduled the full thyroidectomy surgery right after that.

I was unconscious that time, but I knew there was a 99% chance that I would undergo surgery that night. I was more anxious knowing I had to spend time recovering after instead of being able to just go to school finishing my final exams.

"This a photo of me heading to school two and half weeks after my surgery. I asked my fiance to take an ootd photo of me. I didn't wait after the 3 weeks recuperating period. As I said, I was eager to finish all my exams and enroll for my next year in college. I was this stubborn!". (My stubbornness paid off - I graduated on the Dean's List!... more of that on my next blog...)

How it feels?

"My first decent selfie after my surgery. "

Until now, I still can't believe I went through that phase in my life and that I was able to survive that challenge. But there are times that I feel different than I was before.

I'll be sharing with you more on my next blog.

Thank you taking the time to read My Story!

Feel Free to leave your comments and advice if you have anything to share.
I will be excited and happy to read them all!