Sunday, June 19, 2011

June 19, 2011 - Thyroid Surgery Update

This is a simple, no frills posting to announce that my total thyroidectomy was successfully completed on Friday, as planned. I'm writing this from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The original plan was for me to be home by now, but they've kept me on here because my blood tests have shown my calcium levels to be a little low.

This is surely related to my parathyroids, a series of tiny glands that regulate the body's calcium supply. During a thyroidectomy, the parathyroids are removed from their usual position at the back of the thyroid and reattached elsewhere in the immediate vicinity. Sometimes it takes a little while for them to wake up after being moved, which is evidently what's happened in my case.

I'm very much in recovery mode: still a bit weak, but able to make my way for several laps around the hospital hallway without support. I'm also trying to remember to pick up the little plastic breathing toy they gave me, and inhale through it, in order to restore my full respiratory function, post-anesthesia.

The incision area looks neat and clean, a narrow, 4-inch strip of gauze under a semi-transparent bandage. The whole neck area feels stiff, and I can turn my head only with difficulty.

Claire will be by later today. We left the car in the hospital parking garage, and she's been taking the bus and subway to her sister, Ramona's, apartment in Washington Heights, where she's been staying at night.

The calcium level's been looking better with each blood test, so hopefully I'll get my marching orders today.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD FOR GOOD DOCTORS. I PRAY FOR YOU AND THE OTHER MEN HERE EVERY NIGHT. I KINDA LIKE PRAYING FOR FOLK I DON'T KNOW.I JUST SAY GOD, YOU KNOW ME, I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT WORDS TO SAY AS I'M TALKING TO YOU BUT I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO LIFE UP THE PASTOR AND THE RON WITH CANCER AND THE AIDS FELLOW. HUST BE WITH THEM . TOUCH THEM AND PUT A HEALING ON THEM IF IT BE YOUR WILL. THEN I ALWAYS GIVE OUT A PRAISE AND THANK YOU.

MY YOUNG FRIEND SID [13] IS HANDLING HER CANCER MEDS QUITE WELL.NOW MY VERY BEST FRIEND ALSO IS FIGHTING CANCER[BARB IS HER NAME]. I WONDER IF THERE WILL EVER BE A CURE LIKE POLIO.

HEAL MY FRIEND JUST REST.

GRANNY FROM TAMPA

Anonymous said...

LIFT NOT LIFE UP THE PASTOR ETC. LOL MISTAKE I MAKE ALL THE TIME OLD AGE YOU KNOW.

GRANNY

Anonymous said...

Dear Carl,

Thanks for the update - we hope you'll get home soon. We are also happy to hear that Claire was able to stay in the city - we've been thinking about her traveling the parkway on a summer weekend. Charlene & Harvey

Ronni Gordon said...

Glad it went well and they are letting you out!

Anonymous said...

There are many causes that contribute to the development of thyroid problems- overuse or lack of iodine. I tried natural adrenal and it restored my health and overall well being. It is very effective.

Anonymous said...

I'm not trying to sale anything but I am so curious if you have metal fillings in your mouth or any root canals. I hope this does not seem harsh or finger pointing. I have seen loved ones suffer with cancer and it is heart breaking. I hope the best for you, that heal and look back at this trial as a blessing in some ways.