The Battle I didn't Choose. Fighting the BIG C.
Hello y'all. Yes, you read My Blog title right.
I didn't have the intention to share this story not because this is a sensitive topic for me to share but because I find it difficult to explain to others what I've been through or telling "My Story" in particular.
But, I am stepping out of my box because my sister encouraged me to write a blog about it.
So Here We Go...
My Life Before:
It was during my first year in college. Living the life that I always envisioned, chasing my dreams and planning my future. Those were the years that I felt perfectly healthy and happy.
Here's a photo of me before I was diagnosed with Papillary Carcinoma.
I never thought I was sick that time. I gained weight (you can tell because of my chubby cheeks), I was living a decent lifestyle and it was that point in my life where I decided to go on a meatless diet. All along thinking I was healthy.
Fast forward to when I was diagnosed and how I discovered that I had Papillary Carcinoma.
How did I find out?
I wasn't able to keep a picture with my lumped neck and it wasn't visible in any of my pictures before the surgery. So going back...
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:
My doctor did an amazing job stitching me back to pieces LOL!
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!
Much appreciated!
Welcome and u are brave girl, i'm glad u pull this through, i lose many of my close ones coz of cancer , wish u well and dont stop fighting
Hey there! thank you for the words of encouragement! and I'm so sorry to hear that. Everything happens for a reason :)
Welcome to Steem @hellolylo I have sent you a tip
thanks! received them :)
thanks for sharing that. my mom had a similar thyroid removal. its funny that so many girls seem to have the same head tilt like u do in your pics. :) its very cute, though.
Say hello to your mom :) for me!...How is she now?. that's what you called finding your best angle ahahaha!
Hi again! my mom is all good.. her surgery was many years ago. how are u doing now? and yes, the right angle is key! :)
Hello! I'm still under observation. There are times that I feel weak but I'm feeling better 😊
:) time will heal..
you are very strong woman. i am glad that you are recovering now. i am having some health problem also. but it was all because my mistake.
keep healthy my friend.
Will keep that in mind and I will work on it... Thank you!
Welcome to steemit, and best wishes.
Thank you! Steem On 👊🏻
And good luck with steemit too! Warm wishes :)
Likes ❤️ Thank you 😋
I admire your courage & steadfast approach in your young life... keep the strength! Much love! ❤
Thank you for your support! Steem on ❤
Ang puso ng pinoy.. つ ◕_◕ ༽つ
That takes a lot of courage and willpower, kudos to you Steffy. God really loves those who love Him. :)
Ibalik ang fluffy cheeks! ;)
Hahaha! Thank you for your kind words and the smile you put on my chubby face 😊
welcome to steemit. you are a brave and strong young woman :)
Thanks for reading my blog, I appreciate the visit.
Thank you for your nice words ❤️
Daaaamn dude, that's rough, statistics aside, the whole ordeal is a painful one for any involved, and its great to see it all worked out.
Welcome to steemit! Really liked the post layout too, keep up the good stuff :D
@dreadbeard Thank you for reading my blog! Have a nice day!
Always a good day ;) - remember to upvote and share the stuff that interests you on the site :) Helps build bridges and people pay back generously it seems.
There's still a lot to learn but I'm enjoying at the same time. Thank you for your tips!
You're as beautiful as ever!
Thank you 😊