This scar is from a hemi-thyroidectomy. It was a very scary moment. After years of chronic illness, the doctor tells me that the growths on my thyroid are suspicious. A biopsy confirmed that the cells were less than desirable. I forget the exact term, follicular.... neoplasm. I was told surgery was necessary.  We knew someone who was dying from cancer at the time, so I was afraid to tell my kids. They didn't know until they heard the doctor mention it on the day of surgery. That was a shock for them. I suppose I should have warned the doctor to not mention "cancer" or "chemotherapy" in front of them. Surgery removed the bad half, left me with the rest. I was terrified that it was cancer. Recovery was rough, especially when waking up. I'm NOT good with surgeries or meds. The Dilauded made me throw up for hours (NOT cool after throat surgery), shake, and struggle to breath. But then I got to have oxygen which is one of my favorite things ever. If I could walk around with oxygen all day, I'd be happy.

It was some rough days until I found out that it was NOT cancer. Thank God. Now, thyroid is fine. Taking thyroxin pills to supplement the lost function. Lost ability for singing for a while. It's been a year, and some of previous range is back. The doctor said it would take 3 years to get singing voice back!

Interesting fact I heard... jet fuel is linked to increase of thyroid cancer. Hmmm, lived right by Midway airport for most of my 44 years of life. Still do. Not cool.