Caroline Health Update

Well, I want to update you all, though unfortunately I do not really have any answers, just an update...

I had a FNA biopsy on Wednesday May 9th.  Truthfully, it was much more painful than I remember, but "successful."  They were looking at a lymph node on each side of my neck, just below my jaw.  In my past FNAs, they looked right in the center of my neck.  On Friday my doctor called with the results and now it makes sense why this FNA was a bit different than my others. As it turns out, what showed up in my ultrasound was two lymph nodes that do look larger than "normal"- but just barely!  By .3 cm if I understand correctly.   They did NOT find any thyroid cancer- Thank you Lord!  However, there are too many similar white blood cells in them- I think there are supposed to be lots of different kinds, but mine are only showing up as one kind.  SO, I was referred to an ENT doctor who thus far has been great.  This last Friday, the 18th, I had an amazingly simple CT scan and met with him again today.  There are no tumors in my lymph nodes, but they are slightly larger than "normal."  A biopsy/removal is recommended but first we are going to try an antibiotic to see if that shrinks the nodes at all.  I am under strict orders to see an ENT doctor as soon as we move- if you have any recommendations, please let me know! 

Basically I think they are looking for lymphoma- which is super scary to me, even though I don't really understand the disease, and many tears have been shed.  However, this doctor said he would bet money I do NOT have it...  We just need to track down a bit more what is going on in these nodes.

Please pray that we, especially me!, rest in God's arms and not my own.  I do okay when I am not thinking too much about it, but when the doctor calls, about anything, I get nervous again.  And please pray we find some great doctors in Amherst- again, recommendations greatly appreciated!!!

On a happier note, we had some amazing family photos taken a week ago- check them out here:

http://stephaniedee.wordpress.com/

We drive out of State College in 11 days!!!!