Many of you know I’ve been dealing with complex chronic illnesses that affect my joints, nervous system, and immune system. Recently doctors found an issue with my thyroid that requires surgery and up to a 40% chance of it being cancer! The removed tissue will be tested for cancer, and those results will determine what comes next. Depending on the results I may need additional treatment such as another surgery or radiation. Right now there are still a lot of unknowns, so I’m taking things one step at a time. Because of my underlying conditions, recovery may be more complicated and I’ll likely need extra rest and support. Several people have asked how they can help, so I created a page with ways to support my recovery. Please don’t feel any pressure—messages and encouragement mean a lot. Thank you for cheering me on through this chapter. I’m very grateful for the support.
What Recovery May Look Like My voice may be hoarse or weak for a while after surgery, and I may not be able to talk much at first. I’ll likely need to eat soft foods for a period of time while my throat heals. My neck will be sore and swollen, and I may need to keep my head elevated and limit certain movements while the incision heals. Fatigue is very common after thyroid surgery, so I will need a lot of extra rest and downtime. I may need to limit lifting, bending, and physical activity for several weeks. Because of my other chronic health conditions, recovery may be slower and less predictable than average. I’ll also be waiting on pathology results to determine whether additional treatment is needed. During recovery I may be less responsive to messages, but I truly appreciate the support and encouragement. Even small messages can make a big difference while I’m recovering and resting.