Kathleen Donahue’s PTC Treatment Updates

This week I will meet with my Endocrinologist, as well as check in with my surgeon. I have stopped taking the Cytomel -the artificial thyroid meds I have been on- as of last Wednesday and will continue to not take them up until I take the pill treatment. I am not sure what the absence of the hormone will fully entail….so I have tried to rest as much as possible this weekend in prep. I have some blood work scheduled on Tuesday and I hope to get an idea of the pill treatment schedule this week so I can prep for the aftermath….I have to avoid contact with others for several days after it is administered. I have another trip to Austin planned, so hopefully the timing will work out. I also am scheduled for week-long appraisal classes in Plano the week after, so my fingers are cross that I can get the treatment out of the way so that I can carry both plans out.

As far as my physical movement, I am doing much better! I will continue to do PT, but I think I will curtail the frequency since I am doing good.

I want to say thanks to everyone again. It is amazing how many cards I still receive in the mail and it is really heartwarming. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so much support – from friends, coworkers, family, and quite frankly…strangers. Through passing and a comment of the scars on my neck, a guy I met today told me that his sister passed from stomach cancer last year. He then proceeded to give me the Livestrong bracelet off his own wrist. It is instances like this I am reminded that I am extremely fortunate to have been diagnosed with a form of cancer that is highly curable. I often forget that I will be a cancer survivor…or at least that is the plan! Breast Cancer Awareness Month has also made me realize that cancer is so prevalent and it not until you or someone close to you is affected by it truly understand its threat. I know my diagnosis has changed my life forever.

PS….an update on Jed and Erica (my brother and sister-in-law who embarked on a year-long worldwide journey in August): The last I heard, they were in Cambodia. They were considering Bangkok next, but were possibly going to revise the agenda due the instability of the area or U.S./world climate…not really sure on that one. Jed’s back gave him some trouble when they were still in China, but I heard it is doing better. If you guys read this, give us an update!

I will post again when I get the final game plan in order!!

Kathleen