Each year I take my children for a routine physical and 2004 was no different. The very instant Dr. Cook felt Lauren's neck I could tell something was wrong. Lauren was referred for a thyroid ultrasound after her brand new pediatrician felt a suspicious mass on the right side of her neck. I felt numb as the technician did the ultrasound, especially when she kept taking measurements. She had us wait in the office until she spoke with the radiologist. By the time we returned home, I had specialists from Children's Hospital calling to get Lauren seen the next day. I could hardly breathe and I knew something was terribly wrong. A mother just knows.
The day after Thanksgiving 2004, surgery to remove the tumor confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Two weeks later she underwent a total thyroidectomy. I had never heard of anyone with thyroid cancer and suddenly I was hearing words like "thyroglobulin" and "radioactive iodine." The world as I knew it for the last 13 years had changed forever. My child had no symptoms when she went for her check-up and suddenly she was a cancer patient.
Lauren has had numerous doctor's visits, blood tests, MRI's, PET scans and CT scans. I can't count the number of times we've been to Children's Hospital or the number of times she's been poked with a needle. But I do know how many times she has complained. NEVER! Although we have shed our fair share of tears, Lauren has never been negative or complained about anything. Her smile lets me know that everything is going to be okay.
Lauren is currently being monitored for a suspicious mass in between her carotid artery and windpipe. She is a 9th grade honor roll student at Edgewood High School and is active in Girl Scouts and dance. She enjoys puzzles, babysitting, shopping and her friends.
Everyone says things happen for a reason.
Special thanks to my rock, my hero, my mom Miriam. She has been here for me every step of the way and has never once waivered on her faith that Lauren would be fine. Thanks, mom! I love you!
Hugs and blessings, Stephanie
The day after Thanksgiving 2004, surgery to remove the tumor confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Two weeks later she underwent a total thyroidectomy. I had never heard of anyone with thyroid cancer and suddenly I was hearing words like "thyroglobulin" and "radioactive iodine." The world as I knew it for the last 13 years had changed forever. My child had no symptoms when she went for her check-up and suddenly she was a cancer patient.
Lauren has had numerous doctor's visits, blood tests, MRI's, PET scans and CT scans. I can't count the number of times we've been to Children's Hospital or the number of times she's been poked with a needle. But I do know how many times she has complained. NEVER! Although we have shed our fair share of tears, Lauren has never been negative or complained about anything. Her smile lets me know that everything is going to be okay.
Lauren is currently being monitored for a suspicious mass in between her carotid artery and windpipe. She is a 9th grade honor roll student at Edgewood High School and is active in Girl Scouts and dance. She enjoys puzzles, babysitting, shopping and her friends.
Everyone says things happen for a reason.
Special thanks to my rock, my hero, my mom Miriam. She has been here for me every step of the way and has never once waivered on her faith that Lauren would be fine. Thanks, mom! I love you!
Hugs and blessings, Stephanie
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