tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86254176774908910342024-03-13T10:33:45.335-04:00Living With HCCA Life Journey With A Rare Cancer. Start at the bottom & follow from the beginning.Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-36046372818334133572017-09-15T11:48:00.000-04:002017-09-15T11:48:02.258-04:0010 years... and still here<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, life has been super busy for me over the last few years. Since my last posts, I graduated college and actually found a couple of really great jobs. My boys have excelled in school and my husband has shot to the top of that corporate ladder. Even still, my life with HCC has remained steady and I have worked tirelessly to maintain normalcy while the world around me is in a constant flux. Here is an update of where I am after nearly 10 years with HCC...</span><br>
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</div><a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2017/09/10-years-and-still-here.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comAurora, OH 44202, USA41.3175549 -81.34538580000003141.222139399999996 -81.506747300000029 41.4129704 -81.184024300000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-34566401313538339632014-06-24T13:20:00.001-04:002014-06-24T13:20:54.653-04:00Winning the Battle Without End<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Re-Cap: Nov07Goiter+ UltraSound Nodule+, FNA Hurthle Cells+, Dec07 partial TT removing 2.5cm HCC+, Feb08 complete TT, Mar08 RAIabolition101mci, @ 6mo RAI WBS=clear, 1yr RAI WBS=clear, 2yr RAI WBS=clear, & now... 3yr RAI WBS=clear. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Praise the Lord!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have had no recurrence (No Evidence of Disease or NED ). </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My next scan should be in 4 yrs. Of course, I must remain...</span><br>
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<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2014/06/winning-battle-without-end.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-54452836516271780602014-06-12T09:26:00.001-04:002014-06-12T10:01:38.801-04:00HCC 6.5yrs later...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.191999435424805px;">Here I go again, mid-LID & losing weight for a scan next week. I am wrapping up my 3yrs hiatus from RAI. I have actually been fortunate not having to go back every few months to check things out with my onco. I find the diet and prep to be less worrisome and more of a burden. The lack of junk food just plain stinks! </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.191999435424805px;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.191999435424805px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.191999435424805px;">Most people that I run into now don't realize,</span></span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2014/06/hcc-65yrs-later.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-53375039675287453612013-09-21T09:50:00.003-04:002014-06-12T09:59:10.320-04:00When It Rains<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So life has gotten busy since I last posted... strangely, this is a good thing. My "health" has been generally unremarkable, wow huh? I had a basic scan and blood test in May and all was well. The only thing that has changed in the last year was </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2013/09/when-it-rains.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-19547973120035468562012-05-24T08:50:00.000-04:002012-05-24T08:50:18.274-04:00Finally Relaxing<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gee, it has been a long time since I have felt this good. Oh was relaxing can do for the body...</span><a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/05/finally-relaxing.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-51019202846322122822012-04-12T10:18:00.000-04:002012-04-12T10:18:10.483-04:00Score 1 for the Little Guy (or Lady in This Case)<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today, I received a call from the insurance company stating that my request was approved. Some folks out there actually care :)</span><br>
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<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/04/score-1-for-little-guy-or-lady-in-this.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-63695802382032245302012-04-09T09:34:00.000-04:002012-04-09T09:34:34.586-04:00Therapy WORKS!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I have been going to Voice Physical Therapy for about 8 weeks now, and it is working! I have learned how to talk again without straining my vocal cords and losing my voice. The best part is that I can sing again :)</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/04/therapy-works.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-61446493580234871522012-03-27T14:49:00.001-04:002012-03-27T14:53:15.039-04:00Winning the Bureaucratic Battle<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My husband's employer's </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">insurance company decided to present my husband's employer an offer they couldn't refuse. They, the insurance company, said if you can get all of the cover people to use "X Company" to get their regular maintenance medicine through the mail it will be cheap for you, my husband's employer. Sounds great right? Lower prices for medicine to all the employees :)</span><br>
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, that is fine and all for the medicine that doesn't prevent cancer! </span><br>
</div><a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/03/winning-bureaucratic-battle.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-57379468600856666942012-02-29T19:48:00.003-05:002012-02-29T20:43:18.995-05:00Leaping Ahead of Cancer<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today is Rare Disease Day. Today folks around the World are raising awareness about people like me, having Hurthle Cell Carcinoma. </span></div></div><a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/02/leaping-ahead-of-cancer.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-5293892828203607312012-02-08T09:43:00.001-05:002012-02-24T11:03:49.597-05:00Simply Amazing, Relief At Last!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After my Physical Therapy, I felt GREAT! The PT said that most folks can only handle about 10 minutes of the pressure put on the jaw and neck. I was able to manage 45 minutes and it was well worth the torture :)</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/02/simply-amazing-relief-at-last.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-60111134456721812462012-01-24T15:15:00.002-05:002012-02-24T11:25:06.159-05:00Speaking Without Pain<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, here I am 2 months out from a clean scan and I have lost my voice, UGH! It has become normal really; I have continued to have throat pains and hoarseness for no apparent reason since the Cancer diagnosis in 2007. I have generally thought that the throat tightness and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sore throats were</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> just side effects of the neck surgeries. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, a week went by and no change... then 2 weeks, and 3 weeks; finally, the 4th week I went to the doc. Yep, that isn't good and there is some swelling. </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2012/01/speaking-without-pain.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-87234506554055650302011-11-11T11:14:00.004-05:002012-02-24T11:25:29.263-05:00A Veteran with Cancer Called NED<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This scan experience was definitely one of the better ones. My TSH was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">high enough</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to scan but low enough to allow me to function fairly well @ 33! Now that may seem alarming to some Thyca </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">thyroid cancer) patient</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Thyca patients that are normally </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">suppressed</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, any rise in the TSH level is risky; however, for the RAI PET scan it is a must. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I asked my doctor about my TSH not being as high as before (at 70+ the last 3 scans) and if this could be a problem. </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/11/veteran-with-cancer-but-call-me-ned.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-6788895325191880362011-11-07T20:43:00.001-05:002012-02-24T11:15:48.836-05:00Whew, Made it to Tracer Day!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So now on Day 16 of LID and wheewee am I ready for the scan! Put my new sweatshirt on and the crowd in the Nuclear Department loved it! I had the folks smiling again. I think that it is great to brighten up such a ho-hum glum room of scared people with a cheery disposition. I mean, really guys, we have it good... because we know that we have cancer and this is our battle ground to get the chance to beat it! As long as we follow the LID rules; the pill dose the hard work. Sometimes I feel like I would like to see how that cell takes the iodine in and WHAM! SPLAT! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(like in batman) Y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ou are dead cancer cell :)</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/11/whew-made-it-to-tracer-day.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-90409133365286164932011-11-01T18:25:00.004-04:002012-02-24T11:26:00.779-05:00God Can Hear Us, I Know, I Believe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today, my mother-in-law was admitted in the hospital. She has been having pain in her neck and back. Her MRI revealed masses surrounding her spine and esophagus. She had Breast Cancer about 13-14 years ago. It was bad then and she did all the experimental drugs and chemo that she could get her hands on at the time. That and surgery worked for her then, now it could be back. Research has shown recurrence to be in this time frame. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I only mention this because HCC often re-occurs within 5 years. I honestly have been trying not to think about it. </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/11/god-can-hear-us-i-know-i-believe.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-62130241452805635802011-10-28T18:09:00.003-04:002012-02-24T11:26:25.274-05:00Searching Research & Symptoms<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oddly enough, I still feel well after 6 days on LID and having no Synthroid/Cytomel. I was so sure that it would have hit me by now, I am almost nervous. If my blood work in just over a week shows no increase in TSH, I may have to stay on this withdrawal longer. That is NOT cool! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the meantime, I have managed to find a few articles and websites for support. </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/10/searching-research-symptoms.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-2700551039836114472011-10-24T09:15:00.005-04:002012-02-24T11:26:46.318-05:00Ready, Set, Go LID!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, day 2 on the Low Iodine Diet (LID). I am doing GRRRR8! Going to work in my office too (in my house :) I love my job online!!! Nothing like taking driving away from someone that doesn't have to drive, right? My husband picked up the "bus" driving duties and I am lovin' that! Soon the Slo-Mo will set in and I am ready. I have loads of staples and fruit/veggies. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have decided that I will do this without meat this time.</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/10/ready-set-go.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-81648734970494612052011-10-20T21:18:00.002-04:002012-02-24T11:19:56.806-05:00HCC Island<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well back on Cytomel. W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ithout Levoxyl, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I feel numb and slow. I guess that is better than dumb and slow right? Oh yeah that is only days away, when everything gets taken away, no medicine, no good food, no driving... So Thank you God for Cytomel!</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/10/hcc-island.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-84033083419144027092011-09-28T14:13:00.003-04:002012-02-24T11:24:33.738-05:00Just a Curve Ball<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today is day 3 on the withdrawal regiment and I am surely feeling it. The difference in medicine is simplest terms is the regular one lasts longer than 24 hours (you build up a steady level) and the temporary one last 12 hours (your level fluctuates). The regular one stays in your system longer and the temporary doesn't. So, what is happening? Right now, I haven't had the regular for 3 days and the symptoms have started with a numb face, foggy thoughts, and unable to stay up late (about 2 hours earlier than the regular meds). </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While this doesn't sound so bad at first, it gets much worse soon. </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/09/just-curve-ball.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-83143550416699991892011-08-24T08:35:00.004-04:002012-02-24T11:28:52.497-05:00Life's Biggest Little Battle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This month, a man that I will never know died of the disease that I know very well, HCC (Hurthle Cell Carcinoma). His mark on this Earth is great and felt by many, including me. What he started with his wife impacted my knowledge of the disease. His beginnings provided encouragement to the fact that others where in the same place even miles apart.</span><br>
</div><a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/08/lifes-biggest-little-battle.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-29861577300330643292011-08-19T23:32:00.002-04:002012-02-24T11:01:58.342-05:00Getting Down to Setting Up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I have been set up for a while to get "the shot" and keep on keepin on, right? That was until thyrogen wasn't available in the US. What? </span><br>
</div><a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/08/getting-down-to-setting-up.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-7619003972433035402011-06-22T22:59:00.003-04:002012-02-24T11:01:31.406-05:00I Wonder as I Wander<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used to really want to know how this happened and where was I exposed to this thing that mutated my DNA. Even 3 years later, I still wonder if God will ever give me that answer here on Earth. I don't think knowing would change the outcome for me or make me live my life any different. I just want to know that I did everything that I was supposed to do...</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-used-to-really-want-to-know-how-this.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-6323020599137381602011-06-21T23:20:00.001-04:002012-02-24T11:00:47.945-05:00Bigger and Better<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So what do you do when you don't have to scan... LIVE! I started working at home as a virtual assistant for a friend. I am spending more time with my children and even have a dog. I am on Facebook and Blogging.</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/06/bigger-and-better.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-35086230711577459232011-06-21T22:48:00.001-04:002012-02-24T10:59:46.545-05:00Relief At Last<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My health was good but slowly getting worse with more stress at work and unforeseen changes. I ended up leaving the job I loved. I turned to fix my health and my well being.</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/06/relief-at-last.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-63402396935796387162011-06-21T22:10:00.002-04:002012-02-24T11:29:14.570-05:00Life Goes On<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My year scan went off without a hitch. My second garden was better than the first! I was even able to take "the shot" and keep a job and sanity despite "the diet". The oncologist was even pleasant. Yippee, my next round would be in two years. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The clean scan helped me see that full time work would be possible. I had a temporary job over the summer and felt ready for the challenge of the 40+ hour week. I found a great job with enough challenges to keep my mind off cancer.</span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/06/life-goes-on.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625417677490891034.post-71358108554830042692011-06-21T21:29:00.001-04:002012-02-24T10:58:10.004-05:00Second Go Around<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The plan was simple no pill, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">no driving,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">no good food, and no cancer, right? Well in a nutshell, yes. I grew my own garden and became quite the green thumb. The 6 month scan was nearly the same as the first. The nuclear medicine team was the same and I felt more comfortable. In fact, the waiting room became like a new family. </span><br>
<a href="http://hurthlecellcarcinoma.blogspot.com/2011/06/second-go-around.html#more">Read More »</a>Hurthle Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021241172515030914noreply@blogger.com