Cancer. Thyroid cancer to be specific. Sorry, folks, there’s just no easy way to break that kind of news.

I lost track of how many times I started this post and deleted it. Despite being one of the good ones to have (according to my endocrinologist) cancer is a scary word. But if I can open up about my past and also share the cutesy, fun side of my life then I should be able to open up about the not-so-fun times.

As I wrote before (most recently here), I’ve taken steps to improve my health and succeeded in many ways. But, ultimately, health is not in our control. Despite what the trolls may believe, my fat didn’t cause this. It wasn’t anything I did or didn’t do. The only blame lies in my DNA… with relatives that I, as an adoptee, never met and will likely never meet. Unfortunately this is also in the DNA of my children and their progeny.

In some strange way, I’m relieved. I’d been feeling exhausted for a couple of months. Ken was concerned because I wasn’t my usual, let’s-go-go-go, summer self. Now I know there’s a reason why my body feels so BLECH and can tackle it.

We (Ken, my kids and I) met with the surgeon yesterday. He put a tube with a camera down my nose to look at my vocal cords (they look strong) and recommended complete removal of my thyroid. Surgery’s been scheduled for late September which I’m happy about because it means I don’t have to miss my son and daughter-in-law’s housewarming party, theCURVYcon or other fun events that are coming up in the next few weeks.

The tough thing is letting go and letting others do for me. I have such a “strong like bull” mentality. I’m grateful for Ken who loves me and makes me laugh every single day. I’m grateful for my children who plan to take time off from work and binge watch Game of Thrones with me during my recovery (I’ve yet to see a complete episode so there’s a lot of catching up to do). I’m grateful for friends and family who text and call to let me know they are there for me. I’m grateful this cancer is curable.

I’ve gone through tough times before and know that this, too, shall pass. Come along for the ride. I got this.