2nd surgery, thanks for all the positive posts

Thank you all for the positive information posted on these boards. It's 3a where I am, and since I can't sleep I've been reading like crazy and feel much more educated.

13 Days ago I had a Lobectomy to remove a nodule that had grown to be over 3 cm. It came back fine, but out of the smaller nodules on the right side- 1 is cancer. Of course it took 7 days to get these results from the surgeon, then I had to wait another 3 days for my Endo to return my call. 10 days of waiting! I have an appointment with the surgeon on WED to set the date to take the rest of my thyroid out.

At first I was very angry, because I had requested the whole thyroid to come out, and to wake up with 1/2 left was annoying. My Mom had thyroid cancer at 32, and I'm 31...I just felt like it might have been a sign.

Getting the call on Friday that there is a growth on my left side and I have to have surgery again was upsetting...so upsetting that I had to comfort myself with McDonalds. I figured last time I lost 5 lbs because I didn't want to eat much- I can afford the extra calories. I swear somehow the fries and shake made me feel good.

So I've decided that no one can complain about this to me. I don't want to hear how hard it is on my husband, and questions from my son as to why couldn't the doctor take it all out in the begining. I want my life back. The supportative behavior my family has shown me had reached it's limit on SAT...the stress is taking a toll on all of us. Any one have any advice as to be sensitive to your family's feelings during this time? Normally I'm unselfish- but I'm tired and just really trying to focus on getting well. I'm still recovering from the first surgery.

I'm feeling better about the 2nd surgery because I know how to prop myself up so I can sleep sitting up to reduce the swelling. I know now that water at room temp. with a straw- is the easiest thing to drink. Today is a good day! We all have problems, and since most of the people who are posting are women....let me remind you WE CAN DO ANYTHING. When I was 6 my mother put a poster of the girl smurf in my bedroom, she was at a desk similar to the white house and it said "Girls can do anything". Since it's the 2nd surgery, I know that I need to take off 10 days from work to recover. I'm almost out of sick time....but it is OK. I can get through this. I'm really feeling like I need to go into this surgery as stress free as possible.

I'm assuming I'll have to have radation after the 2nd surgery, but forgot to ask my doctor. I was in so much shock. Anyone have an opinion about this?

So in closing that you all for posting. Reading your advice and stories made me feel so much better. I feel like I just had a talk with all my girlfriends and they knew exactly what I'm talking about.