Your biopsy has revealed that you have capillary carcinoma. Those were the words uttered to me by my endocrinologist on August 10, 2011.
Capillary carcinoma is more commonly known as thyroid cancer. My endocrinologist had originally noticed a mild ‘lump’ on the right-side of my throat in December 2010 during a routine medical examination.
Whitby - February 18, 2012 - “Your biopsy has revealed that you have capillary carcinoma.” Those were the words uttered to me by my endocrinologist on August 10, 2011.
Capillary carcinoma is more commonly known as thyroid cancer. My endocrinologist had originally noticed a mild ‘lump’ on the right-side of my throat in December 2010 during a routine medical examination. As a precaution, it was recommended I undergo a biopsy to determine the nature of the ‘lump’. I was also told that this ‘lump’ in all likelihood was likely no more than just a harmless nodule that many individuals live with in their daily lives.
As a Type 1 (insulin-dependent) juvenile diabetic living a healthy and active life with the disease for the past 34 years (I turn 41-years-old this April), I never imagined I personally would also have to deal with cancer.
The cancer news hit me that afternoon like a tonne of bricks and initially was a tough pill to swallow. ‘How could this be happening to me?’ I have a beautiful wife, a handsome son (Eric, two-years-old) and a second boy, soon on the way (Ryan, born on November 15, 2011), as well as a loving family and friends.
Fast forward to today and two hemi-thyroid surgeries later (October 2011 and January 2012), my thyroid has been completely removed. Apart from the first 24 hours when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, my outlook and attitude has been one of only optimism as I was determined to overcome this hurdle that life had just handed to me. I remember jokingly telling my wife that she ‘wasn’t going to get rid of me this easy’.
On January 23, 2012, during my post-operative appointment with my surgeon, l learned that the thyroid cancer was completely removed! The next step for me is to undergo a radio-active iodine treatment in March to kill any remaining cancer cells in my body.
Paying it Forward
Never one to sit back and relax, I now prepare for my next life-changing hurdle. I have agreed to enter the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the Princess Margaret Hospital. The Ride is a 200+km cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls that I will embark on to fight cancer.
It will be a challenge in a number of ways, but with my road bike and your generosity, a real impact will be made on June 9-10, 2012!
Over the next number of weeks, I will share with you my experiences from first being diagnosed with cancer as well as the journey along the way.
I will also provide weekly updates on my battle with losing weight and getting back into shape (other than round) in order that I become healthy enough to see this epic bike ride through to completion on June 10th in Niagara Falls.
