Dawn - my best to you. This must be terribly stressful for you. No matter the quality of the treatment, the love of family, or anything else in your life, it's just a bad turn of events. There is no good situation under which to get cancer.

My best to your family, too. Last time I checked, parents don't do well when their kids get sick.
theobromophile | Homepage | 02.01.08 - 11:29 pm | #

The 3 Mass'keteers (plus D'Artagnan, but he's vvery busy these days) duly keep you on our prayer intentions, Lady Dawn. Again, feather your nest with your new bookcases (have they arrived yet?), get more rest, and, if you get a chance see 84 Charring Cross Road. It's just the ticket, IMO. Cheers and blessings
Athos | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 6:16 am | #

Good news! God bless!
J. D. King | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 6:29 am | #

Dawn, I had radioactive Iodine while undergoing tests some decades ago & had no side effects (although my brothers may have differing opinion as I started punning soon after, LOL). With all your traveling you might want to check with your doctors whether the iodine might set off radiation detectors in the airports (a side effect of 9-11). As for your glowing, you are so radiant now that the I don't think the extra glow will be noticable LOL.
Michael | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 7:58 am | #

Thanks, all. Athos, I've heard of that film but have never seen it. The much-needed bookcases are due to arrive around the middle of the month.
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 9:12 am | #

I'm very glad to hear that your prognosis is excellent! I'm astounded at the grace and courage you possess - I'm afraid I'd be a mess!

You've been in my prayers since you first blogged about your situation and you'll continue to be in my prayers . Don't forget this weekend is the Feast of St. Blaise and they'll be blessing throats after masses.

God Bless you!
Lisa | 02.02.08 - 10:17 am | #

Will definitely be going for the throat blessing this Sunday, Lisa — thanks for the prayers and good wishes. I've already forewarned my pastor to be prepared to see a line of stitches across my neck. Another priest with whom I spoke joked that they would need to break out a third candle for me.
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 10:34 am | #

Prayers will continue ad infinitum.
John Bowden | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 12:20 pm | #

The prognosis is encouraging as is your attitude towards the news. I'll continue to pray for you until you are through all this, Dawn.
Jason | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 12:38 pm | #

Been praying for you. So glad you are home and well. I know I haven't been around lately But I have been busy busy busy. Will drop by to see how you are doing soon.
JosephineMo6 | 02.02.08 - 1:19 pm | #

84, Charing Cross Road (don't leave out the comma!) was originally a wonderful book, introducing me at a young age to the joys of friendship through reading and the possibility that purely commercial transactions could turn into friendship: http://www.amazon.com/Charing-Cr...f/dp/ 0140143505
Mark E. Soper | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 3:19 pm | #

I haven't commented for a while, but you've been in my prayers, Dawn, and will continue to be.

Without knowing anything technical about the situation at all, it does seem that your father's decision was perfectly sensible. Life is full of so many situations like that, where you Just Really Don't Know and have to go with your best guess. Sort of like a goalie in soccer on a penalty shot--not that I've ever done it, but as one of my children who has explained it: you know the kicker is going to shoot for one side or the other, but if you wait till he's kicked it, you won't have time to reach the ball, so you make your best guess and jump. (In your case the opponent is not, as far as we know, actively trying to deceive you.)

I think I liked the book of 84 better than the movie--you get to know the people a lot better--but if memory serves they're different enough that you can enjoy both.
Maclin Horton | Homepage | 02.02.08 - 3:58 pm | #

Glad to hear you're going to get your throat blessed this weekend, Dawn. You are such an inspiration to me.

Around about the age of 10 or so, I suddenly recognized the wisdom of the timing of this wonderful saint's day and the custom of getting one's throat blessed - For Lent my mom always served us haddock (circa 1965; those frozen blocks you steam-cooked)which was perilously loaded with bones, of which I was petrified! In my naivete I figured this was part of our Lenten eating preparation. I was so sure I was going to die by choking on those awful bones.

You remain in my prayers for a smooth recovery and the completion of the thyroid work yet-to-come.
rebecca | 02.02.08 - 7:22 pm | #

You're surely in our prayers for continued healing and peace of heart. Sts. Blaise and Peregrine, kick it up for our Dawn!

PS: Athos is spot on about 84 Charing Cross Road. Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, Dame Judy Dench -- what a marvellous ensemble!
mary | 02.02.08 - 9:26 pm | #

Dawn, I'm dismayed that you have this cancer, but I'm encouraged that your prospects for treatment and recovery are so good. I will continue to pray for you. As a member of the Legion of Mary, I am strongly encouraged to say the Rosary every day "for Our Lady's intentions." I am sure she knows about you, but I will be sure to remind her :)
Niall Mor | Homepage | 02.03.08 - 12:09 am | #

Courage, rest and love to you, Dawn.
Jody Tresidder | 02.03.08 - 1:18 am | #

It's good to hear that all the bits and pieces are ok! Just in case no one else got the reference!
Pat Patterson | 02.03.08 - 6:34 am | #

An update to our 4Mass'keteer readers.
Athos | Homepage | 02.03.08 - 6:49 am | #

I thought of that over and over and over again, Pat. But I fear that only record geeks and -- ah -- persons of a certain age have got what it takes to figure that one out.
C.J. | 02.03.08 - 8:40 am | #

Thanks, everyone -- really appreciate all your prayers, good wishes, and Dave Clark 5 puns. (The latter may indeed go on over and over and over again, as far as I'm concerned -- I like it like that.)

Niall, thanks for the rosary reminder. I have fond memories of praying the rosary with the Legion of Mary family with whom I stayed when I spoke at their youth conference in Dublin.

Speaking of Our Lady, I'm looking forward to praying the Lourdes Jubilee prayer at the Lourdes shrine of my church today. (The prayer is in the second entry down on this page.)
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.03.08 - 9:45 am | #

How do we know that "Gland All Over" is not a reference to Coral Purkins' Sun side from the 50s. After all, he did write that great anthem to chasity, "Honey Don't!!"
Steve Harvey | 02.03.08 - 12:30 pm | #

Steve, where is your rock-trivia spellcheck today? You mean Carl Perkins.
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.03.08 - 3:17 pm | #

One bad last question. Did you request Evanescence's 'Tourniquet' as the Muzak for the OR? Something at least from this century!
Pat Patterson | 02.03.08 - 6:02 pm | #

O my goodness gracious! My prayers for your speedy recovery!
Seraphic Single | Homepage | 02.03.08 - 6:12 pm | #

I have never commented on this site before, I just happened to link here from John Hawkins' site. I am glad I did. My prayers are with you during your difficult times. Just a reminder that St. Anthony is the Patron Saint of Miracles. Good luck and God bless.
FishFearMe | 02.04.08 - 10:44 am | #

Saying a prayer for you, Dawn.
Sparki | 02.04.08 - 12:14 pm | #

My sister was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer during her 2nd trimester of her first pregnancy. She too had partial thyroidectomy followed by iodine treatments (after the baby was born and he was healthy). A couple years later she too needed repeat surgery and a few lymph nodes removed. She was one of a very small percentage of people who do not respond to the iodine and some thyroid cells remained. She is now 7 years post diagnosis -- has 2 healthy children and is pregnant again. She has yearly checkups with ultrasound and periodic blood tests to be sure her TSH levels don't rise. She takes it as just part of her life, takes her Synthroid and moves on. I know you will too!
I tell you all this to let you know that even when it's not as simple as it could be -- you WILL get through this. You are in our prayers now as well. Heaven is being stormed on your behalf!
Elizabeth | 02.04.08 - 12:14 pm | #

You remind me of this quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Blessings to you.
Gina Cobb | Homepage | 02.04.08 - 3:57 pm | #

Hey Dawn!

So sorry to hear about all this thyroid stuff! I've had a thyroidectomy myself. I agree your dad made a good decision to take only part the first time around, even if it means a second surgery.

I wish you all the best and I"ll pray for a quick recovery!
Jan | Homepage | 02.04.08 - 11:39 pm | #

Dawn,

May God bless you for all of your suffering.

Tito
Tito of Custos Fidei | Homepage | 02.05.08 - 4:21 pm | #

Tsk, tsk, Ms. E-done, if you can be Gland All Over then Coral Purkins will suffice. Everbuddy hear in Punsylvania knows whut I'm atalkin' uh bout!
Steve Harvey | 02.05.08 - 8:20 pm | #