In December 2012, Dancing with the Stars co-host, Brooke
Burke-Charvet posted on her “Modern Mom” blog that she was going to have surgery
to remove a cancerous lump from her thyroid. Today the beautiful, 41-year old mother of four is
cancer-free and feeling lucky that the cancer had not spread to her lymph
nodes. On January 8, 2013, just one
month following a thyroidectomy, Burke-Charvet appeared on Good Morning America
to share her story, which began during a routine physical exam when her
physician suggested a biopsy of suspicious lump in her neck. When results of the biopsy came back as
inconclusive Burke-Charvet decided not to wait and took action. She had genetic testing that gave her doctors more information
about the lump. This information helped her make the decision
to have surgery in spite of the fact that she would likely have to take
medication for the rest of her life and have a large horizontal scar in a very
visible place on her neck.
Burke-Charvet has a new found respect for life and she’s not hiding
behind scarves and turtlenecks.
Instead she is spreading awareness about thyroid cancer. Here’s what you need to know: Thyroid cancer is caused when abnormal
cells begin to grow in the thyroid gland. The medical community believes that exposure
to a lot of radiation can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer. Some people with thyroid cancer don’t
have any symptoms and like Burke-Charvet find a lump accidently or during a
routine physical. Symptoms of thyroid
cancer include a lump or swelling of the neck, pain in the neck or ears,
trouble swallowing and/or breathing or constant wheezing, a hoarse voice and a
frequent cough not related to a cold.
What are you supposed to bring to
an Ultrasound Party? I have no
idea but evidently we all need to find out because they are becoming
increasingly popular. Expectant
parents invite family and friends to view their baby in utero while a licensed
ultrasound technician performs an ultrasound on the expectant mother. During the procedure party guests huddle
around a monitor, sip champagne and nosh on chicken wings. Gender revealing and
multiple birth announcements are a popular part of these co-ed events. If you are thinking about hosting an ultrasound
party it won’t be cheap. The cost to
have a licensed ultrasound technician come to your home can be as much as $500.
Personally I’m thinking it’s just that next level of oversharing – TMI. On the other hand, maybe I’m just getting
old and I no longer have any idea what is cool.
Make the time to be good to
you. Don’t buy diet or fat-free
food. Just eat less of the real
thing. It usually tasted better
and you’ll feel more satisfied.
Good Health!
Terry
“Life’s
under no obligation to give us what we expect.”
~Margaret Mitchell
Please let me know what you think about this month’s post by leaving a comment.
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