So, guess where I spent my day? (CA ment'd)

[CindyBW]

At the ER! Yep, just when I no sooner said, "I feel GREAT!"
Thankfully it is nothing serious and I am ok. I just need to share.
I decided to run to the store with the boys today around noon. I had fed the boys lunch but forgot to eat myself, and my thyroid replacement meds make me fiercely hungry about 2 hours after I take them. I started to get a funny feeling, so I reached in my bag and pulled out a small bag of Chips Ahoy minis that I had stashed for our trip. I had maybe 4 mini cookies, so when I pulled into my parking spot, I checked my mouth to be sure I didn't have crumbs or chocolate. What do I see? The whole side of my face and neck -- on the same side as the thyroid cancer had been -- totally swollen from my temple to my throat. I looked like the guy from the movie Mask on that side of my face! I was so upset because I know they are watching a spot on my parotid gland and my lymph nodes. I didn't have any reason to thikn of an allergic reaction, as I had had these cookies numerous times in my life, and higly doubted that I'd suddenly have a reaction. So I took a deep breath and thought maybe an absess? I felt around my gums and teeth, but no swelling or discomfort. So I thought back to the parotid gland and freaked! My cell phone died, so I had to go in to the store with the boys to use the pay phone. A lady stopped me to tell me that my side of my face was huge. So I freaked again, this time while on the phone with my dh. I had two boys who were now so ready for naptime, and here I was in a store on a freakin pay phone. Ugh! DH made some calls to my dentist and doctor to see if I could come over, and of course, no one was there. So, I drove to the Er as I thougth I was safe to do so. I prayed the whole time and kept repeating the scripture that TamiK wrote in bake2perfection's thread (I think that's the one?). The ER staff was very kind and comforting and truly seemed to understand my fear due to what I have recently gone through. DH met us at the Er to care for the boys while I got examined. When I saw the doctor, I tasted blood when he pressed on the swollen area. He said he thought it was a stone or granulation in my salivary gland. Needless to say, after a bunch of tests, a few IV attempts and a ton of waiting, the CAT scan came back clear and the doctor said it was a blockage in my salivary gland that could have been caused from the radiation. HHmmm...interesting. I recall the nuclear med docs warning me that something could happen to my salivary glands due to the high concentration of radioactive iodine passing through.
Anyway, I was discharged this evening with a strong antibiotic and instructions to see my family doctor and a specialist this week to make sure it clears completely. The swelling will temporarily increase after eating, but will go down again as the granulation clears. It looks better already, I think.

I am happy to report that I am at home resting comfortably with my best friend (the computer, of course) chatting away with even more of them (you all!)! Phew! I was SO NOT ready for another trip down memory lane! I just kept praying that this would not be the begininng of another problem, and God answered my prayers! I should be better in no time. Thanks for listening!

[morynn]

OMG, Cindy! I wish I could have been there to hold your hand during all of that. I am so glad things are okay. Take care of yourself and update us after you follow up. You remain in my prayers.

[Blondie8]

No doubt you feel like you've had the stuffing knocked out of you!

Thank goodness everything ended well but I hope your heart is back in a regular rythym and that this all fades to a blip in the road.

[TamiK]

Oh Cindy...how scary! Thank goodness it wasn't something more serious! I can only image the thoughts racing through your mind.

Take care of yourself and keep us updated.

For you this time:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek; and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [Matthew 7:7-8].

[KMic05]

WHAT???? Cindy, we must have JUST gotten off of the phone together. I am in shock here reading your post!!! OMG! You could have called me to take the boys too or I could have done something to help you.

If you read this, I'll give you a call today to see if you need anything

[JennF]

OMgoodness Cindy, what a scare. I am so glad it is only a blockage. I can just imagine the thoughts running through your mind.

[Mommy2APrincess]

OMG!! Thankfully it was only a blockage and nothing more serious! What a scary thing to have to deal with! I'm so glad you're home and okay now!!

[Basilissa]

Oh my.

I hope it clears up soon. How scary!!

[TinaB]

OMG.. That is very scary. I am sorry you had to go through that. Hopefully the antibotics will help and the swelling will reduce very fast. Many hugs for you

[LindaG]

OMG Cindy, hope the swelling and blockage decrease asap.
Hugs.