Janet was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September.&nbsp; On September 28 she underwent surgery to remove her thyroid.&nbsp; The surgeon was unable to complete the surgery because the cancer had attacked virtually everything in her neck except her spine.&nbsp; It was no longer possible to tell where the thyroid stopped and other structures started.&nbsp; Janet was then referred to Dr. Edson for radation trearment.&nbsp; We expect the radation to start about October 15 and low dose chemotherapy the same day.&nbsp; She has been told she may lose 15 to 20 percent of her weight and some hair.&nbsp; She has also been recommended for a feeding tube in case she begins to have trouble swallowing.&nbsp; She has also been recommended for something called a port because the doctor suspect her veins may become difficult to work with as the chemo progresses.&nbsp; There has been mention of nausea but the doctors think they will be able to handle that with standard meds.&nbsp; Janet's spirits are high and we both think she will get through this.&nbsp; The Steil family has a history of various cancers but we think this was discovered much earlier than past family cancers.&nbsp; We are starting to address advance directives and other legal issues.&nbsp; At this time I am the one who will be called on to decide for Janet if she is unable to make her wishes known.&nbsp; (We are still discussing what she wants).&nbsp; Thank you all for your help and support<br>Ken

Janet McCoy

Update: My Story – by Ken McCoy