My journey began in December 2018 as I sat in the doctor's office When he said, "Ms. Williams you have Papillary Thyroid Cancer." At that point, I became numb. In utter disbelief... The first surgery was on June 10th, 2019 to remove a cancerous nodule on the left thyroid. Scar tissues were formed and had to be pulled from the throat. Second surgery; July 12th, 2019 to remove a cancerous nodule on the right thyroid. The surgeon noted the cancer was more aggressive; and complex on the right side. I awoke from the surgery completely mute. This led to Bilateral Chronic Vocal Fold Paralysis. ( complete loss of voice)
I realized that this is my new normal. The Chapters of Life; A new story is written. The chapters unfolded when I was diagnosed with stridor on May 5th, 2021 (a harsh vibrating loud noise caused by obstruction of the windpipe or larynx), I was hospitalized for 5 days and May 8th took a turn. I went into respiratory distress. Another chapter unfolded...
I woke up on Mother's Day with my mother by my side in ICU holding my cold hands as she prayed. I was intubated and hooked up on breathing machines. I had to learn how to breathe on my own, swallow and walk again! The nurses clapped because I survived death. "She made it on Mothers Day"!
My friend Jackie Willock made a poster board and I watched this every day in ICU. I had to fight for my life. Was I scared? Yes! Were there moments I felt discouraged Yes! I had to fight for life!
Miracles are possible, I am one! Nothing in this journey happened to me. It happened for me. Every closed chapter made me who I am! Opening a new story to the Chapters of Life... The Journey.
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