DEAR THYROID^TM

I’m an odd duck or not, the jury is still out. I do not believe we invite disease into our lives. in the case of thyroid diseases and cancers, I want to focus on the mind – the psychiatric elements of our respective diseases and change. Many patients with autoimmune diseases experience psychiatric disturbances ranging from  depression, rage, disorientation, hallucination, and, among other things, paranoia.

When our thyroid’s are in range, the autoimmune psychiatric elements might not dissipate. What are your theories about why?

We need more research. We need money to find answers, to find a cure. What is the best way to do that, collectively commit to awareness. And, yes, part of awareness is writing and submitting Dear Thyroid letters. Scores of individuals read our words on this website and they gain awareness for thyroid disease — FROM THE PATIENT PERSPECTIVE. Each story, though there might be similar through-lines, is unique and vital to raising awareness.

Random thoughts for the night…

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Dee kicked off our August letter series “from our thyroids to the host” with, Of Course My Thyroid Loves Me… Right?!

Excerpt: “I know I need you, and you need me too. Let`s work together to make our time together as happy and healthy as possible. You seem to be feeling a little better, I am so glad. Stay in touch, I really like these little talks!”

If you haven’t submitted a Dear Thyroid letter from your thyroid, please do! We want to hear from your gland or thyroidectomized gland: submissions@dearthyroid.org

Comment of the day…

faith72 says:

Thank you for your wonderful letter. My days feel like that too. I’m so grateful for this group and being able to interact with others.

Thyroid Cancer Survivor Roll Call: A Celebration of Survivorship –  written by Joanna Isbill: YOU HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS; WE SIMPLY WON’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER; CELEBRATING YOU IS SOMETHING WE MUST DO.

Excerpt: “We know that one little pill doesn’t take the place of your thyroid. And because of all that, we want to celebrate you. On Wednesday, September 1, 2010, we are going to recognize thyroid cancer survivors on Dear Thyroid.”

Comment of the day…

landsman2010 says:

Love this cool idea! Thanks Joanna, DT for compiling

Life Redefined: Check Yes for Cancer, written by Joanna Isbill, is a stunning installation about post disease ‘things’ that seemed so routine; well, post disease. Please check out her column and connect with her in comments. She asked some wonderful questions.

Excerpt: “Not too long ago I was at my primary care physician’s office and the nurse was updating my medical information. She asked for a list of all medications and supplements I take and the dosage of each. Um, you want me to list all my medications AND the dosage? Maybe you should add thymentia to my medical history because I CAN’T REMEMBER IT ALL.”

Comment of the day…

Michelene says:

Joanna,

Thank you for this column. It hit home for me as well. It is very easy to “fall” into the cancer trap. I have also began to realize that cancer, even that big word, is not bigger than me. It’s like thinking, “I’m the giant stepping all over you, cancer, and you are being stomped away each time I think of you as you slowly, in MY WAY disintegrate.” I was a nervous wreck for my ultrasound on Monday, and I kept looking at the monitor. Worried. I came home and needed to relax and actually think. Not in fear, but knowing I am doing and acting natural. I just decided I will say, ok I’m nervous and I’m worried. I’m allowed that. It is my way of letting it go. <3

Love,

Katie

Tags: Comment of the Day, community building, Dear Thyroid, graves disease support, hashimoto's disease support, Health Community, health support community, hyperthyroid support, hypothyroid support, literary community, literary support, thyroid cancer support, thyroid community, thyroid literary community, thyroid support community

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