What? It's already December?

Okay, so I know a lot of you are wondering what has happened to me. I truly haven't forgot about you. I am doing well right now. I have lots to tell, but no time right now. Look for an update coming within the next week! Love to you all, Traci

Post Surgery

Okay, I made it through surgery. It went very well. My vocal chord nerves were not damaged in any way. I had to have a breathing tube in my throat during surgery, and my throat is very raw from that. I have a hoarse voice, but I have full sound. I am very grateful for that. I am excited to sing again soon. 3 out of 4 of my parathyroid glands survived surgery. These regulate calcium in the body. I have to take calcium supplements for a while until my calcium stabilizes on its own, and then I should be okay as far as that goes. The lump that was suspicious for cancer came back as definite cancer. I will be on a low iodine diet for a while, and then I will have radioactive iodine treatment. Not sure yet when that will be. This next week will be full of follow up stuff and then I meet with the endocrinologist in a month to determine the radioiodine treatment.

I have been blessed to have some family here. It has been awesome. Sandra (Jed's Sister) and two of her kids, and Jed's parents have been here. They have been really good to make sure everyone is fed and things are taken care of. They have even taken the kids out so I could have some quiet time.

The ward sisters have been great with food help and I know they will be there for anything else that I might need when family leaves.

Today I am pretty sore, but I am very confident that I will be better soon. I am going to sacrament meeting today because it's the primary program. I am excited to see Alexys and Hannah take part in the program. They have been working really hard at it. This will be Alexys' last program. She turns 12 next month and then goes to young womens. I can't believe how fast my kiddos are growing up. I sure do enjoy and appreciate my kids. After church it's home to rest, rest, rest! I will need it today.

I truly appreciate all the prayers in my behalf. I would like to thank all those who have put my name in the temples, and kept me in your thoughts and prayers. I feel very blessed. I know that I am loved, and that I will be okay. I will try to post updates when I can. -T

Day Before Surgery

Okay, so surgery is finally upon us. It is tomorrow at noon. I am so grateful for those who are traveling to come and help us out. Thank you to Sandra, Alisha, Jake, Mom and Dad Tolman. I am so very excited to see family and feel their love during this time. I am very nervous about tomorrow, so I try not to think about it too much. Thank you so much for all the prayers in my behalf. I can actually feel a protective "bubble" around me constantly. I know that I am truly blessed, and will continue to be blessed.
Jed is home from New York, and has been working some in Arizona. He has also been working in Texas, and it looks like he might have a couple months in Texas, but he should be home every weekend. We are still grateful that he has a job.
The kids just went back to school after having almost 3 weeks off for fall break. It was awesome to have them home, but nice to have them go back. I have sure gotten used to having quiet days!
Anyways, not a lot of news right now. I will try to have one of the kids post tomorrow night after surgery so that you can all know how it went. When I get home, I will try to post more.
Until then,
T

Okay, it was fun to let the older kids do their own posts. It helps me know what's on their minds. Alyson spends all of her time with school, homework, and cello practice. She excels in all of it. I am pretty sure that even though she thinks she is bored, she will occupy her time just fine during our fall break. It lasts for two and a half weeks.
Tyson is so right that he loves his agriculture class. It makes him a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). He is loving all aspects about it. In just the first term of school I have seen him grow so much, and I know that most of it stems from that class and the positive feelings he gets there. Some of you know about my obsession with moving furniture around, and some of you don't. But, it's true. I get bored, or my ADD kicks in a little and I have to rearrange furniture. My kids have started to roll their eyes, and Jed makes sure to turn on the lights if he's been gone a while. I hope I don't feel like rearranging for a really long time though. I finally got the house how I like it. It just feels right, and I am really enjoying it.
Alexys is happy for break because she gets to sleep in. She is also reading Harry Potter for the first time, and is happy for more reading time. She loves school, and her teacher. She is doing very well, and starting to come out of her serious shyness. It's nice to see her getting more comfortable with who she is.
Hannah is still Hannah. She has such a great big heart and tries to take care of everyone. She "enforces" her love on others, and has a hard time when people don't respond positively. She makes me laugh. She is doing so good in school, and she is slowly, but surely learning balance. I am so grateful for her in my life. She teaches me so much.
Jed is finally home from NYC. We are so happy to have him here. He is working in AZ, but home every night. It is very nice. His shoulder is doing well, and he meets with his doctor next week to see if they release him from care. So glad that he did so well after his injury to his shoulder.
I am scheduled to have surgery on the 22nd of this month. I am a bit disappointed that we couldn't do it over break, but I think everything will work out just fine. I am a little nervous, but mostly excited to get on the path to getting healthy.
We have officially been here for a year and sometimes it feels like longer. Other times it feels like we just got here. We survived our first summer in the heat. We miss autumn in Utah, but I don't miss the cold. As always, anyone is always welcome to come visit. Just let us know.
Until next time, T

TYSON JED TOLMAN - UP DATE

Hello my fellow family members it is me Tyson. A few weeks ago while my dad was still in New York my mom had me help her move around some rooms, AGAIN. On a Tuesday after school she picked me up and brought me home. when we arrived she did not even let me touch my homework. Instead she had me switch around two rooms completely. There was a good thing from the move though. I got a new loft bed from IKEA. The bed is a full size top and underneath I have my drums and my desk. After I was done moving things I did not want to do my homework but my mom still made me. High School is good. I may only be in ninth grade but im in high school. For any of you that are going into or are in high school i suggest that if there is an agriculture class TAKE IT. It has been my most favorite class so far. The teacher is my stake president so he and I know each other pretty well. If you ask my mom how much i like my ag class she would probably say "When ever he talks about it you can tell he loves it." And I would have to agree. I LOVE AG. My life is going well. The weather only gets to 117 at the highest. When I say its cold the theomomeater says its about 75. You guys probably think that is a good temperature but for me a good tempurature is about 95. So there is my update. Talk to ya later.

Hello random internet people that may or may not be so random, this is Alyson! I'm taking over the blog today, which is kind of funny because I didn't know what a blog was until a few years ago. In today's news, it has officially been one year since we arrived here in Arizona, and it's starting to cool off again. Mom's surgery is officially scheduled for October the twenty-second in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten. Dad's home and worked in Tucson or Tempe (something with a t and local) today. I RSVPed to an evening with ASU today and just got another letter from Washington University in St. Louis. I have gotten 4 things in the mail from Washington University in St. Louis, 2 postcards from Westminster College in Utah, 1 letter from Reed's college in Oregon, a letter from Oberlin in Ohio, and maybe one other letter from somewhere else. I got the majority of these last week. They really start paying attention when you get a 4 on your AP physics test as a sophomore in high school. I don't know how many juniors get this much attention in their first term of school, but I'm glad I'm one of them. It's a comfort to know I have a few colleges in my back pocket who all want me to go to their school. Today was the first official day of break for us kids. It was nice to sleep, but I'm getting bored easily. You don't go from 8 classes (5 IB and/or AP) to nothing without a few side effects. I'll survive, though.
Adios! -Alyson Tolman

Biopsy Results

Okay, so I was supposed to get my results on Monday. I called enough times that I think the office assistant wanted to throw me a bone to keep me quiet. He said that he couldn't give me an official diagnosis because the doctor hadn't signed off on the report yet. He did say though from what he was looking at, it was looking benign (non cancerous). I had a feeling that there was something else, but didn't know if it was nerves or what. So we were happy, but cautious. Well, today the doctor called with her findings. I have 2 nodules on my thyroid. The larger one that has caused some of my problems came back benign. The smaller one came back as suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer. So, at this point they have to go forward as if it is cancer. I will have to have surgery to remove the lump. At that time, they will be able to tell if it is for sure cancer or not. Any and all treatment for papillary cancer comes post op anyways, so we will deal with that after surgery. At this point, I don't have the surgery date. I will post as soon as I know. It should however be the first or second week of October.
I feel very blessed to have some answers. I have been seeking answers to my health issues for about a year now. The doctors keep telling me that nothing is wrong, that I just need to lose weight. That was pretty depressing, because the harder I tried, the more weight I put on. While I am not excited to have cancer, I am excited to know that I'm not as mental as I thought I was!!! I am going into this with a positive attitude. I am glad that I now have some answers and a next step to take to becoming healthy. I am surrounded physically and in spirit by some of the best people in the world. I know that all will be okay. I am amazingly more at peace as I'm writing this than I have been in months. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you posted. Until next time,
T

Okay, biopsy is done. It was totally awful, and I hope I never have to do that again. Afterwards, I reviewed all of my bloodwork with the doctor. The good news is that I am pretty healthy. All of my hormone levels, including thyroid, came back normal. My cholesterol is still high, but lower than it was. The doctor said we need to wait for the results of the biopsy, which should be in about a week. Then, we can go from there. I was glad that there is nothing really wrong with me, but at the same time, it would have been nice to get some answers. I am a little bruised and swollen, but doing good. I have been able to cook, clean and even do some canning the last couple of weeks. I am starting to feel better generally, but try to listen to my body when it tells me that I need to rest. Thanks for all the prayers in my behalf. I can really tell that there is a higher power at work protecting our family.
Jed is still in NYC, and we are not sure when he will be home. It keeps changing, so it's hard to tell. It could be anytime in the next couple of weeks. If the results of my biopsy are bad news, he will come home immediately.
The kids are still doing good. Life at our house during the school year is rather boring. It doesn't change much. I am glad that the kids are dedicated to their studies though. It really eases my mind. I want them to get the best education that they can.
My Aunt Bernice and Uncle Jerry have been to Arizona to visit with their own children and grandchildren. It has been nice to visit with them some and talk on the phone and through email when they are here. It's nice to keep in touch with extended family, and to feel their love for us as well. Thanks to you Bernice for going out of your way to include me. It means a lot.
I just want to say that I am very grateful for my ward. They are constantly checking on us and making sure we are okay. I am glad to know that all the help I need is just a phone call away. I know that everything is going to be okay, and that I have the support I need even when Jed is away. Thanks everyone for all you do.
As far as the comments go from last time: @ Merideth, I know you have been crazy busy. No worries. But I would love to go to the bread store when you get around to it. @ Melissa, One of the things I miss most about Utah is my chiropractor. I loved going to him. He works from a natural point of view which I loved. I haven't found one here yet that I like. I have had blessings, and if the time comes that I do need surgery and treatment on my thyroid, I would love to do a family fast, if only to ease my nerves!!! Thanks for thinking of me, and keeping me in your prayers. Love ya.
Until next time, probably next Monday or Tuesday after I get my biopsy results,
T

September 2, 2010

Jed is still working in New York. A couple weeks ago, they flew me out to see him instead of flying him home for the weekend. It was nice to have a break. We went to the statue of Liberty and to Ellis island. We did a lot of walking. I took a taxi and the subway for the first time in my life. We went to Times square and Central park. I was only there 2 1/2 days, so we did as much as we could. I was so tired when I got home, but it was well worth it. Thanks Mitch for watching kids so I could go. Thanks Larry for making it all happen. Thanks Chris for the hotel when I got delayed in Charlotte. And thanks Teena for the great rate on a hotel at Times Square.

After this weekend, Jed has a follow up appointment with his doctor, and then goes back to New York for a week or two. After that, he is supposed to be working out of the office on a regular basis. We are hoping this holds true, but know better than to expect it until we see it. As for his shoulder, it's okay. It will take a while to be back to normal, but at least he can use it. It gets sore and achy, but with time and exercise, it will get better.

The kids have been in school for over a month now. They are really looking forward to the long weekend. Alyson is starting to get literature in the mail from colleges, and it's exciting for her. Kind of bittersweet for me. I am so proud of her determination to get a great education. But, I will miss her when she's gone off to school. Tyson is loving being in High School. He is doing so well, and keeping his grades up. He is taking an agriculture class which puts him into FFA. He is really enjoying that, and loves the days they go work at the farm. I am glad that he has found something that he really enjoys. He says he can't wait to be able to drive the tractor. Alexys and Hannah keep busy with school and are both very dedicated to getting their work done and being good friends. They are great examples to their classmates. Both of their teachers have sent home letters telling how much they appreciate them in class.

After my last appointment with the Endocrinologist, the one who wanted all the tests again, I wasn't very happy. I didn't think he should be starting over again. I wanted to see progress in my condition. I didn't know if it was me, or if it was him, but I wasn't getting a very good feeling overall about my visit. So, after consulting with my Primary Care Physician and my insurance company, I decided to see a different doctor. So I had my first visit last week with the new endocrinologist. I was much happier with this one. I felt like I was being heard, and not just another person. The doctor actually took the time to describe in detail the test results from my previous testing. She then said that I had to have a biopsy, because at this point they have to rule out cancer. Then they can go from there. She said there was no point in doing the testing again, because it wouldn't change what they already found. So, they took 10 vials of blood to run a bunch of tests to check a bunch of stuff. She ordered a bone density scan and a biopsy. I go in for both of these on September 13. I have done research on the biopsy, and to be honest, it scares me to death. I compared it to childbirth to a friend. I said you hope for the best, but expect the worst. Then if it's not the worst, you'll be okay. I try to stay informed, but maybe this time I should have gone in blindly. I get anxiety just thinking about it. I have a lot of emotions when I think about my health right now. I am glad to find out why I don't feel well, but scared as well. I hope I'm ready for all the changes that will happen, but not sure if I am. I am a self described control freak. Maybe I really need this lesson in my life. I am a fixer. I take care of others. I love being a mom and wife, and I am afraid of letting people down if I can't do it all. It's incredibly hard for me to ask for help, and I am very nervous about all of this. If it is cancer, there's a lot of help I will need through treatment. If it's not cancer, I will still need help as I continue to find out why I'm always sick, and as I get better.

So sorry to ramble on, but I really need it. I find a sense of healing after I can get it all out. At the same time, it makes it more real to me. That is why sometimes I ignore posting an update until my friends remind me that I need to.

Anyway, thank you all for your love and support. Thanks for caring about us enough to keep up with us. Hugs and kisses to all of you from all of us. Until next time, probably after biopsy,
T

Update

Well, yesterday, I was released from my calling in the Cub Scouts. It was nice to work with the boys, but scheduling was quite crazy. Trying to get my younger girls to activity days at 2 different places and my older 2 to mutual without Jed here during the week turned into quite a juggling act. They say they have a calling for Jed and I, but want to wait until Jed is home to ask us. That might be a little while, so I will enjoy the reprieve for a bit.
Jed has been in physical therapy for a few weeks now. He is doing good, but comes home sore. We have hopes for a full recovery. He flew to Manhattan yesterday, and may have to be there until Labor day. This will be the longest separation since moving to Arizona. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments at work. He has been dubbed "Chief" over this job. He has an apartment in New York that he is sharing with other guys on the crew. Of all the places he has been with work, he has not been to New York since his Bungee days.
The kids have been in school for 2 weeks now. They are way busy with homework. I like being back on a schedule. It really helps everything flow better.
I saw the endocrinologist today. He is basically starting from square one again. I have to have 2 different ultrasounds, a bone density scan, and more bloodwork. I go back to see him on September 10. All my tests are next week. As far as my thyroid goes, I am feeling just fine. I have a sore throat and my ear feels plugged, but the doctors really think this is due to allergies. I have been on so many medicines lately, and felt so crappy, that I am not sure why I am so tired. It could be the medicine, it could be that I haven't been eating or sleeping very well. So, my next goal is to really concentrate on my eating, sleeping and exercise habits. I am determined to feel well one way or the other. If I could get these things under control, I am sure that I won't be so tired and I will be better prepared to deal with the thyroid issues when they come up.
A really good friend of mine recently said that it sounds like the Tolman family has moved to the Doctor's office. It gave me a good laugh, but I just want to say, it was only temporary! We are determined to get better, get healthier and be happier. Thanks to all of you who love and support us. Thank you for all the prayers. If nothing else, they at least help to keep us comforted in our times of trial. We love you all.
T

Jed had his first physical therapy today. He seems to be getting stronger each day. That is a good sign. He is still working which is good.
I am still feeling sick, but hopefully tomorrow will be better. After a round of antibiotics and a round of steroids for my ear, it is tolerable. It is not feeling great yet, and I still have a sore throat. Maybe it's just allergies. Who knows. I went to the chiropractor today for an adjustment and my back feels a lot better. At this point, I can only hope that each day gets better. My appointment with the endocrinologist got moved up to Aug. 9. That is good. I would like to figure out what's wrong, deal with it, and then get back to real life!
Today was the kids' first day of school. I love this modified year round schedule that they have here. Last night was very special as Jed gave them all Father's blessings in anticipation of the school year. They all had a great day, but now they are very tired. Bedtime should be a breeze tonight.
I am very grateful for my Savior, and for my testimony of His gospel. I am glad that this body is just temporal, and in the next life it will be free from pain and ailments. I am glad to live in a great ward that is constantly checking on me and making sure we are okay. I see my Heavenly Father's love for me all around me, and for that I am truly grateful.
Until the next update, T

Doctor's Update

Good news today. Jed met with the orthopedic surgeon. The doc reviewed xrays and mri with us and said there is no tear. That means no surgery at this point. He does have a bone spur that rubs on his rotator cuff when the muscles are swollen. They are going to try to manage the swelling with anti-inflamatory drugs, cortisone shots, and physical therapy. If that does not help, the doctor says we could do surgery to shave the bone spur. However, the doctor thinks Jed will be back to full function in about 4 weeks. That was awesome to hear. He has been cleared for light duty work, including travel. What a great blessing for our family.

I went back to the doctor with belly pain. They said my anti-biotic caused me to get a yeast infection. So, now I am being treated for that. I stopped taking the anti-biotic, and now I'm taking a steroid medication to help with the throat and ear. I am hopeful that this works.
I have an appointment scheduled on Aug. 20 to meet with an endocrinologist. We will discuss and assess the lumps in my neck, and then schedule a biopsy. That's it for now. Thanks, T

Since we moved to Arizona, it is becoming harder to keep everyone updated on what is going on in our lives. I have never been good at journaling or scrapbooking, but I am hoping to be able to keep up with this blog to let everyone know what is going on in our world.

We moved to Chandler, Arizona in October of 2009. It is the first time that Jed or I have ever lived away from our families. It has been quite an adventure. We have really had to learn how to rely on ourselves and it has brought our family closer together. We do miss family and friends, but we are also enjoying meeting new friends.

It is hard to know where to start, so I will start with the current events, and fill in anywhere that people want to know more about. School is just about to start, and the kids are getting excited. We have 2 cats, Smokey Blue and Cooper. We also have a dog, Rupert. They bring such joy and sometimes frustration into our lives, and we love them dearly.

Alyson is our oldest. She will be 16 on August 1, and she will be a junior this year. She is doing great with school, and we are so proud of her dedication and determination. She is still playing the cello, and will be in Chamber Orchestra this year. She enjoys seminary, and has a very strong testimony. She received her Partriarchal blessing this year, and it has helped her in so many ways. It is bittersweet as her mom to watch her leaving childhood, and entering adulthood. I am so grateful for her everyday.

Tyson is now 14. He will be a freshman in High school. He is really looking forward to it. He will start seminary this year, and I am looking forward to seeing if he will enjoy it as much as his sister. Tyson plays the drums. He wants to eventually play in the marching band, but is content at this point in honing his skills on the drums. Tyson loves to cook, and he is doing more of it each day. I am so proud of his willingness to help in the kitchen.

Alexys will be 12 in November. She is getting excited to be in Young Women's this year. She will be in the 6th grade, and it will be her last year in elementary school. She loves to go swimming and play with her best friend Joie. She does not play any instruments right now, but has talked about the flute. We will see if she still wants it, or if she changes her mind.

Hannah turned 9 in February, and she is a handful. We love her dearly, but she keeps us all on our toes. She is going to be in 4th grade. She enjoys activity days, playing with friends, and swimming. I think she was a fish in her previous life, or a mermaid! She is our accident prone child, but since we've been here, it's been pretty mild. She has had a sprained knee and a sprained thumb. We have been pretty lucky so far.

Jed is working for Technology Associates doing telecommunications contracting. His job keeps him busy and away from home a lot. We hoped that this move would have him home more, but we are still waiting for that. Last month, he hurt his shoulder. The doctors think that he has multiple tears in the rotator cuff muscles and cartlidge. They want to operate on it. At this point, we don't know when, but he meets with his Orthopedist on Wednesday the 20th. I will try to keep all medical updates current on this blog, so you can just check it if you want info.

As for me, I am enjoying being able to be a stay at home mom. There is always stuff to do, but now that the kids are getting older, I have more help. I am really enjoying this stage of life. I am hoping to start doing some crafting again soon and also some sewing.

Now comes the primary reason for starting this blog. I have medical news to share about myself. A couple of months ago, I was not feeling well. I went to the doctor to have my cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin D, etc. tested. My cholesterol is high, and my vitamin D is low. My thyroid hormones are fine, but the doctor found a lump on my thyroid. My mom had a non-cancerous goiter on her thyroid, and my dad had thyroid cancer. So, the doctor wanted to do more testing. I had an ultrasound on my thyroid that confirmed the presence of a lump. Then I had to have an uptake ultrasound, where they use radioactive iodine to test the function of the thyroid. I have at least 2 lumps that are disfunctional. The doctor has now ordered a biopsy. No one can tell me exactly what it is. I have now been referred to an endocrinologist to take over treatment. At this point, this is all I know. Many of you have been asking, so rather than keep repeating myself, I decided to blog about it. On top of all this, I have an ear infection, and swollen tonsils. There is no way to tell if this is connected to the lumps in my throat or not. So, for now, I am on antibiotics that make me feel yucky.

I am so grateful for good doctors and good technology. With both Jed and I having medical issues, it is going to make for an interesting next several months. I am glad that we have a good ward, and I know we will be well taken care of. You are welcome to call and talk to us, or just stay updated by way of the blog. Thoughts and prayers are always welcome!