I am a creative and curious 39 year old. I live in Houston, Texas where I am a freelance graphic designer and instructor. I am pretty active. I like to travel to new places, meet new people, love spending time out drinking coffee, listening to music and chatting with friends.
On March 28th, 2013, after a few concerned meetings with my doctor about a lump I found on the left side of my neck, and a surgery later, I found out that I had thyroid cancer. Not just one, but two types of thyroid cancer; Stage two, invasive Follicular Carcinoma and Papillary Carcinoma.
This is my journey. I am far from being a journalist or writer by any means. This is not an expert account of treatment or a, “what to do” guide to thyroid cancer. I do not have all the answers here. Each person is like a fingerprint in that we all have different situations and how our bodies react and heal. I am writing this blog because I wanted to have something to reflect back on throughout this process. I also did this because when I was looking for support and reassurance I found very few people out there with stories to share. I can only hope that this blog brings comfort or helps others that might be going through similar circumstances.
This blog would not be mine without my artwork. Any time in my life when I came up against obstacles I have always had my art to comfort me, a security blanket if you will. I am adding my artwork here along this journey. I still have challenges ahead of me. I want to share my moments here with you.
This is Me 
Mary Anne, I’m sorry for what you are going through but I’m praying for good results. I enjoy your artwork. I loved your “Take Care” poster for my son, Scott! Blessings to you! Jo Jones
Thank you, Jo Jones. You have an amazingly talented and compassionate son. He is one one of the best clients I ever worked for, as well as a dear friend. You must be very proud. x
Thank you, Mary Anne. I am very proud of Scott. He has a lot of talent yet to be discovered! He cares so much about you and your illness. I’m glad you are friends! Jo
You could do anything you set your my to, for this I am sure. Like all “Herberts” you are strong, talented, and you never give up. We had a Circuit Preacher in our generations past, and a Doctor of Medicine who was killed in the civil war for the drugs in his bag.(to help the enemy of course) and as our photos show our great Grandfather Herbert in his Civil war uniform fought hard for his family and land. I’m sure we have many other talented relatives in the past. Maybe even some great “wanted” in the past. We love you young lady. Enjy all your posted art and blogs.
Wow, do u know what a beautiful girl you are?
Thinking of you, Mary Anne. Your struggles certainly seem normal for any cancer patient. It has to be hard to know which are the right answers. Blessings! Jo
Thank you for your posts and support, Jo. I appreciate it. You have followed me through this and it means a great deal. It is tough to know what to do. Like my mother told me a few weeks ago when I was struggling with the decision of having radiation and a scan again, “You are 40 years old and need to make your own decision about this treatment, and what you think is best for you”. She is right. I usually rely on my gut instincts. Anyone with this diagnosis is going to worry I think. How can we not? I make sure I keep it on the back burning so to speak, and live as well. 🙂
Hello I had both those types of thyroid cancer too. It has been a struggle. God bless you
Thank you. And you as well! x