Sitting at the computer makes me dizzy, but I wanted to give you all a quick update on all the *fun* that's been going on around here:

I went in for surgery on Tuesday. My surgeon found cancer as expected - it was in both sides of my thyroid as well as in some of my lymph nodes. Apparently, the tumor was wrapped around my vocal chords (the biggest risk with this type of surgery), so everyone was relieved when I managed to croak out the word "sore" in response to a nurse asking me how I felt. I spent the night in the hospital reading, resting, gulping Vicodin and crunching Tums. By noon on Wednesday I was recuperating in my own bed. Since then, I've been resting, reading, getting waited on hand and foot, and feeling better each day. I'm still having trouble swallowing/eating - in fact, it feels as if someone's got their hands around my throat and refuses to let go; I still feel lightheaded; and I'm still fighting fatigue, but I feel so much better today than I have all week. I'm not sure when I'll be back-to-normal - for now, I'm just grateful to be alive, able to talk, and able to be up and around a little bit.

I've mentioned that thyroid cancer is slow-moving and rarely fatal. Thus, my prognosis is excellent. I have to undergo an iodine/radiation procedure in a few weeks that will determine if there is any cancer left in my body. After that, it should be a matter of balancing my meds so that I can feel well again.

Even though thyroid cancer is generally seen as "the best cancer to get," it's still been an emotional and traumatic experience for me and my family. I've been blessed beyond measure with a loving family, supportive friends and a ward (my church family) that's always willing to help. My "cyber friends" are also a great blessing to me - I appreciate all of the prayers you've sent up in my behalf. I've definitely felt them this week. Thanks for all your kind words, your support and your patience.

Now, on to the most important part of this post - I've read 3 1/2 books during my recovery. Whether I will review them all or not, I don't know. Vicodin has made my head really fuzzy, so I'm not sure I can recall the books let alone judge them fairly. We'll see how I feel. Anyway, I'll post again as soon as I feel up to it. I've missed hanging out with you all in the big, beautiful book blogosphere!