Silk scarves, scars, and healing

Recuperating back at home

Thank you for all the well wishes!

I am home recuperating, with my neck wrapped in one of the silk scarves my mom had given to me. The scarves have sat on my shelf for the past eight years; I’ve contemplated giving them away at times—they are so fancy and ornate, not exactly my style. But, you know, I’m thinking now they go great with fleece or sweats; for now, they sure beat looking at the bandage that’s adorning my neck. Thank you, Mom!

I had prayed that my surgeon would find the adenomas—the benign tumors—that the bloodwork indicated but the scans did not show so clearly. Thankfully, she did so, and ended up needing to remove three of the four glands. I now have one functioning parathyroid gland (the left inferior :), and I pray that it will serve me well. May I do whatever I can to allow it to support the appropriate calcium balance in my body.

Please, if you take anything away from my experience: take a high serum calcium levels seriously: follow up with parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing if you are at all concerned.

For now, let me take the opportunity to wish you a wonderful winter holiday. May we all take good care to stay safe during this next Covid surge. Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa if you celebrate and a very happy New Year to everyone.

To a year of health, healing, and connection,

Loren