I am a disabled vet who was getting x-rays prior to reconsctuctive surgery for my spine when the x-rays accidentally found lumps in my thryoid. That led to an unltra scan within the month. I had to reschedule the biopsy twice due to time constraints. Within two weeks of the biopsy, there was talk of surgery. Due to other things going on in my life, I asked that it be postponned one week - but now we are at crunch time.

Anyone who has worked with the VA on surgery (my spinal surgery has been a year in process and might be another year before it happens) knows that they NEVER are fast about anything, but we have gone from x-rays to surgery in just over two months. They are taking out my whole thyroid plus the lymph nodes - today they called it neck disection.

I already take six oxycotten for pain a day for my spine. I can't fathom coping through any more pian. I am at the raggidy edge of functioning as it is - how much is this going to hurt?

I don't heal well from surgery - the last surgery I had was emergency and it took months for the pain to go away - but that was before my spine took this latest turn for the worse. I was ill for months and I was not admitted for that surgery - but sent home a few hours later.

I am terrifed as my pain levels are not under control enough now for me to be functional for more than a couple hours a day - how about after they lay open my neck?

And if you havn't guessed it, I have Post traumatic Stress Disorder which makes everythign worse....