Just a quick update with some much-needed positive news. I got my genetic test results back to find out if my Medullary Thyroid Cancer originated genetically. The good news – my cancer is NOT genetic! My cancer formed spontaneously. Basically, some jerk pulled my name from a hat and said, “and thyroid cancer goes to… Matt Tardy!”
Why is this good news?
Well, if I had the genetic version of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC for those in-the-know) that would mean other people in my family may be at risk and should get tested. And, the more heart-wrenching reality, I would have a 50% chance of passing it on to one of my two children. I’ll wait while you do the math on that. Not good. Each child would then be tested, and if they were positive they would almost definitely have their thyroid removed — immediately. This whole scenario sounds absolutely terrifying. The surgery – the cancer – everything. Isn’t it bad enough that their dad has cancer, but then to think I might have passed it on to them… ugh. I would rather suffer 100 times more to save my children from all of this. And, thankfully, I won’t have to. Because my cancer is not genetic.
SO – If you are from the royal lineage of the Tardy family, count yourself in luck. You most likely do not have a genetic thyroid cancer. And if you do get cancer, don’t look at me. That’s on you. My cancer was spontaneous.
How’s Matt Today?
I can feel my neck getting tighter every day. Weird strain down my right shoulder. It hurts when I sneeze :P. Swallowing is become a little more difficult and my voice is often rough. Chronic pain has been pretty bad the last week, but manageable. Dizzyness and lightheadedness have been getting increasingly worse. I’m still taking vertigo meds, but they are becoming less effective. I think it’s possible I’ll start passing out soon. Gotta get that blood flow up to ma’ brain! The dizzyness is by far the most difficult symptom to manage. Daily life is really difficult when you can’t think, focus, walk, or drive, or keep your eyes open. Thankfully, it comes and goes, so it’s not always that bad.
Next Steps
Still waiting on the results of my RET test to see if I qualify for the clinical trial. Meanwhile, waiting to get another drug approved through insurance as a back-up if I can’t get into the trial.
Matthew Tardy 