As Roseanna Roseannadanna says,
“It’s Always Something”
I had hoped that this month’s newsletter would be full of information about when and how in-person classes would resume at Wall-2-Wall Tap Dance Center. I received my 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine this afternoon and was gearing up to resume classes in a couple of weeks. But on February 19, I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, so instead of planning for classes, I’m planning for a thyroidectomy and the possibility that I may need additional cancer treatment post-op. The good news is that this cancer has a 99% survival rate. As my doctor put it, “If you’re going to have cancer, this is the best cancer to have.”
This all started a few months ago when I was editing the videos for my virtual classes. I noticed I had a slightly off-center bump on my neck that moved when I spoke and swallowed. I emailed my doctor and he said I should probably get it looked at. After an office visit, blood work, and an ultrasound, I was scheduled for a biopsy for 2 of the nodules. The biopsy was performed a couple of weeks ago and the next morning my doctor called me with the news that one of the nodules was positive for malignancy. This morning I had a consultation appointment with the otolaryngologist who will perform the surgery. His scheduling department will be contacting me by the end of the week in order to schedule my surgery, which I’m hoping will be soon. Until the surgery is done, I will not know if I will need additional treatment. I have been told that I should be able to return to tap dancing anywhere from 2-4 weeks after the surgery. This will depend heavily on how the surgery goes, what they actually find when they take out my thyroid, and how well I recover. My plan for now is to wait until my doctors have cleared me for all activities and then I will schedule the next session. There will probably be a 10 day to 2 week registration period between the time I am cleared and the time when classes will begin. All I can say is for now is, “Stay tuned!”
Vegas, Baby
Health permitting, I will be attending the Las Vegas Tap Festival that will take place June 4-6 at the Westgate Resort and Casino. Unlike previous years when we stayed at the Tuscany and the festival took place at UNLV, everything for the festival this year will be at the Westgate. Once again, they will be offering a specially priced package for senior citizens with several classes designated specifically for seniors. For more information or to purchase your pass, visit https://lvtapfest.org/
26 thoughts on “March 2021”
Mary, keeping you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery and healing. Prayers for a successful surgery and follow w!!
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Mary - my thoughts and prayers are with you…wishing lots of success and no further treatments once the surgery is done.
Cindy Bukowy
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. How luck in this crazy zoom time you were able to spot it and treat ASAP!!
Hang in there Mary. I’ll send you lots of good thoughts. We will all get together soon.
Mary- so sorry to hear this…we’ll have good thoughts for you going in to surgery, and
for your recovery…stay positive- do what the docs and nurses tell you… Jim
that’s exactly what my sister’s Dr. told her she went thru thyriod cancer got thyriod removed also iam happy to say she is doing well. Prayers & Healthy. recovery to You.
Good vibes and prayers coming your way.
This news must be hard for you, Mary. Wishing you the best during treatment and recovery.
Oh my….prayers and well wishes for a smooth surgery & recovery, Mary.
I SURE MISS YOU AND CLASSES!
Mary, you are in my prayers. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. The percent success rate is very encouraging. Try to stay positive. ❤️
I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I will be praying for you and your recovery.
Mary, you are in my prayers. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. The percent success rate is very encouraging. Try to stay positive. ❤️
I am so glad that this is according to your doctor ‘the best’ cancer to get as opposed to any other kind! I’m happy to hear such good news on the recovery rate and hope you a very speedy recovery! I’m getting my first vaccine on March 8 and looking forward to going back to tap classes in person again sometime.
Mary, glad that you’re so observant! Wishing you the best possible outcome from the surgery and I hope you won’t need additional therapy. I know postponing classes must be disappointing for you and we’re all thinking of you and can’t wait until you’re fully recovered.
Mary,
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but very glad to hear the recovery rate! Sending up prayers and healing thoughts.
When I was very young they were using radiation on tonsils. Instead of taking them out, they shrunk them with radiation. They stopped doing that, but about 20 years later some of those who received the radiation started to get thyroid cancer. Then research on those who had this treatment was started. We were found and brought in for tests and for many years in the future I went annually for tests. I never got the thyroid cancer, but I knew others who were in the same treatment as children that did, and every one of them had the surgery and were fine. I am sure you will have a quick and complete recovery. Best wishes for a quick return to tap.
I am so glad you spotted this! I had half of my thyroid removed and it wasn’t too bad of a recovery. I know you will do well ! And I will be thinking of you in your recovery.
Well, Mary, Job of the Bible had nothing on you! You have been through so much physically and financially this last COVID year….but you ALWAYS prevail. A dear friend had the same thyroid diagnosis a few years back and came through her surgery with flying colors and no recurrence of the problem. With your positive attitude and the good mojo from so many of your friends and family you will, too.
All the best to you and a speedy recovery.
Can’t wait to be back in class.
Well the good news it looks like it was caught early so this is good. Sending you all good thoughts Mary for a quick and full recovery. You’re a trooper, you got this. Take good care and good luck. 🙂 <3 - Russ
Hope your surgery goes well Mary! You can beat this! Hope to see you tapping soon!
what the hell is going on you are one of the strongest and determined woman have ever met my prayer is that i will be able to TAP with you again love liz
Good Grief! 2021 things were supposed to be getting better! Glad they caught it early and thankful you have most the classes virtual all ready. Hope for a speedy recovery!
Stay strong and positive. You’ve got this! 💛💛💛
All the best, Mary! Thinking of you!