# @lifesadiscoball on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfy7ffDtwd-
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/8939822-lifesadiscoball-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/9b7de5cbaa.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-07-09T15:00:34.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Heather Petri (@heatherpetri) — https://gondola.cc/heatherpetri

## Caption

Well, this wasn't the party I was planning for my 50th.

There's not really an eloquent way to share this kind of news, ya know? And it REALLY SUCKS to say it out loud. It makes my mouth go dry, hands shake, and pulse quicken. But there it is.

I have cancer. 

When I planned this #50daystoFifty a couple of months ago - I didn't have this in my content plan. How dramatic of me to raise the bar. *OMG all the eye rolls* Although, if you know me or have been here a while, you know I write my way through hardship. Some of my best work, my best art, comes from pain and anguish. So .... you're welcome? 

The quick deets? Thyroid cancer, papillary (most common and most treatable) or Hurthle cell (more aggressive). Tests this week to see if it has metastasized. Surgery for a total Thyroidectomy, if hasn't spread. Throw a neck dissection as an ala cart side to the Thyroidectomy, if it has. 

Anyhoo - this is bullshit. I'm calling it right here, right now. Cancer is some kind of asshole coming in uninvited to my almost birthday month, and I'm over it already. But I'm also sad and grieving, adjusting and reflecting, sitting in the middle of it and trying to find my way through it.

"Oh you have they good cancer!", they say. Oh goody. I feel much better now. 
Narrator: She does not indeed, feel much better now.

Here's the thing, I am both grateful for the 'good' cancer AND pissed as hell and sad/scared/anxious about that effing six letter word even being present. I'm allowed that. I'll certainly be writing more about it here - but also sharing over on my caring bridge, should you want to follow along: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/heatherpetri (link in profile - which feels really weird to say)

Thank you for being here. I appreciate you and your presence. 

The grit, perseverance, badassery will come. For now - I rest, reflect, cry, and write. 
I'll get there. I always do. For now, I need some time to feel all the feels. 🤍

#Day11 #cancer #gracefulwarrior #lifesadiscoball

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## Tags

cancer, day11, 50daystofifty, lifesadiscoball, gracefulwarrior

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