Happy weekend, everybody! I'll start off by saying this is Emily again (Meg's sister). She is sleeping right now but wanted to give you all a little update. She will likely post something of her own very soon.

​The last few days have been all about getting Meg what she needs and trying to convince her not to do too much. If you know Megan, you know she is a go go go kind of gal! I know the slower pace has been hard for her, but she's listening to what her body needs and I know she's doing her best to be a good patient. 

The thing she keeps talking about is how blown away she is by all the support. We talked about how it feels a little weird to be putting such personal info out there for the Facebook world, but how humbling it is to hear from so many people who care. This is what makes social media so insanely cool. Each of you have warmed her heart and made her smile. I wouldn't let her attempt to respond to everyone because she needs to rest, but please know she says THANK YOU a thousand times over. 

Here's a little bit of how we've been keeping ourselves busy.... 

Restaurant week! This was Thursday afternoon. We went to a place called The Writing Room. (Doesn't she look amazing for 24 hours post-op?!) Unfortunately she felt better on Thursday than she has since then, but this was a much needed bit of fresh air. And we had a great lunch! I was sitting in our cozy booth feeling so grateful to have some QT with my best friend and amazing parents. And then we started talking about politics... ;-)

I've probably been embarrassing Meg by taking random pictures of gallery walls, pretty tiles, and cool lighting. Don't be mad, I'm just a country gal in the big city! The whole restaurant week timing has really been a perk. It's great to check out nice places in her neighborhood (Upper East Side) and see where we might want to revisit in the future. 

A few of Meg's friends stopped by for a visit on Thursday night and it was so fun to meet them and for Meg to be able to do a little rundown of her experience at the hospital. So glad she has found such good people here. And wow, the goodies they brought with them!! She was blown away that her 'fellow fellows' all went in on flowers, sweet treats and of course, wine. What more could you ask for!! We've also had some surprise deliveries that have made for the perfect bright spots when Meg was not feeling so good and in need of a pick me up. She sends a huge THANK YOU to each of you. (My dad is also grateful, as he has been poaching oatmeal raisin cookies and other goodies like it's his job.)

It's Saturday morning now and after a low-key Friday, we are about to venture out for some mani-pedis. Not sure my dad will be taking part in that. We'll meet him for brunch afterward. Stay tuned for some very wild and crazy adventures with Morrie the cat!! He and I had a big day yesterday. More details to come. 

Thanks again to all!!
- Em on behalf of Meg

Caption contest for this lovely picture?? Dad is amazed by the trash removal system here. Gotta love him.

Wednesday Night Update: 10:30 p.m.
 
HOME! We are back home. Morrie the cat is snuggling his favorite girl and we are binging on takeout food. Fingers crossed for some good sleep tonight.
 
Wednesday Evening Update: 7 p.m.
 
Meg is out of surgery!
 
She went back at one and six hours later we are still in the waiting room, sitting tight until we can go back and see her.
I (Emily) got to spend about 15 minutes with her in the recovery unit. It took about the same amount of time to get there in this maze of a hospital. Luckily the hallways are color-coded and I had a list of directions—nine steps!! Whew. Meg was awake and alert. Her hair was fanned out on the pillow so she was looking more like Farah Fawcett than a recovering cancer patient. She said her neck is sore and she is thirsty, but the pain isn’t too bad.
 
The doctor had great things to report. It’s clear the medical team is top-notch here. Meg’s program director came by to see us in the waiting area. So thoughtful of her and comforting to know Meg’s work family cares about her as much as we do (thanks to those of you reading this!). Rabbi Edie also stopped by a few times. She shared a beautiful prayer before Megan went in. I couldn’t hold the tears back, but it was just perfect and exactly what we needed.

We feel surrounded by compassion here, thanks in large part to the love so many of you are sending our way. Perspective is also everywhere we look. Many families sitting a short distance away are dealing with much more extensive surgeries and complex diagnoses. (My mom talks to everyone and it’s nearly impossible for this journalist not to eavesdrop.) Megan has been the first to point out again and again that hers is a case with much more good news than bad. For that we are so thankful.

Got a stealth pic while Meg and my dad weren't looking. We call them the twins...both internists, both love old people. Here they are casually discussing the stages of dementia whilst I looked on with nervous energy seeping from my pores. #Geriatrics 

It's been a while since my last post. Life became busy as always. Here’s a flash-forward of what has been happening. I moved with Morrie, my cat, from Winston Salem to NYC. Started a fellowship in Geriatrics and Palliative Care. Took and passed my internal medicine boards and finally now a "real doctor" according to the state of New York. Celebrated with a spectacular girls trip to Greece. Tried online dating and still trying online dating. Worked on research projects and quality improvement projects. Ran my fastest half marathon in Central Park in December. Turned 31 in Jan 2016.
 
I had my first patient truly pass through the entire hospital system as his primary care doctor from inpatient to outpatient to home again to back to the hospital. Then breaking the news his cancer was no longer curable and was going to kill him in a matter of weeks to transfer to the palliative care unit and miraculously making it to home hospice. He died last week and I'll admit it hurt my heart. Yet, I will carry his great big smile and greeting of “Hola Dr. Megan!” with me for the lessons he taught me about being a doctor but also about the lessons he taught me about myself.
 
Now is where is will share some bad news followed by good news. As many of you reading this know I'm a private person, not much of a Facebook feelings poster so this feels a little awkward. However, this is for my family and friends who have supported me, encouraged me, and are willing to drop everything at a moments notice to be there for me.
 
The bad news begins like this. I was feeling great and went to establish care with a primary care doctor because I need to practice what I preach, right. My doctor during the physical exam felt my thyroid (a gland in the neck) and thought it was big. She sent me for an ultrasound that showed two nodules that are not suppose to be there. Due to the size of the nodule, I was sent to an endocrinologist (a specialist in thyroids) to have a biopsy taken. He stuck a needle in my neck to get some tissue and here's the bad news, this tissue showed papillary thyroid cancer.
 
Yes the scary word cancer, however that is also the good news. Papillary thyroid cancer can be removed and cured. The survival rate after removal is 99% at 5 years.  I won't have to see an oncologist, no chemotherapy, and no radiation. An ENT surgeon is going to remove the thyroid gland and since the cancer nodules were caught early I most likely will not have any other treatment. I will be on replacement thyroid hormone for the rest of my life, that’s it. One small pill.
 
My surgery will be Wed Jan 27 (tomorrow) and my family will be able to fly in to New York despite the airport delays to help me heal. I want to use the website as an update page, Em will post updates on the blog and man my phone as I recover. I appreciate everyone's thoughts prayers and good vibes. I'm thankful for the outpouring of love and support during this challenging time from family and friends from all parts of my life.
 
So here’s to 2016 – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger! Meg
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYD_-A_X5E