You know those rare news stories about runners who collapse and die at the finish line? That's not how I want to go, so I decided to get a physical at the end of last year to make sure I was fit to continue my half marathon training.

Heartbeat normal, lungs great, lump on my throat. What? Get lab work done and go see an endocrinologist. What?

You know that fear of the unknown that causes you to self diagnose yourself on the internet? That's not how I typically roll, but I couldn't wait for a medical professional to determine my fate. Lump in my throat? Yep, I must have the super rare form of thyroid cancer that gives me 6 months to live. Oh, hey, don't Google "Fine Needle Aspiration." Hey, stop right now. Trust me.

You know those doctors who don't know how to interact socially which inevitably leads to poor bedside manner? I didn't, until I met my endocrinologist. I don't need to be coddled, but dang. Oh, and I know you didn't Google "Fine Needle Aspiration," but FYI it's a 4 needle pass.

You know how your endocrinologist tells you one thing and then the radiologist tells you another? Again, I know you don't know what "Fine Needle Aspiration" is, but FYI it is a 5 needle pass, not 4. Ugh.

You know how excessively long pauses can be really awkward? I know that they can make your heart drop.

"It's benign..."

"Oh my gosh. Thank you."

"...but you have an autoimmune disease."

At least I can still run.