- What kind of thyroid cancer were you diagnosed with? How many years have you been a survivor?
I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer in October 2008. I believe that I became a cancer survivor the moment after I was given the diagnosis. That is when I started my fight. Some consider themselves cancer survivors once they become cancer-free, which for me was May 2009. After going through this battle, I see anyone diagnosed with cancer as an immediate survivor.
- September is thyroid cancer awareness month. What does that mean to you? Why do you think awareness is important? How do you spread awareness?
To me, thyroid cancer awareness month means joining forces to spread the word about prevention, early detection and the facts about thyroid cancer. One of the reasons I started my Thyroid Cancer Survivor blog was to spread awareness about thyroid cancer and to share my journey as a cancer survivor with others. Awareness is important because it gives people a better chance to check their neck and find thyroid cancer earlier.
- Many thyroid cancer patients have been told, “If you have to get cancer, thyroid cancer is the one to get.” What do you think of that statement? When you’re told this, how do you respond?
When my doctor told me that I had papillary thyroid cancer, I was shocked. I remember him telling me that if I had the option to pick which cancer I would want, I would want thyroid cancer. At the time, it made me feel better. I didn’t know too much about thyroid cancer back then. I guess my doctor was trying to make me feel better and take some of the fear away. Now I know that cancer is cancer. One is not better or worse. No type of cancer should be minimized. I’ve also heard people refer to thyroid cancer as the little “c”. It’s not worth getting upset about. That only feeds those cancer cells. I usually smile and let them know cancer does not come in a “lite” version.
- Dear Thyroid is constantly working to dispel the myth that thyroid cancer is the good cancer or the easy cancer. What other myth would you like to dispel regarding thyroid cancer?
Some of us get to go through the radioactive iodine treatment, people asked me if I glowed in the dark. It was tempting to say yes, but the truth you don’t glow in the dark. That is a myth!
Another myth is that once the cancer treatment is over and you get a clean scan, you can put it behind you. Thyroid cancer survivors have to go back every six months the first few YEARS for scans and blood work. There is a 30% recurrence rate, so it is very important to stay on top of it. Thyroid cancer is never over. That is the myth. It is a lifelong battle because those sneaky thyroid cancer cells are always trying to multiply.
- What one thing would you tell the world about thyroid cancer?
This cancer journey has given me a new perspective and appreciation for life. I am so grateful to be a survivor.
- What advice would you give to a newly diagnosed thyroid cancer patient?
You are not alone. You will get through it. Learn all that you can about it (Tips for ThyCa Newbies and ThyCa is a good place to start). Be an advocate for your health. You are responsible for your health and to speak up. Never be afraid to ask the doctor a question. Talk about how you are feeling. Find people who have gone through it. Use it as an excuse to follow a dream and do something you have always wanted to do!
Dear Thyroid is a thyroid support community and literary brand. Our goal is to connect patients with each other, to create awareness for thyroid diseases and cancers, and to give all thyroid patients a voice. We come together as a united front to invoke change on behalf of thyroid patients worldwide. Thyroid patients are invited to submit letters to their thyroids, thyroid rants and raves, and other literary creations. Help us to create awareness for thyroid diseases and cancers by wearing your disease on your sleeve and by requesting one of our free awareness bands. Visit DearThyroid.org to learn more!
Hi, my hubby is diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I have be researching on the web and found your blog. Thank you for sharing your story. We are ready to fight but sometimes we have fear. But we pray together often and know that it will be fine.
The surgery is schedule. But I have some questions in the months to come. Can he work? How does it feel? Also, how much time need to be off work before/after the radioactive treatment?
THANK YOU! Reading your blog if very encouraging. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing your experience with us.
Wini
Wini,
Thank you for leaving your comment. Your hubby is lucky to have you on his support team. It was very important for me to have a few loyal people on my team. It is natural to have fear come up when it comes to cancer. I found it was fear of the unknown. So I learned all that I could. I asked the doctors questions…lots of questions. I prayed and kept putting one foot in front of the other. And I am doing very well these days.
I had a full thyroidectomy and was out of work for about 2 weeks. But each case is different, so be sure to check with the doctor about all of your questions. I had to prepare for the RAI treatment almost 3 weeks in advance. The diet got very boring, but I did lose about 8 pounds, which was great! The ThyCa site has Low Iodine Diet cookbook that helps with preparing the meals in advance. Check it out when you can.
I wish your husband the best and a speedy recovery. Please keep us posted!
Warmly,
Jennifer
Jennifer, so glad you a part of the “Dear Thyroid” blog tour in honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month! I remember that you and I were diagnosed within months of each other…love what you are doing to raise awareness for thyroid cancer in social media. And love your post!
Regards,
Charlcie
Charlcie,
Good to hear from you my ThyCa sister!! It is so cool that social media brought us together at the time it did. We have been able to cheer one another on through our thyroid cancer survivor journey. I hope we continue to stay in touch.
Be well my friend. Stay strong. Keep posting out there!
Best Wishes,
Jenn
Jennifer, THANK YOU for participating in our blog tour. I love your answer to the “myth” question–thyroid cancer is never over. I agree with you 100%!!
Keep fighting for change!
xoxo,
Joanna
Hi Joanna,
Thank you for including me in the blog tour for Dear Thyroid. I am all about spreading awareness and helping others fight the fight!!
Take Care,
Jenn