Emory's Journey with Thyroid Cancer

I wasn't sure what to expect. It was all happening so fast. I got my annual physicals like clock work & in 2008 my PCP put me on a low dose of thyroid medication because mine was slightly low. About 2-3 months later I returned for a physical for a job & a nodule was discovered in my throat. From there, the needle biopsies were inconclusive, so my first surgery was to remove a piece of the nodule for pathology. That's when I was diagnosed with papillary, follicular variant thyroid cancer & went for my 2nd surgery to complete a total thyroidectomy. Life hasn't been the same since.

There are so many side effects its insane, but I have to say that the memory changes is my biggest challenge. Forgetting little things here & there mostly, but I was frightened when I couldn't remember what day my mothers birthday fell on (a date I've known for years). I knew which month but I had to finally call my sister to get the day. Other side effects have changed quality of life for me...... anemia, breast tenderness, hair loss, fatigue, A LOT of headaches, mood changes, depression, anxiety, hot flashes, leg/hip aches.....med changes are frequent & nausea happens randomly & in a snap !! My hair has grown back, but its very different, not the same texture or thickness & I've lost my curls. I'm very grateful & thankful to still be alive, just some days are a little tough & I really miss parts of me. Who knew the thyroid, so small, did so much ?!!

As of last January, I am happy to be cancer free !! :)

Treatment, labs & meds have been difficult to maintain w/out insurance so I think I am going to have to make a decision about changing careers to gain coverage......maybe a change would be good :)