Emory's Journey with Thyroid Cancer
Survivor: Thyroid Cancer
Patient Info: Finished active treatment less than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: almost 14 years ago, Female, Age: 50, Stage II
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Procedure: Drag this icon to show a procedure.
Radiation: Drag this icon to show a specific radiation therapy experience.
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Side Effect: Drag this icon to show experience with a specific side effect.
Oh No: Drag this icon to show when something bad happened (e.g., cancer’s back, lost job).
Celebration: Drag this icon to show when something good happened (e.g., last treatment, hair is back).
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Surgery
Procedure or Surgery
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.
Chemotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
This person has yet to add any details about this experience.
Memory changes
Side Effects
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 ?!!
Finished treatment
Celebration
As of last January, I am happy to be cancer free !! :)
Decision Point
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 :)