Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers which is actually growing in prevalence.  And it is usually easily treated when found early.  Your doctor can perform a simple neck check quickly at a routine check-up.

At 26, I found out I had follicular thyroid cancer.  I have mentioned it a lot on this blog.  It was a LONG and scary process to even find out I had cancer, and so far dealing with it has been an interesting journey as well.

It took over 6 months from the time my thyroid nodules were found until my diagnosis was confirmed.  So far I have had 2 surgeries to remove my thyroid (December 2011 and February 2012), radioactive iodine ablation (mid-April 2012), and my full body scan (end of April 2012).  My whole body scan came back clear.  A neck ultrasound in 2012 showed large nodules in my neck, so I had another whole body scan in August 2012.  That scan and blood work came back clear and cancer free.  I am lucky that my cancer was found very early.

The same week I found out my last body scan and blood work were clear, I found out I was pregnant.  My pregnancy was classified as "high-risk" because I got pregnant within 6 months of having my RAI treatment.  A couple of doctors were concerned about the effects this might have on the baby and there was even mention that I should consider whether or not I wanted to proceed with the pregnancy, but Phil and I felt strongly about going ahead with the pregnancy.  The baby was monitored a lot during my pregnancy for growth and did wonderfully.  He is now a happy, healthy little man who is growing like a champ!

Eventually, this page will be filled with links to information I have found extremely helpful so far.  But one of the most helpful things I have had is people to talk to you and ask questions.  If you have any questions about thyroid cancer (surgery, recovering from surgery, thyroid replacement, low-iodine diet, radioactive iodine, etc.) or if you just want to commiserate on how such a tiny gland can be a huge PAIN IN THE A$$, feel free to e-mail me:



There is a lot of information about Thyroid Cancer and treatment options at the Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association website:



3 comments:

  1. I read your post today, and clicked over to find out more. I had a neck ultrasound today, and get my results Friday. I didn't really think of cancer as being possible for people our age, but I guess Cancer doesn't discriminate. I am so glad your blood tests/body scans were clean, hoping for more good news for you!

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  2. So glad all is going well....it's definitely a scary experience but something that is manageable! Thanks or spreading the word!

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  3. Hi there! I randomly found you on the Internet. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year at 33. I live in Salem Va now, but spent lots of years in the NRV which looks like it may be where you are from?

    It's always both horrible and helpful to stumble across someone who has gone through the same illness. Last Friday I was supposed to get my one year RAI follow up dose - but it got postponed bc I'm pregnant! Big surprise for us. We have 2 kids already and the last year of cancer stuff wore us out. We are still a bit shocked but the excitement is growing.

    Anyway, best wishes to you and your family!

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Let's be friends. I hope your e-mail is attached to your profile! Then I can e-mail you back.

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