Before my cancer diagnosis, I was brimming with energy and perpetually optimistic, sometimes to the point of being a bit much for others. I was known for my patience and extroverted nature.
The first indication that something was amiss was inexplicable fatigue. I was constantly tired, irritable, and felt off—not ‘my great’ health. During a routine physical with a new doctor, I mentioned these seemingly minor issues, thinking they were inconsequential.
During the examination, my doctor palpated my neck and suggested an ultrasound after detecting a nodule. She referred me to an endocrinologist, who has been my doctor ever since. He explained that while concerning nodules are typically 3cm, mine was only 1.7cm. However, he was worried because benign nodules usually appear in much older individuals. He recommended a biopsy, which I was hesitant about, but he assured me it was the best course of action.
After the biopsy, I left the clinic in tears but remained hopeful. A week later, my doctor called with the news that the nodule was cancerous. I sought help from my father and ended up under the care of the chief of endocrine surgery at a local research hospital in Boston. I felt confident I was in the best hands. Surgery was scheduled, and I was eager to move forward.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how fortunate I was to catch thyroid cancer early. Each step I took was crucial, even though they could have easily been lost in the shuffle of regular life.
“Every decision, from mentioning my fatigue to my doctor to agreeing to the biopsy, played a vital role in my early diagnosis and successful treatment. No subtle and persistent health change is insignificant—take action and share with your doctor….”
The surgery went well, and the surgeon removed eight lymph nodes, all of which were clear. Now, I only need to take a daily pill and have an ultrasound every six months. This regimen is a small price to pay for my health and peace of mind.
Had I not caught the cancer early, I would have likely needed radioactive iodine treatment, which is more intensive and comes with its own set of challenges.
It’s crucial to get a physical each year and document everything you think you may want to mention to your doctor.
But don’t wait to go to your annual physical if your subtle and persistent health changes last more than two weeks.
No concern is too small or obscure to bring up. Even minor symptoms can indicate something serious. By being thorough during your annual check-ups, you can catch potential health issues early and ensure the best outcomes.
While thyroid cancer is often slow-growing, this doesn’t make it easy to deal with. There’s a misconception that slow-growing cancers are less serious, but this can lead to a mixed bag
of emotions. It can feel invalidating, making the cancer seem less significant. This misconception can result in people not taking the diagnosis seriously and delaying treatment. It’s important to recognize that any cancer diagnosis is significant and requires prompt medical attention.
It’s easy to feel invincible at a young age, especially when life feels like it’s just getting started. However, this sense of invincibility can lead to overlooking important health concerns. My experience taught me that no one is immune to serious health issues, and being proactive about your health is essential, like with 3 Steps Detect®, regardless of your age or stage in life.
Symptoms
- unexplained fatigue
- irritability
