Thyroid Awareness Month: My Journey Through Thyroid Cancer

A Personal Story: Written by Lisa Tymko, RPN 

In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, I wanted to share my own experience with thyroid disease — from first noticing something was off, to being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and becoming cancer-free, and living life without a thyroid 

The Beginning: A Goiter and Nodules 

Like many people, I didn’t initially know what a thyroid problem looked like. It started with a small, noticeable swelling in my neck — a goiter. At first, I thought it was something minor, but when I also began noticing unexplained fatigue and changes in my energy levels, I decided to see a doctor. 

After my Dr. referred me for an ultrasound, I learned that the goiter had several large thyroid nodules. These lumps within the thyroid can vary in size and sometimes cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, a feeling of fullness in the throat, or even hoarseness. In my case, the nodules were growing and causing some discomfort, which led to the decision to perform a biopsy to check if there was any cancerous growth. 

The Biopsy: A Stressful Wait 

Having a thyroid biopsy was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life. The thought of having to wait for the results felt like an eternity. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed that I had thyroid cancer — a diagnosis that was overwhelming, but one that many people face with an excellent long-term prognosis when treated properly. 

The diagnosis of thyroid cancer was a shock, but I quickly learned that thyroid cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. The next step was determining the best course of action. 

Radioactive Ablation and Thyroid Removal 

After the cancer diagnosis, my doctor recommended radioactive iodine ablation (RAI), a treatment that involves swallowing a pill containing radioactive iodine. This treatment helps destroy any remaining thyroid tissue or cancerous cells after the thyroid is removed. I also underwent the surgical removal of my thyroid — a thyroidectomy — which meant that I would need to take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of my life. 

While it was a lot to process, the surgeries and treatments were successful. My doctors and support team helped me every step of the way, and I was able to recover and adjust to my new routine. I still remember the relief I felt after being told I was cancer-free, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. 

Life After Treatment: Adjusting and Thriving 

After the surgery and ablation, I faced a period of adjustment. Learning to balance my thyroid hormone replacement, managing my energy levels, and dealing with the emotional aspects of recovery took time. But with the right care, I was able to reclaim my health. 

It’s important to remember that even after thyroid removal, most people can live a full, healthy life. While I need to take daily medication to replace the hormones that my thyroid once produced, my life has returned to normal. I also now know how crucial it is to monitor thyroid levels regularly, so I can continue feeling my best. 

The Power of Early Detection and Support 

If there’s one takeaway from my story, it’s that early detection and monitoring are key. If you feel like something is off with your thyroid — even if it’s just a small lump or change in energy levels — don’t hesitate to get it checked. I never imagined that something as simple as a small swelling in my neck could lead to a diagnosis of cancer, but it did. Thankfully, because I sought treatment early, I was able to get the care I needed and come through stronger. 

What I Learned About Thyroid Health — And What You Should Know 

1. Don’t Ignore Symptoms 

• A goiter, nodules, or changes in how you feel may be signs of thyroid issues. These are often caught during routine physical exams, but always trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you notice anything unusual. 

2. Regular Monitoring is Crucial 

• Even if you have no symptoms, regular screenings and blood tests (like TSH and Free T3/T4) are important to ensure thyroid health. For those with a family history of thyroid disease, regular check-ups become even more important. 

3. Thyroid Cancer Is Treatable 

• If diagnosed early, thyroid cancer has an excellent prognosis. Treatment options are available, and the majority of people with thyroid cancer go on to live healthy, full lives. 

4. Support Matters 

• The journey isn’t just physical — emotional and mental support are key. Whether it’s from family, friends, or a healthcare team, having support makes a huge difference in navigating a thyroid condition or cancer diagnosis. 

Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health: What You Can Do 

For anyone reading this who may be dealing with thyroid issues — or even those who may not be aware of any problems yet — I encourage you to: 

• Check for Symptoms: If you notice a lump in your neck, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or difficulty swallowing, talk to your doctor. 

• Ask for Testing: Blood tests and ultrasounds can help detect thyroid issues early. The earlier we catch things, the better the outcome. 

• Know You’re Not Alone: Whether it’s dealing with thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism, there are so many resources and support groups out there.