My Thyroid Cancer Journey: Strength, Hope, and Gratitude

I'm sharing this blog to shed light on the impact of Thyroid Cancer on my life and the ongoing battle I'm waging against it. With unwavering determination, I believe I'll emerge from this ordeal stronger than ever.

Thyroid Cancer stands as the leading cancer among young women, with a concerning surge in new cases every year. Early detection is key to its highest rate of survival.

Before I delve into my personal experience with Thyroid Cancer, it's crucial to grasp the significance of the thyroid gland—a little butterfly-shaped organ nestled in the lower front of the neck, wrapping around the windpipe and below the voice box. Though seemingly small, it plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. Functions include regulating metabolism, body temperature, energy production, and assisting other organs.

Iodine plays a central role in thyroid function, forming the basis of its two major hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones are essential for our well-being and are primarily acquired through our diet.

My journey began around January 2012 when I noticed a lump in my neck and persistent throat discomfort. Initially, I brushed it off as a stubborn cold due to the winter season and the excitement surrounding my sister's wedding. Time passed, but the symptoms lingered, and by July 2012, the lump had become conspicuous. During our usual evening walks, I asked my husband if he noticed anything unusual about my neck. After a brief examination, he urged me to see a doctor immediately.

Back at my family doctor's office, this time the issue was apparent. I was referred for a neck ultrasound and thyroid blood level tests. While the blood tests returned normal results, the ultrasound conducted on August 9, 2012, revealed a 5.2 x 2.5 x 4.3 cm mass in my right lobe, extending to the midline. Additionally, there were a 9mm nodule in the left lobe and a 7mm nodule in the mid-right lobe, along with a complex cyst in the right lobe measuring 1.8 x 1.2 x 1cm.

The ultrasound results arrived on August 13, 2012, and the very next day, I was sent to Humber River for a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA). Unfortunately, this procedure, although crucial, was far from pleasant due to the absence of anesthesia.

My biopsy report, received on August 16th, labeled the tumor as benign. However, my family doctor emphasized that the biopsy wasn't 100% conclusive due to the limited sample size taken given the tumor's size.

A consultation with Otolaryngology was scheduled for September 9, 2012, as they planned to remove the large tumor from the thyroid gland. Subsequently, I was slated for a partial/total thyroidectomy on October 17, 2012. It was during this surgery that they discovered I had thyroid cancer—specifically, papillary carcinoma. It had affected multiple nodules on both sides of my thyroid.

Effective treatment was imperative to prevent a recurrence. Even with skilled surgeons, it's nearly impossible to remove all thyroid tissue during surgery, leaving behind the potential for cancer. Destroying any remaining thyroid tissue with radiation was the next vital step.

Living with Thyroid Cancer has been an emotional rollercoaster. People often say that if you have to have cancer, thyroid cancer is one of the "better" ones to have because it's generally treatable. While that's true, it doesn't diminish the fear and anxiety that come with a cancer diagnosis. I've often asked myself, "Why me?" My life was seemingly perfect with a loving husband and two beautiful kids. This experience, however, has revealed a strength within me that I never knew existed.

Following the removal of my thyroid, I've been prescribed Synthroid to replace the hormones my body now lacks. It's a daily commitment because without it, my body would gradually shut down. This process isn't immediate, but it does take time, and I'm uncertain how long.

There are days when I yearn to escape from it all, to lounge on a sunny beach somewhere with no responsibilities, no demands. But I'm reminded that vulnerability is a part of life, and the fear of cancer returning is something I must face. I'm alive, and I'm determined to overcome these mental and emotional challenges.

The next phase of my treatment involves Radioactive Iodine (RAI), as I am at a higher risk of recurrence. On January 14, 2013, I'm scheduled to receive a radioactive pill at the hospital, rendering me radioactive and isolated for three days. During this period, I won't have any visitors, and I'll need to provide my own iodine-free food as the hospital isn't equipped to offer low-iodine meals.

Preparing for RAI entails adhering to an iodine-free diet starting December 2, 2012. I'll cease taking Synthroid and begin Cytomel (T3) to deplete my body of iodine, increasing the effectiveness of the radioiodine treatment. The objective is to eliminate any remaining thyroid tissue.

As I approach the end of December, I'll enter the Hypo stage, characterized by hormone withdrawal (T4 & T3) and physical limitations. During the last two weeks before RAI, I won't be able to drive or engage in regular daily activities.

Living with Thyroid Cancer has taken a toll on my energy levels, and I often feel fatigued and weak. Simple tasks like going out, cooking, cleaning, and even driving can be challenging. I've had to incorporate naps into my daily routine, with some lasting up to two hours. Nightmares have become a frequent occurrence, and I've experienced memory loss, a significant change for someone who once had an excellent memory. My mood swings have tested my family's patience.

Despite these challenges, I maintain a positive outlook, driven by faith and gratitude. I firmly believe that my life's chapters are written by a higher power, and I'm thankful for my compassionate family doctor who expedited my treatment.

I understand that many may struggle with finding the right words to offer support, but please know that simple gestures like expressing care and keeping me in your thoughts mean the world to me. You're welcome to ask questions; this journey has opened my eyes to the true meaning of family and friendship. While some have been absent during my struggles, true loved ones have remained steadfast.

I express my deep gratitude to my husband for his unwavering strength and care during this trying period. You are truly a remarkable person.

To my parents, parents-in-law, siblings, and extended family, your prayers and thoughts have been a source of comfort and strength.

Special thanks to my aunts and uncles in the USA for their invaluable information and guidance regarding my surgery and ongoing treatment.

To everyone who has offered prayers and kind words, thank you for your unwavering support and caring.

Thank you for being there for me when I needed it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Suba Kalia