Living without a Thyroid
Thursday, June 25, 2009
By: Eva McKaeff

In early 2007, I was diagnosed with Thyroid (Papillary) cancer. On May 2, 2007 I had a total thyroidectomy. I want everyone to know about the fact that there is another cancer out there that most aren't aware of as it's not publicized enough about.

I remember the day that I went to see my specialist on another unrelated matter. I can't help think about what if I didn't make that appointment. How much longer would I have lived with that lump on my thyroid without suspecting anything was wrong? I didn't have any symptoms that triggered any alarm for me. It was so easy to detect, once the specialist pointed out this lump to me. Shortly after, I was scheduled for a fine needle aspiration (biopsy). "It's nothing to worry about" so many people said to me. Out of all the people that get their results back, only a very small percentage comes back with a diagnosis that the lump is malignant. Well, I was part of this very small percentage. Also, have been told by my specialist that if you're going to get a cancer, this is the one you want to have! It was all so surreal for me, hearing that news. I just couldn't believe it. Each day has become easier for me. I had a great surgeon that removed my thyroid completely and did a wonderful job with the incision. My Oncologist has been super supportive and I am pleased with my treatments so far. The team, in Nuclear Medicine, is also great. I am so very grateful and thankful for everyone that is a part of this whole process of keeping me safe. My message to everyone out there is that when you are checking for lumps in your breast, to please also move your hands up north and work the area around your neck, especially the front of your neck. I have read so much about Thyroid Cancer on the internet and in books. I just want people to know that this is also a cancer and that even though it's not publicized to the extent breast cancer is, that more awareness about it should be published. I just wanted to do my part to share my story.

Thank you so much for reading this.