My Journey With Thyroid Cancer

Hi, my name is Ann and I have thyroid cancer. This is my journey.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer. The left side of my neck became swollen and painful. Luckily I had a doctor's appointment the next afternoon, so I was checked and had tests pretty quickly. Unfortunately, by the time I found out I had cancer, it had metastasized to my lymph nodes, I knew this wan't good. The lymph system is part of the immune system and there are lymph nodes all over the body. If the cancer was found there it could have traveled anywhere. My husband insisted I go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for care. I found a wonderful surgeon and endocrinologist. I had a total thyroidectomy with the removal of a chain of lymph nodes - four were cancerous. I was also told I had to take radioactive iodine (RAI) and informed there was a chemotherapy trial going on and I was a perfect candidate. The chemo was supposed to enhance the uptake of the RAI. I decided to take part in the study. When I met the oncologist he told me there were now nodules in my lungs. He said many people have nodules in their lungs and it was probably nothing, but he was going to watch it. I took the chemo and went on with my life. However, now my life included side effects from the treatments. Some of the side effects were a paralyzed vocal cord, laryngospasms, dry mouth, and blocked tear ducts. I will probably have to live with these side effect for the rest of my life.

I will fast forward two years. This past May I found out the nodules in my lungs have started to multiply and one has gotten larger. I immediately wanted a biopsy and something done to get the cancer out of my body. I was told I had become resistant to RAI and nothing could be done until the nodules got bigger. I asked if there was anything I could do and was told no and given an appointment to come back at the end of November. I went home and started to do research. That has led me to where I am now and I will share what I've learned so far.

Tip number one - be your own best advocate. Ask questions! Most of all, always do your own research!! I was so naive about my cancer. I believed my doctors and had such faith in them. They didn't do anything wrong, but they can only do what they've been taught. Remember, no one will care for you more than you care for yourself.

Tip number two - follow your heart. When I found out about a vegan diet and how it could help and maybe cure cancer, I knew this was what I had to do. It hasn't been easy, but my family and friends have been big supporters. I really am so blessed to be surrounded by such caring people. You almost always know what's best for you - trust yourself.

Tip number three - work hard for what you want. I want to cure this cancer. The diet I'm following is tough, but I know it's the only chance I have. The alternative would be chemo and I've already read about the side effects I would be facing. I would definitely rather give this a shot.

I decided to start this website and Facebook page as a way to share the information I'm finding. I'm continuing to research and learn ways to become healthy. Please follow me on my journey. Everything I'm reading talks about how to cure cancer and is not specific to thyroid cancer. I've also read this diet could help with other diseases as well. This site is for educational purposes only. I'm still going to my doctors and don't have any plans of stopping the care I receive from them. I do believe in alternative medicine though, and for me, I plan to do all I can to help myself.

For now, I want to wish you health and happiness!

#Thyroidcancer #cancer #HealthyLiving #Naturalcures #naturalhealing