John’s Cancer Journey
Meet John, a 10-year thyroid cancer survivor with unmatched resilience! Discover how he faced 7 surgeries with positivity and faith. #30Stories
John Pepe // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Thyroid Cancer Awareness
Doctors diagnosed me with thyroid cancer for the first time 10 years ago this August. I live with the tall cell variant of thyroid cancer, a less common type compared to papillary thyroid cancer. This variant is aggressive, but thankfully, I’ve survived 10 years since my diagnosis.
My first surgery took place in New Jersey, only for the tumor to resurface four months later. As a result, I underwent a second surgery in New York. Two years later, the cancer found its way to my vocal cords. My surgeon recommended radiation, but I feared this would force me onto a feeding tube.
As a diabetic, this posed potential problems. After the initial surgeries, I took a radioactive iodine pill. However, it failed to eliminate the cancer due to my specific type. I refrained from radiation but opted for a different surgeon when the tumor started affecting my vocal cord.
Despite all these operations, I still have the ability to swallow, which is nothing short of a miracle.
This new surgeon immediately identified my problem and insisted on addressing it. He observed my throat with a scope and proposed to remove the tumor to restore my voice. He succeeded in removing the cancer, but one of my vocal cords remained paralyzed. The right vocal cord moved excessively, while the left one remained motionless. A voice specialist tried a solution on the paralyzed vocal cord without success. My left vocal cord continued to be paralyzed.
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Though I felt disappointment, I persisted. I felt grateful for my life. Since then, I’ve undergone five additional surgeries, amounting to seven in total. After each operation, the expectation is that I’ll need another. Approximately every 18 months, I have another surgery.
My quality of life remains satisfactory. Although I whisper, I am audible, and I carry on with all other aspects of my life normally.
Despite all these operations, I still have the ability to swallow, which is nothing short of a miracle. I refuse to admit defeat. Instead, I count myself fortunate. My quality of life remains satisfactory. Although I whisper, I am audible, and I carry on with all other aspects of my life normally. It’s truly incredible.
I’ve scheduled a PET CT for the coming month, hoping it won’t necessitate another surgery. I still participate in all routine activities. This past year, I’ve attended birthday parties, graduations, and a wedding. I cherish attending my five grandchildren’s athletic events. I never miss their baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and golf games. Church still holds a significant place in my life, and I pray daily for my blessings. I believe that God is good all the time and has been good to me.
Have a positive attitude and do not dwell. Don’t worry unless you have to worry. Take it one year at a time!
I would recommend patients to stay positive and not dwell on their cancer. Keep looking forward and take each day as it comes. Say your prayers. Through faith, I beat cancer. Have a positive attitude and do not dwell. Don’t worry unless you have to worry. Take it one year at a time! I want to thank my family, especially my wife and children, and my church friends, for helping me through my cancer journey.
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