Phyllis’ Cancer Journey
Discover Phyllis’ empowering journey to health! Overcame thyroid issues by advocating for herself. Be inspired to take control of your health.
Phyllis Burniewicz // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Thyroid Cancer Awareness
Before I met my current head and neck surgeon, I went to the same primary care physicians for 30 years, and I became friendly with them. One day, due to abnormal TgAB levels, I went for a thyroid neck ultrasound, which revealed several cysts. While the results from my fine needle aspiration tests came back negative, the interventional radiologist who I consulted with suggested that I return every year to monitor the cysts.
Unfortunately, the following year, the interventional radiologist I worked with retired. My primary care physician checked the laboratory results for my thyroid and concluded that everything looked fine. As a result, I did not receive any other tests for my thyroid for several years to follow.
However, I still felt a bit concerned about the presence of cysts. So to alleviate my worries, I decided to consult a new primary care physician. My next thyroid ultrasound test revealed multiple cysts, and I subsequently sought a local head and neck surgeon, who referred me for a biopsy on my left neck, which came back positive.
I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to stand up for yourself, especially about your health.
He immediately scheduled me for surgery, and I was adamant on having my entire thyroid removed. However, this head and neck surgeon only removed the left-side of my thyroid, did not excise the positive lymph node by my left subclavian, and insisted that I wait 6–9 months to remove the other half.
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After my first surgery, I experienced blackouts and frequently felt dizzy. Additionally, I appeared swollen from the tip of my chin to the top of my sternum. Such swelling is uncommon after a thyroid surgery, and so I knew that something must have gone wrong with my surgery. I could not even bend or turn my neck!
Feeling frustrated for having to wait several months for my second surgery, I sought the advice of a local endocrinologist. They referred me to another head and neck surgeon, who recommended I have the other half of my thyroid taken out (this is called a completion thyroidectomy) within 6–8 weeks after my initial surgery. I was thrilled. This was exactly the news I wanted to hear.
You should always feel comfortable asking questions of your surgeon.
Upon meeting with my new head and neck surgeon, I felt so much more comfortable. He reviewed my chart the weekend after our initial consultation. He called me that Sunday night and suggested that I receive a biopsy, ultrasound and CT scan. He even scheduled me for my completion thyroidectomy within just a few weeks.
During my second surgery, my head and neck surgeon removed residual scar tissue left behind from the first operation. After the second surgery, I had very few issues or complications. I noticed minimal swelling, pain, or physical restrictions. Even the significant swelling that I had experienced after my initial surgery seemed to markedly decrease, as well. My follow-up appointment went well, and today, I continue to follow up with that head and neck surgeon once per year.
By being my own advocate, I received unparalleled care and eventually resolved the issues I had with my thyroid.
I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to stand up for yourself, especially about your health. As soon as I felt that my primary care physician might not be assessing my health exams thoroughly, I immediately sought the advice of another physician. I feel incredibly grateful that I eventually found a surgeon who I trusted.
You should always feel comfortable asking questions of your surgeon. And equally important is finding a surgeon who responds kindly to your questions. Even on busy weekends, my current head and neck surgeon answered my questions without hesitation, making me feel safe and empowered. By being my own advocate, I received unparalleled care and eventually resolved the issues I had with my thyroid.
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