Yesenia’s Cancer Journey
Ever heard that thyroid cancer is the ‘good cancer’? Think again! Yesenia shares the aftermath from her experience with radioactive iodine treatment.
Yesenia Nieves // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Thyroid Cancer Awareness
Thyroid cancer—we don’t think it can happen to us ever and some people don’t even know it is even a thing. I soon found out all about it. In March of 2016, I was just getting ready for bed when out of nowhere I experienced a hot flash along with anxiety.
I was told it was all in my head… just the stress of being a young, working mother in college.
My mother took me to the emergency room where they did some blood work. Later, I was told it was all in my head—that it was just the stress of being a young, working mother in college. So, they sent me home with anxiety medication. In that week, I went to another hospital and two separate urgent cares where they told me the same thing.
I had quite a few symptoms. I suffered from anxiety and stress. My hair was falling out. I had irregular periods, mood swings and IBS. My doctors still insisted that it had nothing to do with the thyroid. When I went to see an endocrinologist, they told me again that my symptoms were not likely related.
I had the ultrasound and they discovered two thyroid nodules.
It was about a month later that I looked online for an OB/GYN. I went in and asked if I could get an ultrasound. Once again, I was told it was stress related and “it was in my head,” but for my peace of mind they ordered it. I had the ultrasound and they discovered two thyroid nodules.
After getting a biopsy done, it came back inconclusive. I was given a choice to either have a follow up appointment in 6 months—to wait and see what might happen—or I could have my thyroid nodules removed. I felt maybe it was all connected, so I told my doctor I wanted to have both nodules removed.
I was anxious and uncertain, but I was also happy—I felt that at least my battle might be over.
It was at this point that I met an amazing surgeon who told me that I might be right—that my symptoms might have something to do with my thyroid. I finally went for my surgery—it was the scariest thing ever and it was hard to recover. Then—one week later—the pathology report came back. I was told it was cancer and that I would need radiation.
When I went in for radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, I needed to be home alone—I was full of emotions. I was anxious and uncertain, but I was also happy—I felt that at least my battle might be over. A couple months later some of my symptoms went away. Unfortunately, I gained some new issues, like mouth dryness, numbness in my hands and changes in the way that some foods tasted—the perks of RAI treatment. I also have arthritis and chronic inflammation, which I did not have prior to my treatment.
If you find out that you have cancer, never be afraid to speak up.
It is not easy, this journey. It left me broken with extreme anxiety and depression. I still have a hard time processing my new life and my new journey. I thank God that I am still here, though—that I can write my story and share it with the world!
If you find out that you have cancer, never be afraid to speak up. There will be doctors and people who might make you feel they know more about your body than you do. If you need to get other medical opinions, that is fine! Don’t forget: you need to fight for yourself.
I also want you to know, it is extremely important to listen to your body. Don’t forget to check your neck! I never knew anything about thyroid cancer or the effect that treatment can have on you. I know people say it’s the “good cancer”—it’s not. There will be times when you will need to take a deep breath and go into battle to fight for yourself. Be your biggest advocate and remember that you are not alone.
Interested in Sharing Your Cancer Journey?
For someone recently diagnosed with cancer, reading the stories of other caregivers and survivors can inspire.
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