My Thyroid Cancer Journey

Hi, my name is Sara. I was diagnosed in December 2023 with papillary thyroid cancer. Initially the doctors thought I would have surgery and be “Healed.” Unfortunately when the surgeons got in there they saw some suspicious lymph nodes. Ultimately 6 out of 8 lymph nodes removed and tested came back positive for cancer. Along with 2 parathyroid glands. Due to these findings I unfortunately have to undergo radioactive iodine treatment. This will begin on April 1st. A week later they will do a full body scan to see if the cancer is anywhere else in my body. I will be monitored and be on thyroid medication the rest of my life. I do have an intermediate chance of reoccurrence, rather than low risk as expected.

The reason I am asking for help. Through all of this I am on a special low iodine diet which means extra expenses with food. It has been suggested that I find a hotel room as I will need to quarantine from my kids for 5 days. Unfortunately we definitely cannot afford this. There are also days where I physically have a hard time and need to cut corners or buy food out last minute because I don’t feel well. Also, it is Harmonys birthday at the end of the month and we are trying to provide as much normalcy as possible for the kids. All of this combined is very overwhelming, at times hard to wrap my head around or get things done. And ultimately have us a bit behind financially and likely Will be for the next month or two.

Any help would be so greatly appreciated. I absolutely would not open one of these if I didn’t really feel like my family needed the support.

Thank you so much!

Sara