I was diagnosed with a papillary carcinoma on my thyroid in July of 2024; this came after several weeks of scary symptoms of hyperthyroidism/Graves disease. I developed tremors, my heart raced constantly, and I lost strength in my limbs, so climbing the stairs to my apartment home was a struggle. I lost 40 pounds in 2 months and felt horrible. After several diagnostic appointments, an ultrasound, and a biopsy, the cancer was confirmed.

I had a complete thyroidectomy (removal of the gland) on Christmas Eve; the surgery took 4 1/2 hours because the cancerous nodule was spreading. The surgeon took two other nodules (also cancerous) as well as six lymph nodes, and one of the nodes was compromised. I was hospitalized with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels due to my parathyroids not working properly; I experienced muscle twitching/cramping in my hands, arms, and face/scalp) and spent four days with IVs, oral medication, and constant blood draws to get my calcium back up. If not treated, this could have begun to affect me neurologically and developed into seizures and congestive heart failure.

I am currently working to normalize my calcium levels and am waiting for the next phase of treatment to begin--radioactive iodine therapy--which will target any remaining thyroid/cancerous tissue in my body; this will put me out of commission for about a week, as I will be radioactive and cannot be around people, so I will be out of my classroom to keep others safe (as well as allowing me to recover as quickly as possible).

The medical bills are overwhelming, and I just withdrew my last savings to cover them, as well as my living expenses. I am a single-income (from teaching) household, with costs from both 2024 and 2025, and I am terrified of running out of options. The stress and exhaustion from my medical needs, doing the best work for my students, and just affording to live independently is adding to my anxiety and sleep struggles. I need help.

There may be more treatment after this initial round, but I will have regular labs to determine if that is necessary. I know that the treatment itself is going to drain me physically, but mentally and emotionally, the stress of waiting and planning and living with my current state of health is constantly weighing on me. Having help with the financial toll will ease that considerably, and I ask any of you who are able and willing to support me. Thank you so much for your time; even reading this and empathizing with a fellow human who is struggling can help.