Support Whitney's Battle Against Thyroid Cancer

Hi, I’m Whitney - this year I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Start to my journey;

On July 30th it was a normal day, I went in for a routine physical with my new PCP. During the physical my PCP felt a lump on the right side of my neck. She discussed her concerns about thyroid disease, ect. From there I had thyroid bloodwork and an ultrasound on my neck in which I had done on August 8th.

On August 22nd I got a call from my PCP stating they found 2 nodules (tumors) during the ultrasound appointment - both being the size of kiwis. The one on the left side having very aggressive characteristics.

My PCP then put in a STAT order for a fine needle biopsy to be done on the left side.

On August 29th I had my biopsy done and within 24 hours I saw my results on my patient portal and from that moment, my life turned upside down.

Those words “you have cancer” rocked me to my core.

In this moment everything feels heavy, my thoughts are numb, everything feels so overwhelming, my anxiety’s high and everything seems uncertain.

In a short few weeks I’ll start by having a total thyroidectomy surgery.

Afterwards, pathology will be sent out and that will determine the stage, subtype and whether further surgeries/treatments will be needed, with hope that the cancer has not spread to the Lymph nodes or other areas of my body.

Along with needing to get iodine radiation treatment, daily bloodwork and routine checkups.

UPDATE January 17th meeting with my surgeon 2 weeks post opp total thyroidectomy procedure.

My voice hasn’t improved because my left vocal cord isn’t working (if it improves, it could take up to a year).

I had bloodwork done to check my levels of my hormone and my calcium which I’ll need to do every few weeks.

Unfortunately the surgery didn't get rid of all the cancer as it's spread to my lymph nodes, my strap muscles and the tissue in the surrounding areas where my thyroid gland and tumors were.

Next step will be RAI (Radiation lodine Therapy)

My first appointment to meet with radiology is February 20th, from there I'll learn about the risks, side effects, rules, ect to prepare me to receive this treatment.

More appointments to follow .. as I have a referral out for Endocrinology as well as Radiation Oncology.

I meet with her again in 6 weeks to check on my vocal cords again.

Due to all of this uncertainty l've had to take heaps of time off work. With these multiple procedures, needing time off, and the number of medical bills coming my way, I’m reaching out for help to all of you. I’m grateful for any amount of help big or small is appreciated beyond words.

Until then I’ll keep fighting my fight ️