Cancer Survivor Story: Thyroid Cancer, Papillary, Stage 2 | Jenna Cordaro | The Patient Story

Diagnosed with stage 2 (metastasized) papillary thyroid cancer, Jenna Cordaro explains her first symptoms, meeting with doctors, getting a thyroidectomy (surgical removal of entire thyroid), and dealing with the guilt of having a "good cancer."
For Jenna's full story: www.thepatientstory.com/cance...

[@thefamishedpainter7169]

While everyone was battling COVID last 2020 I was also battling stage 2 papillary Thyroid cancer away from home. I am a registered nurse working in Dubai for 5 years and just months before I was about to move out for UK I had one of the saddest news of my life -- i had cancer.. You are so blessed having people around you especially on your operation. In my case, I need to go alone all the time from the blood works, CT scan, MRI, radiation therapy. I had a friend but she was also a nurse so she can't come with me all the time for my hospital visits. It may be branded as a "good cancer" but I can say that all that we have been through was not easy and I can't still say that it was good. The only thing that was good with this diagnosis was I am able to appreciate life more and to always live one day at a time. Cherish every moment and be always grateful for another day to live. Praying for strength, encouragement and financial support for all the cancer survivors all over the world.

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I keep forgetting how much harder COVID made cancer and treatment for everyone, and count my blessings that I didn't have to deal with that when I was undergoing chemo. And thanks for your prayers for all cancer survivors everywhere - I'm adding to them, too. ❤️ Stephanie

[@Becca77720]

Totally agree with everything your saying and feel the exact same way. Just praying to Jesus and putting my trust in Him!

[@aliyahossaini8772]

R u cancer free now?

[@kaverichhikara5391]

Hi @thefamishedpainter7169, thank you for sharing your story. I was also diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in 2020 right before I was about to move to the US from India. How are you doing now?

[@seemajhanb5671]

​@@kaverichhikara5391hello how r u now.

[@rubyray777]

Hello! I had a thyroidectomy in Dec. 2018 due to an extremely enlarged thyroid from Graves. They found papillary sarcoma in two small tumors in the left lobe from the post operative pathology report.The thyroid surgeon said it in passing so quickly that I stopped her and said for her to repeat what she said. My mind was stuck on the word cancer. It wasn't given a stage, but it was all contained to the thyroid, so no further treatment was needed. Through the 10 yrs with Graves, I had several needle aspirations done for biopsy. It was all taken very casually and no big deal to others. For me, it was and still is. It's insane. It's still cancer even if only the "good cancer." I am glad you're okay, and please have continued health!

[@stevefabian477]

I give you so much credit for staying on task with extremely difficult tests and surgery

[@pamelarodriguez5234]

Thank you, Jenna! I have a nodule in my thyroid and was given a biopsy on that nodule. The biopsy result came out positive for Papillary carcinoma. I have a consultation in a few days with the surgeon. I'm so glad that I saw this video now! Thanks again!

[@mercy3219]

BTW: You are pretty amazing! To come through all of this to be able to tell your experience in such detail and still be so buoyant and kind in the telling!

[@leesacoles9154]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

[@laurenceandkarapeck2401]

Was just diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer 2 days ago. This was super helpful for asking questions moving forward. Thank you for posting!

[@ThePatientStory]

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, just glad that this helped! If you would like to hear from more people, feel free to check out: thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid.

[@RovingPunster]

Make sure you coordinate any surgery with an Endo doc (re: synthroid titration), both before and ASAP after, so that your thyroid hormone levels remain stable. My surgeon (name & affiliation witheld - it's not sloan) did a great job on the procedure itself (total thyroidectomy), but he didnt start me on synthroid, and instead had me wait 2 weeks before seeing my Endo, by which time my levels were crashing, and almost landed me in the ER. I could hear my Endo doc yelling at him on speaker phone all the way from the waiting room - I think my Endo was both angry and embarassed because he'd recommended the surgeon. Something to avoid. 😉 Anyway, if it's any reassurance, if you're gonna have cancer, papillary is one of the best ones to have, with regards to operability and survivability (95%+), and least malignant. It's about as 'good' as having cancer ever gets, so treat it as good news. In my case, the RAI wiped out anything that escaped the excision. 😏

[@brendabrown5457]

I was diagnosed with a papillary-folicular combo thyroid cancer in May, 2006.

[@brendabrown5457]

I began to see an endocrinologist right after the surgery, which took place across the entire summer. My first surgeon told me it looked like I did not have cancer. I changed surgeons immediately. I had had a FNP that was positive so I did not believe him. He also made a number of surgical mistakes so I was ready to change surgeons right away. The rest of my thyroid was removed and the type was diagnosed. I took radioactive iodine 100mg. It was good. I am glad it was over. But not really. I was glad to move to a better surgeon. It was a good decision. I loved my doctors and still do. I had 21 lymph nodes removed with 5 being positive.

[@ashley-lynnjohnston5903]

Did you have pain or any other symptoms that arent teally regularly talked about or on google?

[@herminiasalas6000]

Mayo Clinic did my surgery. No painkillers at all. All the drainage and procedure. I am blessed.

[@dineshwarisieudarsan8085]

Thank you for sharing your story. It was helpful 🙏.. God bless you

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@JALEX08]

Thank you for sharing your story, I just been diagnosed to papillary carcinoma of tyroid, I have to admit I’m scared.. you are very valiant and strong women god bless you

[@ThePatientStory]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis - if you are looking for more stories: www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid -Stephanie

[@traciprovins3221]

I have infertility and a life not worth living anyway as a result of the RAI that they promised me would not affect my eggs.

[@XxDellamorte]

Had Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma at age 6. Had a total thyroidectomy but found a growing lump in the same area in recent months at age 26. It's not a great experience, but it's so important to share them with people.

[@CharitysClarity]

It’s so stressful 😣 I’m in this group now . How are you doing now?

[@leesacoles9154]

She has a such a nice, soothing voice 🙂

[@tinajenkins8410]

I got my cancer diagnosis today. I'm digging for answers, and expectations. Nobody likes to be blind-sided. So, thank you for this video. It has helped, and at the same time, clued me in on some things I didn't know to expect.

[@aliyahossaini8772]

Hi. So now r u going for surgery? I have a lump biopsy result came atopical cells bethesta 3... refered to surgeon for thyroidectomy. I m very confused and scared.

[@tinajenkins8410]

@@aliyahossaini8772 I'm just opting for a lobectomy. Surgery is set for 2 weeks from today (9/5). I'm hoping I can be part of the 47% that won't need medication afterwards. I didn't want to lose my whole thyroid, since at the time of biopsy, it was still contained in the right lobe. I'm here if you need to talk 💜

[@traciprovins3221]

Just fyi I have infertility and a life not worth living anyway. Menopause expected at 38 and only one good egg from IVF I cannot pay back (only $450 from my go fund me for a $22k round. And need another round.) $600k in debt becoming a doctor. Had to leave medicine the month after I became a doctor bc residency does not allow time off for IVF. They promised me RAI would not affect my eggs. They couldn’t decide if I needed it and promised me. I am 37. At 29 I was diagnosed and had dead cancer cells around my lungs (mediastinum). I had the RAI ONLY BECAUSE I wanted kids and wanted to be sure I had done everybtinf to live a life unaffected by cancer moving forward. Now I have 2 natural miscarriages and only 1 good embryo. My eggs are s**t. They only got 7. I am 37 w menopause expected next year based on labs. I had miscarriages at 34 and 35. I am left w. A life not worth living without my miracle baby. A 20% chance at that. And 3 sui**de attempts, my last being last Mother’s Day. The doctors that told me it would not harm my eggs can go f themselves quite honestly. And I say that as a doctor. Worked in medical field for 10 years prior to med school and have 3 MS degrees. My dog is the only thing keeping me here. Best wishes. I want everyone to know about RAI. And also my aunt delayed her surgery by 3 months to find it had spread everywhere. She passed 9 months later. It is not always the “easy cancer.” You absolutely can die from it. And yes she had the routine pap variant. I had had 3 negative biopsies. One mid surgical that was negative, leading to a second surgery that week. Because the final path was + for pap ca. don’t bank on biopsies. Best wishes.

[@traciprovins3221]

@@aliyahossaini8772 Just fyi I have infertility and a life not worth living anyway. Menopause expected at 38 and only one good egg from IVF I cannot pay back (only $450 from my go fund me for a $22k round. And need another round.) $600k in debt becoming a doctor. Had to leave medicine the month after I became a doctor bc residency does not allow time off for IVF. They promised me RAI would not affect my eggs. They couldn’t decide if I needed it and promised me. I am 37. At 29 I was diagnosed and had dead cancer cells around my lungs (mediastinum). I had the RAI ONLY BECAUSE I wanted kids and wanted to be sure I had done everybtinf to live a life unaffected by cancer moving forward. Now I have 2 natural miscarriages and only 1 good embryo. My eggs are s**t. They only got 7. I am 37 w menopause expected next year based on labs. I had miscarriages at 34 and 35. I am left w. A life not worth living without my miracle baby. A 20% chance at that. And 3 sui**de attempts, my last being last Mother’s Day. The doctors that told me it would not harm my eggs can go f themselves quite honestly. And I say that as a doctor. Worked in medical field for 10 years prior to med school and have 3 MS degrees. My dog is the only thing keeping me here. Best wishes. I want everyone to know about RAI. And also my aunt delayed her surgery by 3 months to find it had spread everywhere. She passed 9 months later. It is not always the “easy cancer.” You absolutely can die from it. And yes she had the routine pap variant. I had had 3 negative biopsies. One mid surgical that was negative, leading to a second surgery that week. Because the final path was + for pap ca. don’t bank on biopsies. Best wishes.

[@traciprovins3221]

@@aliyahossaini8772 Just fyi I have infertility and a life not worth living anyway. Menopause expected at 38 and only one good egg from IVF I cannot pay back (only $450 from my go fund me for a $22k round. And need another round.) $600k in debt becoming a doctor. Had to leave medicine the month after I became a doctor bc residency does not allow time off for IVF. They promised me RAI would not affect my eggs. They couldn’t decide if I needed it and promised me. I am 37. At 29 I was diagnosed and had dead cancer cells around my lungs (mediastinum). I had the RAI ONLY BECAUSE I wanted kids and wanted to be sure I had done everybtinf to live a life unaffected by cancer moving forward. Now I have 2 natural miscarriages and only 1 good embryo. My eggs are s**t. They only got 7. I am 37 w menopause expected next year based on labs. I had miscarriages at 34 and 35. I am left w. A life not worth living without my miracle baby. A 20% chance at that. And 3 sui**de attempts, my last being last Mother’s Day. The doctors that told me it would not harm my eggs can go f themselves quite honestly. And I say that as a doctor. Worked in medical field for 10 years prior to med school and have 3 MS degrees. My dog is the only thing keeping me here. Best wishes. I want everyone to know about RAI. And also my aunt delayed her surgery by 3 months to find it had spread everywhere. She passed 9 months later. It is not always the “easy cancer.” You absolutely can die from it. And yes she had the routine pap variant.

[@holliss5]

I've just got over thyroid cancer and lymphoma, I'm doing OK I'm 84

[@ThePatientStory]

Beryl, that is so wonderful!

[@dianebaum5194]

Thank you ! Been worried because I’m 70 !

[@asmalegh]

@@dianebaum5194 hi , how are you doing ? Are u okay ? How was your sergery , treatment ?

[@kristyevans5305]

Thank you for sharing your story!! I am currently undergoing treatment for recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma. My cancer came back after 3 years. I had a total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma in 2017. They said there was less than 5% chance of reoccurrence. In November 2019, a “growth” was found on head/neck ultrasound. Then other “growths” were found in March 2020 and June 2020. With no change to some growths but an increase in size in one of the growths in September 2020, an ultrasound guided biopsy was performed in October 2020. The biopsy results showed recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma. I had a right and central complete neck dissection in November 2020. I am still currently undergoing treatment. Stay positive, girl. I am there with you in prayer and spirit. ♥️

[@kristyevans5305]

I’m glad you have remained cancer free. I pray that continues for you ❤️🙏❤️

[@ThePatientStory]

Kristy, thanks for your kind note! We are sending you the most positive vibes, as well! 🙏❤️

[@nuralisha9508]

Did u took RAI after first papilary cancer surgery? Pls let me knw

[@saimakhan9495]

@@kristyevans5305hi are you ok now

[@cwbyjnkies]

The “perfect health” comment is an indicator how well many patients sail through the procedures; however, the do say the younger, the more aggressive.

[@MintySnD]

I'm literally in the exact same position as Jenna was, I can relate entirely. I just had my CT scan to ensure its only in the lymph nodes and not in my chest, I find out on Thursday and will be meeting my surgeon. Definitely the most anxious I have been in my life, I'm newly married and I can't bare with the thought of leaving my wife so soon.

[@traciprovins3221]

Yes it is hard bc they can only see at surgery for sure what nodes are suspicious and where it is spread. I am both doctor and thyca patient. Unfortunately I chose to have the RAI bc it was in my mediastinal (chest) lymph nodes but not lungs. But the cancer cells there were dead. So pathologists all around the country consulted and decided to leave it up to me. I decided to do the RAI bc they promised me it would not affect my fertility and I said I want to have it bc I want to have kids soon, and be assured I did everything possible to live a life unaffected by the cancer. Here I am 37. $600k in debt from becoming a doctor. Wasted my good years becoming one to have to leave residency to try IVF aftwr 2 natural miscarriages w partners. I am now doing IVF alone w. A go fund me for my last round of IVF that gave me only 1 good embryo. Trying to pay back $22k that round cost me. Menopause is expected at 38-39 years old so I had to do it now, ready or not, leave medicine after finally becoming a doctor the month prior, and so it alone. I need another round so another $22k. My go fund me raised only $450. That treatment ruined my life and who knows if I needed it? And to say at least I have a life- even with therapy as required for IVF and I had therapy for 12 years regardless for anxiety before- a life without my miracle baby is not a life worth living for me. So the radiation will never be worth it. Idk what will happen. I have attempted suici3e 3x, last time last Mother’s Day after another miscarriage- and IVF is not covered and so unaffordable. My dog is the only thing keeping me here. The “good cancer” ruined mt life thus far. So every doctor that calls it “the good cancer” or “the cancer” you want can go f themselves. Just being honest. Also to my POS endo that told me it would not affect my eggs. I have only 7 eggs and they were shit quality bc I got only that 1 embryo w perfect $2,900 sperm from a reputable bank since I am now doing it alone.

[@Shubham_68276]

@@traciprovins3221 Hey , i am reall sorry to hear that,hope u r doing good now, my usg report says complex cyst on right thyroid and i scared as hell , and my physican doc sent me home after reading the impression in usg report which says colloidal cyst , but it also written thick well defined wall with echogenic debris , and i am scared as hell , can you guide me , i m just 24

[@tavarusfleming1879]

You are blessed 💕💞

[@sherlock6848]

I am myself an intern doctor, and I am also about to undergo a surgery on 30th November. I have been waiting for a month or so to get this surgery. Mine is also a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Actually this was helpful. High contrast IV CT was kinda scary. The sudden feeling of the IV contrast running through your vein to heart and to the whole body was kinda unexpected. Let’s be positive to all those who are going through these surgeries.

[@ThePatientStory]

Thanks for the work you do! Couldn't agree more with your message.

[@gmagam]

Was the CT done after or before surgery just found out my mom has papillary thyroid cancer we have an appt with the surgeon at the end of the month so I don't have a lot of info trying to get more info on the internet

[@sherlock6848]

@@gmagam the CT with contrast was done before the surgery to see if the cancer has spread to other organs in the neck or in the upper chest, fortunately in my case there was none, although sometimes it might not detect. And if the cancer has spread to elsewhere like lymph nodes and lungs then its an indication for radioactive iodine therapy after the surgery. One of the most important thing is since its winter season now, take good care of your mom after the surgery, don’t let her get any kind of cold or cough, coughing and sneezing after the surgery will be bad to the surgical wound. Its because the increased thoracic pressure during sneezing and coughing will stretch the wound from inside. And if the cancer has spread, you will need to do those CT scans again to confirm its not there anymore after the radiation therapy

[@gmagam]

@@sherlock6848 thank-you this is very informative. I hope you are well 🙏

[@chocoholicsue]

My endo has been great at allowing me to self adjust my synthroid. I alternate between 112 and 125. It took me almost three years to get to subclinical. I feel like me again. My pattern is 112 two days, then 125 then 112 two days. I do that four times, and then 125, 112,125 alternate, then back to four times pattern. Sounds confusing, but I keep track on my phone calendar. If I take 125 too much, I want to rip my brain out. I had 12 lymph nodes removed and thyroid. I do have some nerve damage in neck and face from the surgery. I also get dry mouth a lot. Thank you for sharing your experience. I did not feel like me for a long time. May God watch over you in your struggles💟

[@mares3841]

Recommend Paul Robinson's books about T3.

[@chocoholicsue]

@@mares3841 thanks. Will check out his books

[@Rebecca-1111]

I have stage 3 papillary thyca. I also have BRAFV600E. So had some tall cell variant. It's metastatic to lymph nodes. RAI doesn't work for me. I have been living 10yrs this October. Sending prayers. Curious they say there is no 3 or 4? Sloan is the best for thyroid.

[@carolinecutler9080]

Thank you for sharing. I found out that I have thyroid cancer a few days ago and of course have tons of questions. This helped answer a lot of those questions. Again, thank you.

[@ThePatientStory]

Caroline, we're so sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. If you want to hear from more people who've gone through thyroid cancer treatment, check out www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid. Sending you light and love.

[@leonoracavalieri8833]

@ Caroline Cutler, reach out to me if you have questions etc. I was diagnosed in 2018. I had my entire thyroid removed and 1 parathyroid and over 20 lymph nodes removed. I had 2 nodules, on each side of my thyroid, both had papillary cancer. 5 lyhmpnodes also had cancer. I had my FNA at NYU Langone and had surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

[@gmagam]

@@leonoracavalieri8833 old you comment on your experiences post surgery , what to expect and subsequently the use of thyroid medication and how that is going? Just found out this week my mom has thyroid cancer

[@gmagam]

🙏 I'm sorry to hear.

[@carolinecutler9080]

@@gmagam My surgery went a lot better than I expected. Half my thyroid was removed. Luckily I did not need radiation therapy. I’m feeling better and actually lost 14 pounds since my surgery since I’m more active now. I had one nodule that was 2cm and it was papillary cancer. I do not need thyroid medication since only half my thyroid was removed. Recover was about 3 weeks but not as uncomfortable as I thought it would be.

[@jenniferpadden3320]

Thank you for sharing your story Jenna. Such a frightening experience for you but it sounds like you’re doing ok. You’re a very articulate speaker. I am in the process of waiting for thyroid biopsy results from Sept 22. My ultrasound in Dec 2019 (is a yearly thing ) due to a cold nodule that they’ve been following for about 10 years. Well in March 2020 (3 mos after ultrasound), I get a call from the dr saying it’s a followup appt from the US. I found that so strange. Anyways the US shows a high risk for cancer due to a TiRad score of 8. I was shocked. Jenna, were you given a TiRad score after your ultrasound? If so, could you share what the score was?

[@christinestansberry9868]

OMG I see that is common. Mine was 4 months from US to biopsy. Now 10 days later I still don’t know results. I had to chase the doctor who is out for 2 weeks!

[@aliyahossaini8772]

What was ur result?

[@FarmallFanatic]

Yes keep busy...she is correct

[@rightmadmod9416]

She looked great to start.

[@traciprovins3221]

Also last thing besides the JP drains but I ran a week after surgery w about the same surgery. I wasn’t supposed to but also prided myself on having a high pain tolerance. Had a lot of swelling and pain but put ice on it. Just trying to add things as a doctor in addition to thyca pt. Many of us are also on hormone replacement prior to surgery bc many of us had Hashimoto’s before. The synthroid definitely never matches true hormone and I have never felt the same. That is prob the worst part for me. I’ve been totally exhausted since my second surgery to recover from my other side beinf removed. Oh also I had the low iodine diet was horrific and I had 14 days of it every year for scans….I did that every year. My tumor marker was at 0 before treatment and scans were negative. I was exhausted from not eating. And you have to be all alone bc of the iodine. And then you have a scan a week later to make sure the iodine all absorbed. I didn’t have to stay and drink water. But I had to be completely alone. I had to move up to Erie to my apt and not even be near y dog. I had to live totally alone for 10 days. THE RAI RUINED MY EGGS AND HAS RUINED MY LIFE. Please don’t listen to this for everyone. That’s all in another comment.

[@brendabrown5457]

I remember searchingly through the internet every night for hours and hours. Finally I decided that I had enough info and it was time to take a break from all this searching. I had enough info and it was time to determine how to live with this diagnosis. I decided to take one day at a time. Just walk through this one day, one step at a time. And I am still doing that.

[@herminiasalas6000]

Have no fear.

[@abhinavtiwari9219]

What's ur tsh report are they normal or high

[@nanayhazel6240]

I have 9 thyroid cancer and lymphoma I will meet my doc tomorrow to plan the next step🙏🏼😢 im 42

[@aliyahossaini8772]

Send good vibes and prayers

[@thefamilysocialworker8778]

you're right that thyroid cancer does not seem to be taken as seriously. While I understand this from a medical standpoint, from a human standpoint, it sucks sometimes to feel like it's being minimized. I recently had a thyroid ultrasound and i have 4 nodules, one of which was classified as a TIRADS 4, which means moderately concerning for malignancy but the recommendation was for me to follow up in a year. there is no way i can wait a year - apparently my mass is only 1.1 cm and they typically won't biopsy unless it's 1.5 cm - i feel like with any other cancer risk, they would not be waiting a year. Again, medically i understand the rationale but as a person, it's difficult for me to wait a year. I speak with my doctor tomorrow and i'm going to push for a second opinion on if it's a good to wait or not.

[@CharitysClarity]

It’s the wait lists right now we are in a serious mess. Please get a different opinion maybe 2 and get it done, you know your body! They did this with me with my cousin and it didn’t end so nicely, life was turned upside down over.. if she waited the year she wouldn’t be here, it was small but it aired, and spread fast; grew an so did other masses . Of course it’s not always this way but if you feel something’s off advocate for yourself, 🙏 hope your doing ok

[@thefamilysocialworker8778]

thanks. yes the waiting is a nightmare for many - i was able to get a referral to an ENT and i have my biopsy on March 6 so fingers crossed@@CharitysClarity

[@jessicab.6606]

Just a month ago I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Ca on both sides. My Thyroidectomy was at Sloan also. Dr. Shaha did mine.. Im 33 yrs old. Your story sounds like mine. Idk thou they said Im stage 1 but on my pathology it says metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma after surgery. I had it in my lymph nodes also. I had it done Sept. 27th , 2 weeks ago. Im waiting for an appt. with an endocrinologist my next step. Your story gives me hope thank you. If you have any advice please let me know.

[@ThePatientStory]

Jessica, glad to hear Jenna's story resonated and that you are on the other side of surgery. Here are some more stories that may be helpful → www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid/. Thinking of you! -Stephanie

[@bobbiemauk1879]

This was great. You need T3 also to make you feel good. Synthetic hormone is just T4. Maybe you have already found this out by now. You might have to go to a functional medicine dr.

[@user-bl6ld3wi2p]

How many times take it radiocative idion plz

[@traciprovins3221]

I’m not sure what pathologist you had, but mine had spread to worse nodes, and mine was stage 1. I’m also a doctor. I wasn’t even upset when they told me Friday at 5:30pm that the final report showed cancer even though the biopsies were all negative. I thought I’d have my thyroid out and that’s it. I knew from schooling in MS degrees prior to med school that it was “the food cancer.” I didn’t even think about it. I couldn’t wait for surgery. I didn’t make a big deal out of the appointments or finding the best doctors like this. I am wondering if this girl (am only here 30:00 ) had it in her lungs or bones or something. I told them I didn’t need to stay in the hospital lol. As I couldn’t wait for my surgery. I’m surprised they didn’t give her versed prior to surgery to prevent the emotions. We give it to every pt prior to wheeling them back. And my mom did not stay after but she left me a sandwich I wasn’t supposed to eat lol. We come in still in plain clothes that early in the morning lol. Thyca pts don’t usually get referred to cancer centers. We are just referred to endos. It (the cancer but moreso the tx) totally ruined my life whixh i mentioned in another comment. My aunt had delayed surgery by 3 months and it spread everywhere. She passed not a year later. I also had nodes affected around my lungs and waited 6 months to finish year before medical school…and no lymph nodes were affected prior. Negative biopsies.

[@traciprovins3221]

Yes it was stage 2 not from the neck nodes and it is stage 2 bc of the mediastinal & lung met. But probably only know this as a doctor. They knew something tho at the biopsy to send someone w thyroid cancer to Sloan. That’s a serious place and most go to endo. They also place JP drains (what she’s talking about w her neck before 41:18 ) w every thyroidectomy, regardless of whether nodes were removed or not. I’ve treated thyroidectomy pts as well as having been one. Every single one has JP drains. Also the “perfect health” comment was probably to assure you you’re able to have the surgery. I couldn’t wait to leave the hospital and told them I didn’t need to be there lol.

[@traciprovins3221]

Also the JP drains didn’t hurt for me at all. Take a deep breath and it just feels weird to breathe. It depends on how many lymph nodes are removed. My drains didn’t bother me at all. Don’t let other people’s experiences scare you!!! The neck is also the only place you can have 99 nodes removed and drain lymph just fine. Unlike arms, groin etc. JP drains are like little grenades and suck the blood out. You want serisanginous fluid to drain, and just clip them to your gown.

[@smpal6626]

Did you ever have stomach symptoms? I have had severe stomach pain and nausea for a year. During that time they found out I had large nodules and a biopsy was inconclusive. I had a complete thyroidectomy 8 days ago and I was told yesterday that I have papillary thyroid cancer (not sure on the staging). This sounds weird but I really want the stomach symptoms to be related to the cancer because that means there is a chance it will leave. I have had every stomach test you can think of and am down to 6 foods I can tolerate.

[@ThePatientStory]

Jenna is unable to respond to these comments but we have a collection of thyroid cancer survivor stories that may be helpful: www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid/

[@angstrom1058]

There is no good cancer. I'm just starting my journey. I had hyperparathyroid issues, my first throat slitting. In that process they found a "nodule". I had a follow up ultrasound and the tumor had grown 3 times the size and scored a TR-5, highly suspicious for malignancy. I'm now waiting for my FNA biopsy in 3 weeks. Oh the wait...

[@RovingPunster]

I had the exact same cancer 12 yrs ago. I had a full thyroidectory and RAI.

[@ThePatientStory]

Wow, 12 years ago! So glad you are doing well and thank you for sharing.

[@RovingPunster]

@@ThePatientStory You're very welcome, and TY.

[@Adem19811]

Are u ok now? And are u on meds for thyroid???

[@sexydrea1979]

This sounds like my story I'm getting my fna on this Wednesday after the holidays ..Wow

[@ThePatientStory]

Sending you positive vibes!

[@alonemast409]

i went through same, i had papillary thyroid carcinoma, my thyroid was removed in 2012 and cancer reoccurred in 2014 and treated again. its painful.

[@ThePatientStory]

Vipul, sounds like you're on the other side of things. So glad to hear.

[@evukirasoi691]

It occurred again but in which part

[@alonemast409]

@@evukirasoi691 in the neck, it was spread in level 3 and 2nd time was in level 2.

[@evukirasoi691]

@@alonemast409 is it possible sir, that it can come back after thyroid surgery..

[@evukirasoi691]

And how it treated again wen it happnd again with you

[@tinacobera9485]

I I'm also a thyroid cancer patient 😔 I also had a surgery for a total thyroidectomy. And now I need to take a radio active iodine Therapy.. Bt I don't have enough money for that😔

[@aliyahossaini8772]

Govt hospital dont do that? Which country r u from?

[@lemuelcruz247]

Hi! Was wondering if anyone here who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer would be willing to talk to me? I'm getting my thyroid ultrasound tomorrow and I'm scared...

[@ThePatientStory]

Hi Lemuel, apologies for not having seen this sooner. We are working on a program to help connect patients but it's not up yet. In the meantime, maybe more stories can help: thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid

[@aliyahossaini8772]

Everything is fine?

[@pumpkinBOOlatte90]

I had papillary thyroid staged at a stage 3 that spread to my lymph nodes. Stage 3 does exist for papillary

[@Shubham_68276]

so how r u doing now?

[@herminiasalas6000]

No radioactive treatment needed 2015. I am doing great. No recurrence. Lev.treatment..

[@nicashaneeligio1345]

Hi congrats ...my mom have pappilary tyhroid cancer stage 2.....can i ask how many months did you know that you are thyroid cancer free?thank you inadvance godbless you....

[@gmagam]

I want to know that too. Just found out my mom has papillary thyroid cancer also.

[@ThePatientStory]

Almost three years for Jenna! Check the rest of our thyroid stories here: www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid/

[@ThePatientStory]

Almost three years for Jenna! Check the rest of our thyroid stories here: www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/thyroid/

[@pr-tk5cc]

For everyone who has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer... Did you have lower stomach pain, leg pain, hitchy leg,..

[@scarofhope]

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2012. I had four sessions of Radioactive iodine therapy already. And now, everyday I am also suffering from those pains you've mentioned. For almost 10 years battling with cancer, I am still hoping one day I'll be declared cancer free.

[@tihpromotions]

Mindset is important

[@nadiasawda3782]

Hi what is the full name of the doctor? I want to see him too

[@ThePatientStory]

Hi Nadia, we believe it's Dr. Richard Wong at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. Best of luck!

[@rtru9801]

Did the interviewer just actually question this patient in an accusatory way towards the endocrinologist concerning an imaginary and inconsequential delay of time from an ultrasound of her thyroid to the telling her I think you should have biopsies of the nodules, and this patient like goes along with the interviewer saying he’s not my doctor any more, are you serious, do you have a clue how many people have nodules in there thyroids, they base recommending a biopsy on several things, it’s not an emergency procedure, the endocrinologist may not even be the one who did that, usually radiologists do, and they inform the endocrinologist, either one of them could have been asking a colleague what they thought, waiting on an answer, or it could have just taken a few days, or just dealing with other patients, the fact that she got the ultrasound in three days from seeing the doctor is pretty quick to start with, you can usually wait several weeks for an appointment to get an ultrasound, this isn’t an episode of House, and if it were she wouldn’t even have had an opportunity to being his patient, the fact that these patients have to deal with all the aspects of this illness is drama enough and loaded with problems and issues for many, don’t need to create drama in your interviews or allow the patient to where none is called for

[@julial3325]

This is why eating fish is seaweed is so important as ots rich in iodine, very healthy for thyroid function

[@corithelioness]

Did you have pain in the thyroid area ? I feel like it’s like someone hit me in my adams Apple . And I feel it all day . I hope my question finds you well.

[@harmoni4499]

Usually thyroid cancer doesn't have pain. I think yours probably benign.Mostly benigh thyroid lump, about 95%....

[@tavarusfleming1879]

So pretty I'm from nj

[@user-bl6ld3wi2p]

Any bodys says what are followup . Thiried cancer

[@Ravisonirko]

I read tht thyroid cancer survivor have just 5 year life after treatment i read tht on google is it true plz guide me plz plz

[@alonemast409]

I don't think so, my surgery was in 2012 and march 2014 and I'm healthy.

[@thasni...7831]

No it's wrong

[@nilopherakbar6106]

No human can predict lives.. this type of cancer is highly curable than any other cancer.. stay positive.. there are the survey that these patients are living long… google can’t answer exactly for these type of question

[@mares3841]

Please see researcher Paul Robinson's books about T3; Dr Sircus' medical review books on iodine and magnesium; Sally K Norton MPH book on oxalates Toxic Superfoods. All will help you feel better🙏

[@tavarusfleming1879]

My mom died from it 🤔😓

[@michah321]

I'm really sorry. That is so crazy.

[@deewagner4999]

Endocrinologist do not seem to care about thyroid they seem to be more into diabetes

[@seleldjdfmn221]

big up! Who do You look up to? Also, let's be Friends x3

[@annettecantu3826]

Guess she has ne er been to a children's hospital