Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Story at 23: My Second Cancer Diagnosis in my 20s

[@silviemarksilverstein3031]

Dear Becky: No one knows your body better than you! Bravo to you for constantly advocating for yourself. The thyroid diagnosis on top of what you have already been through--there are not enough words to express how upset I was to hear that. However, I am thrilled that the thyroid cancer is gone and you can continue to look forward to going back to school. You are a true champion in every sense Adversity does make us stronger. You handled each diagnosis with strength, determination and class. You are not only a survivor, you are a winner. You inspire us all in so many ways. Thank you for being you!! Love, Silvie 🤗🤗👍👍💛💛

[@beckyshields]

Thank you Silvie for so kind words❤️ on to bigger and better things!

[@heartbeatviews]

Sending love your way. I went through double mysectomy breast cancer and now I may have cancer again and I came across your channel ❤

[@helenbotelho285]

OH Becky, I'm so sorry to hear this however, my 2 sister-in-laws and a couple of other people I know have had thyroid cancer and they recovered nicely and are cancer free many years later. I will pray for you dear girl. Stay strong!

[@beckyshields]

Thank you for your encouraging words I really appreciate it❤️ I am thankful of clear margins and I got the surgery when I did and it’s encouraging to hear success stories of recovery

[@shellabaccus2462]

Becky, your intelligence and maturity are evident with every word you speak. You are going to be a remarkable physician. What a blessing you are to all of us, in so many ways. ❤

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much this put a smile on my face❤️

[@theresaandrus9528]

Becky it’s incredible that at your age you know how to listen carefully to your ‘gut instincts’. I wish I knew how to do that much earlier in my own life. My heart feels for you that you had to go through this especially at this point. I’m so glad you decided early on to have the surgery. I’m not sure I would have had the courage and strength to make that same decision which speaks volumes of what a strong, brave (and smart) young woman are. Very informative video of your journey, thank you for sharing it.

[@angelaschweyer5462]

Sweetheart, you are going to be one of the best doctor's out there!! Thank you for your story and being courageous! I'm now waiting on my FNA for a thyroid nodule. Everything on the US points to high risk - cancer. I'm very anxious waiting. I too was told that 90% of thyroid nodules are non- cancerous. It's hard to think that yours is going to be when the characteristics of the nodule is showing to be on the cancerous side. Thank you for your encouragement to be my own advocate and not back down if I feel something isn't right. Jesus bless you!!❤

[@barbaranelson5177]

I’m shocked , this took so long and such a struggle, but Thank You Jesus for healing quickly

[@beckyshields]

It’s been a long road but I’m thankful for the best outcome❤️

[@happysagiblessed7725]

Thank you honey I am going in for my partial thyroidectomy March 28th 2023. I have had 2 fine needle biopsies done on the nodule and then another grew right next to it and dr says follicular suspicious cell needs to go but couldn't tell me without surgery if it's cancer or not. I must go but I have had so many reservations. Thank you for your honesty and 💪 strength. It really does help. All I keep thinking is , "oh this is probably so unnecessary", but after you got your results reality set it in and for the first time I understand I must do this in hopes that it is benign and not take foolish chances I have waited a year already and it's growing so yeah, like it or not it's time to put on my big girl pants and be brave. Thanks again. Much Love and Blessings, Stay Strong ! 💪 😇🙏

[@marieoconnell8249]

Wishing you all the very best . I'm waiting for an appointment for to remove right side of my thyroid .

[@happysagiblessed7725]

Update: I want to share this in case anyone else was on the fence like me about having a partial thyroidectomy when 2 biopsies now on nodules couldnt give a difinitive answer. I had my partial thyroidectomy on March 28th, frozen section came back. I do indeed have thyroid cancer, papillary carcinoma which is pretty curable I have read depending if it hasnt gotten into your lymphnodes. I am on day 7 of recovery and won't see my surgeon for another week to talk about what is next. I hope he got it all out and it has not metastasized. I think it's odd my appt is so far out also I think it strange my endocrinologist has not contacted me , no blood work ? Anyway ,glad I went through with it,I was totally against it, good thing I had a change of heart. Peace and love to all.❤

[@happysagiblessed7725]

Mary thinking of you .I hope all went well for you. 🙏

[@heidi1651]

Ah Becky, I’m sorry you had to receive another cancer diagnosis. I can imagine just how much that must have felt and to see it online too. Hospitals really need to figure how to more tactfully use these portals. We really shouldn’t be reading we have cancer or any other serious issue. Im so glad that they got it out and you’re done w it. Keep listening and acting on your intuition. It will serve both you and your patients will. Lots of air hugs and love to you! 💕

[@beckyshields]

Yes I agree with you it’s definitely not something to find out in the portal. Thank you for your kind words it means the world and I hope you are feeling well❤️

[@heyjo2984]

Hi Becky, thank you so much for your video, your time and frankness. My 17yr old son was recently diagnosed with his 2nd cancer - Thyroid, FNA - Pappilary, and hes just had a total thyroidectomy and nodes, currently awaiting the pathology. I found this video educating myself and want to highlight your most important message of self advocacy. This can be the biggest challenge in these trying times. Much love to you for sharing your experience. ❤

[@beckyshields]

I’m so sorry to hear your son is going through it I hope he is recovering well and that you are both taking care of yourselves, sending lots of hugs your way❤️

[@PriscillaAlford]

I think your son is very lucky to have a parent like you. I so hope your son has had a cancer free results . I am glad that the surgery is behind him. I am going to have s biopsy on my nodule next week. I have had Graves for a while because the medicine to reduce it made me very sick.

[@darlenepietzak9847]

Becky, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks that you had to read that news on your own. I too always read what is sent to my portal. I am glad that you are cancer free now and will pray that you will get to school and have a good future. You are a strong woman. ❤🌹

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much for your kind words and your thoughts and prayers❤️

[@cardero1952]

What a wonderful video for you to share with us all. Your thyroid journey has sure been long and now that it is behind you, I’m so excited to follow your school journey! You also are a great advocate for others to take care of their own symptoms and keep pushing for tests because like you said, you know your body the best when something isn’t right. Have fun shopping for school! 🍁

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much for your kind words❤️ yes very excited to move on and start school!

[@wifeocaster]

You will overcome this, Becky. Here’s wishing you the easiest and fastest recovery possible. Big hugs. ❤️🤗❤️

[@beckyshields]

Thank you❤️ on to bigger and better things!

[@maryguliuk8931]

Thank you for being an encouragement! You know so much and will be an excellent doctor! Blessings!!

[@roseconnolly2277]

Dear Becky, thank you for sharing your story. My story is similar. I'm a 67 year old retired nurse diagnosed with 2 aggressive uterine cancers May 2020. Treated with chemo and radiation. While on a follow up visit with the oncologist I mentioned that I had developed a small lump near my Adams apple which I thought may be a lymph node. He dismissed it. A year later the lump was bigger and on another follow up visit I again mentioned the lump to the oncologist who again dismissed it saying uterine cancer does not go to your neck. Because the oncologist wasn't concerned I wasn't overly concern either. While having a dental check up I mentioned the lump to the dentist while she was doing an oral exam. I have to thank her because she said you really should have that checked. I made appointment with family doctor who ordered an ultra sound of my neck which was done Nov 2022. It came back as a complex cyst. I got booked with an ENT doctor in March 2023 and had a FNA in April 2023 which was inconclusive and had to be repeated. Results in June 2023 were suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer. I was referred to a head and neck oncologist. after a CT scan and another ultra sound. I'm waiting to be booked for surgery to remove the right thyroid lobe. It's be over 2 years since I found the lump. BECKY YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT - YOU HAVE TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF. I kind of kick myself for not getting a second opinion sooner. So far uterine cancer is clear. Becky my mom was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis when she was in her late forties, she is now 91. Good luck with school and your health journey.

[@FarmallFanatic]

How many CM was the nodule or lump?

[@roseconnolly2277]

1.5 cm but borders were unclear where it was adjacent to a small muscle making me not a candidate for RFA @@FarmallFanatic

[@roseconnolly2277]

Sorry I didn't see your message until now. Went from the size of a peppercorn almost 4 years ago to slightly bigger than a marble now. Had molecular testing done dec13/23 hadn't got booked to discuss results until Mar 4/24. Hopefully I'll get booked for surgery soon. Way too slow!@@FarmallFanatic

[@FarmallFanatic]

@@roseconnolly2277 very slow

[@veroniquebarraud4518]

Dear Becky, Such a hard time again! You sooooo deserve to hit the road of ur life in peace! But that will be the case now You are unstoppable, strong and stronger by all u had to go through and to fight ! You are a fantastic person Thank you for the example you are setting for all of us Bise Véronique

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much for your kind words❤️❤️

[@jessicagibson2475]

Hi Becky! Just found your channel and our stories are crazy similar, I am actually in awe right now as I follow your videos (exceptions being I don’t have Myasthenia Gravis, my cancer was cervical and I didn’t get to freeze my eggs 😔). Otherwise I’ve heard many the same things you did. I will have my partial thyroidectomy next Tuesday and praying to hear benign. I also just want to say I hope I never hear how strong I am ever again as I’m ready for my happy ever after…I know you feel me on this! Proud of you and I wish you your happy ever after too x

[@TinathePomMom]

I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in my right lobe. I wasn't told I had a nodule in my left lobe also. I thought I had 3 nodules all in my right side, but after I had the right side removed, I was told about the left. The endocrinologist said "Radiologically, speaking, it was insignificant. But now,, pathologically, it is." Yay for me! I've opted to wait it out a year, to see if it grows. Praying it doesn't. I'm glad you are doing well.

[@FarmallFanatic]

Did they give you a size as far as your nodules?

[@TinathePomMom]

@@FarmallFanatic They did. The largest one in my right lobe, was about an inch (2.5 cm). The one in my left side still, was around 1.1cm 4 months ago.

[@FarmallFanatic]

@tinajenkins8410 They're watching mine right now. They have them listed as all subcentimeter nodules. I go back in April for another ultrasound, so we will see.

[@TinathePomMom]

@@FarmallFanatic I hope it stays small and benign, for you 💜

[@FarmallFanatic]

@tinajenkins8410 Thank you...I've pretty much mentally prepared myself for a thyroidectomy. If less happens, I will be pleasantly surprised. April is the know something date. I'm already taking synthroid, so it's not like having to take a pill the rest of my life is in the equation at all.

[@karenbemister2653]

I really hate to call anyone STRONG who goes through cancer diagnosis because you have no choice but to be but...Becky, you are Strong, You are Brave, You are Amazing. You are the best advocate not only for yourself but for all of us who have the C word and for all people who have health issue that they maybe ignoring or "not worrying" about it because their Dr told them it is nothing. As hard as it can be, your positive attitude shines a bright light which we all get to bask in and I than you for it.

[@beckyshields]

Thank you Karen truly ❤️ hate the C word! I also remember one of my Sick Kids nurses who told me that I am my best advocate for my health and it’s stuck with me ever since

[@shelleyhill3163]

I had a surprising thyroid cancer diagnosis as well. They operated and took out the right half. The first pathology report said no cancer so they sewed me up. But after a more in depth pathology look, it was found that it was cancer and 2 lymph nodes were involved. They decided I needed a 1 time dose of radiation but that meant more surgery to take out the other half so the radiation would work. That side on ultrasound showed nothing but after pathology looked at it they found more cancer. I felt like you. How long had I had this cancer and not known? I credit my radiologist for saving my life. She pushed the surgeon to take it out. Wishing you all the best at school. You will be a great naturopath ❤️

[@beckyshields]

I’m so sorry you had to go through that but glad to hear you radiologist advocated for you and pushed for the right treatment. Thank you I appreciate your kind words❤️

[@arlynesikon8822]

Becky thank you for sharing once again . That wasn't a good way to find out I guess you already knew something was going on qwith your thyroid . I m glad you advocate for yourself to get things done for your betterment. I think you'll make a good naturopathic Doctor also . You've reminded me that hard things we all can do ! It's just another snag in yourcancer journey /story as people want to callthe bigC.💖💖💖!!! Prayers for you and your family!! You're an inspiration for me in all your endeavors. !!! I m glad the cancer was removed and you're able to start school soooo soon!!💗💗💗💗💗🥰 Thank you so much Arlyne S....

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much for your kind words❤️❤️

[@arlynesikon8822]

Aww you're welcome 😊🥰💖💖💖💖

[@peggysue7898]

You are an amazingly strong, amazing woman! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much for such kind words❤️

[@AciremaEno]

Wow! Thank you

[@eileenlester4342]

Oh becky, I'm so very sorry to hear this. Healing prayers continue for you. I do know several people who had the same thing when your age and are doing just fine many years later. I pray the same for you. 🙏💜🙏

[@beckyshields]

Thank you I really appreciate your kind and encouraging words❤️ just another bump in the road and it’s out of there so I’m thankful I decided to get the surgery this summer

[@eileenlester4342]

@@beckyshields Yes. It was definitely the right thing to do. 💜

[@tuscansam1631]

Becky you are so brave to share your story Well wishes

[@marievickers7848]

Wishing you speedy recovery. New subscriber from England.

[@fazeea8184]

Wishing you all that’s good. Complete recovery and success in your educational venture. Been diagnosed with Papillary thyroid ca. 10/22. Been referred for surgery, which I have not had as yet. Will be watching for yr videos. You are so young, Be Well. Hugs!

[@joanbeach644]

Oh Becky so sorry you have to go through this! Praying for you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@beckyshields]

Thank you❤️

[@Katwinser1958]

Awe that is so sad. You are in my prayers.

[@mkrp4]

If cancer is limited to the nodule (and lymph nodes are normal) , second surgery may not be necessary.\ Sending you BIG BIG hugs!!

[@beckyshields]

Yes my doctor confirmed I don’t need further surgery so very encouraging 🥰 thank you for your kind words!

[@jenniferthompson6280]

you are one very strong and inspiring young woman..been following your story and can't get over how incredible you are. to face your struggles at such and early age but continue to go for your goals is so amazing . sending you love and light.

[@beckyshields]

thank you so much for this you are so kind🥰

[@dairbatandon8632]

Yea for you going to be a naturopathic doctor!!! I have an over 2 cm nodule actually over an inch on my RT thyroid small nodule on LT having a FNA in 4 days. I have very little hope that is benign too many other symptoms although normal labs. Nobody listens I think you will be a good listener. Thanks for sharing!

[@beckyshields]

Good luck with you fine needle aspiration! Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and I hope that you get answers to your symptoms and a good treatment plan

[@jensjourney8184]

Wow Becky! You’ve had me in tears 😭 sorry about ur second diagnosis 🤗 but so happy and inspired by your attitude and love of learning and life! ‘I’m proud of my scars-they remind me I’m unstoppable’ Love it 🥰 What a woman! 💪🏼 Big love from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Jen x

[@beckyshields]

Thank you for your kind words❤️🥰

[@connietabak7730]

You will be an amazing Doctor💕🇨🇦

[@beckyshields]

that is so kind thank you so much :)

[@connietabak7730]

@@beckyshields 💕💕

[@karendeakin9628]

I’m so sorry just when you thought you were through this hoping the future at medical school will be bright love from uk

[@beckyshields]

Thank you so much❤️

[@mgm7697]

Oh dearest Becky! I am so sorry but glad you finally got it taken care of. You are in my prayers …..love, mg I have been so busy the last 30 days that I haven’t checked in or talked even to family either. Will keep watch on upcoming news. I too am having issues with fatigue. They keep telling me, like you, it’s probably myasthenia. I have a new myasthenia doctor who started a whole new diagnosis for me. The first doctor said I had Achr positive myasthenia. Well it’s not but actually I am sero-negative myasthenia. Finally a doctor who cares! I see the thyroid doctor too in November. Will see….but yes you really have to advocate for ourselves. You will be a really good doctor with all this experience! Now….go get a new haircut! Lol…I need one too…as my hair has grown out like yours! More soon….I will keep watch for the new video!

[@beckyshields]

I’m so happy you got the right diagnosis as I know from research I’ve done about the different types of MG seronegative needs to be treated differently. Hopefully with this new discovery it helps you feel better and I am also happy to hear you are getting your thyroid checked. After the fact I was told it is common for people with MG to have thyroid issues. Yes I am getting a hair cut later this week but you probably won’t see it for a couple videos from now! I’m excited to get it cut for school

[@marieoconnell8249]

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey. Sending best wishes to you and hope you are doing great now

[@beckyshields]

thank you I appreciate your kind words 🥰

[@FarmallFanatic]

Doctors do a lot of dismissing when it comes to thyroid issues...it's really quite sad. They delayed you at least 6 months more than they should have..sad. Glad you're ok now.

[@jasminmenzies9759]

When I found the lump on my neck, I went to my family doctor and the walk-in clinic. Both said there was nothing to worry about. I thought I was overthinking it and left it alone for a few months. One day, my little sister told me I should get a third opinion. Finally, this doctor is actually taking it seriously and booked me for a blood test and a screening. She suspects I have hyperthyroidism.

[@rhays615]

After over two years of advocating to have my rapidly growing thyroid removed, after several FNAs at great expense, I finally got a doctor to listen. He took one look at me and agreed that it should come out because of the obstruction. After surgery to remove a tumor the size of a tennis ball, the tissue was tested and showed cancer. I’m glad I advocated for myself and didn’t give up. So many doctors just dismissed me. 😔

[@sharonteetzel1968]

Will be praying for you 🙏❤️

[@kaffrn]

I had a fine needle biopsy today and I’m so worried for my journey ahead. You’re so strong for everything you’ve been through, I really appreciate this video 🤍

[@beckyshields]

Thank you🥰 I hope you get your results soon and that it is the best possible outcome🤍

[@FarmallFanatic]

How big were your nodules? They won't do a FNA on mine because they said they're too small...under 1CM

[@kaffrn]

@@FarmallFanaticI have only one large one which is 4cm. I had my first biopsy and it came back fine. So they just did another and I’m awaiting the results!! They may just monitor the module if it’s really small to see if it gets any bigger over time. They told me that most people have nodules of some sort but just don’t know about them/will never find them as they aren’t troublesome!!

[@juliette2729]

Hiya Becky! We are neighbors - I'm from Scarborough! I am so very sorry for all that you've been through. It doesn't feel like it's fair that one person be burdened by so much. You remind me so much of myself, though, with your mental strength+ thirst for knowledge. I'd like to tell you about "Adam: The Healer"- a young man able to heal people by meditating over their picture. He's written 4 books telling people how to heal themselves. I encourage you to research more about him through the internet. Stay strong darling! I'll write again soon + am subscribed. 👍🇨🇦🤓

[@beckyshields]

Thank you for your kind words❤️

[@nubiahinojosa1904]

Blessings 🙏

[@JacquelineHageberg]

I was just diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and Drs have put my nodule off for 3 years. I'm so angry

[@fatimamelo3858]

You are so smart beautifull and sweet...I have 2 sisters who have problems with this gland! How long does it take to recover the voice ,my sister had the tyroid taken out more than a month and I cannot understand nothing that she says...her busband says she is taking a shot in a month and in a few days she will have her voice back!? Is this possible?

[@beckyshields]

This is so kind thank you🥰 as everyone is different I don’t have the answer to that. My voice never fully disappeared, it was really hard to talk a few days after but within a week or so it was back to normal. Hopefully she has improved!

[@kareencifuentes1201]

My dear Becky you are so wise despite of your age, all you said us true no one else know your body better than you, I don’t understand why took so long in this diagnosis, if this exams are the the firsts that doctors recommend, so happy that the surgery is done, you will be fine 🙏🏻, I really would be happy to live near you and give you a big hug, I’m with you from a distance but with all my heart , I have deal with three different things like you I was so happy that my treatment had finished and sudendly something new appeared , so here I am with no friends, no social life, only my husband and my three sons, life is so hard sometimes but thats why Im here for you, take care , be safe,hugs 🤗

[@beckyshields]

I’m so sorry that is all happening to you. Just know that you are not alone even though it may seem lonely at times, I’m sending you a huge virtual hug🤗❤️ thank you for your kind words❤️

[@CoffeeAndPrayerWithJoyce-fc9wx]

Hello.......CAN YOU TELL IF SOMEONE HAVE THYROID CANCER FROM THE ARM BLODD TEST? thanks

[@justintodd8475]

You got be strong

[@rhondawhatley1591]

Omg baby girl I'm so so sorry

[@beckyshields]

❤️❤️

[@Stepjack2024]

What kind of cancer did you had? What were the measurements of your nodules? How many lymph nodes did they took out? Was your surgeon an ent or oncologist. Sorry for all this questions. I was diagnosed with a nodule in 2013,they will ultrasound each year. 10 years later,exactly one week ago,had a partial thyrodectomy,and pathology confirmed variant papillary carcinoma,also says follicular. ENT did a biopsy,but came up neoplasm,so ent did not know it eas cancer. He told me it was a size of a golf bad,2 tumors in left side,one tumor inside each other,1st tumor 3.9cm,2nd tumor almost 3cm. He only took 5 lymph nodes,but had this tumors for 10 years,they eaited until it grew to a golf ball. So he ask me if I wanted to get the other side remove,or to monitor if cancer comes back. So we decided to monitor. I'm just worried cause what if it spread to other lymp nodes,cause I had this for 10 years. And Dr,found out it was cancer afyer surgery,because of pathology report. I have children,and my youngest is 2 years old.What kind of surgeon did your surgery? How many lymph nodes did you got removed? What was the named of your thyroid cancer? What where the measurements of your nodules.? Hoping you answer,my surgery was a week ago,and after surgery dr found it was cancer,he did not know.

[@beckyshields]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. While I can't give medical advice I understand the worry. Each person's case is different and my advice as a patient is to continue to advocate for yourself and ask all these questions to your surgeon. I've had two types of cancer and although it can feel exhausting to speak up it is so important and makes a world of a difference to get the care that you need. If you are concerned about something bring it up with them. If you have doubts about something that they recommend also bring that up. Never be afraid to speak what is on your mind when it comes to your health. My surgeon had a specialty in endocrinology and I am followed up now by an endocrinologist. I'm sending you a big hug and hoping that you get the clarity you need and the plan that is right for you!

[@danielleperry26]

Doctor Kanayo Peterson's KZbin channel is forever etched in my memory, I wish to thank you for helping me relieve my hiv and aids symptoms with your herbal medicine for two weeks. Through you, I became hopeful that I could live again.

[@jenkilgore77]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@beckyshields]

❤️❤️

[@user-bw1rb2wx4s]

💜

[@beckyshields]

🥰❤️

[@karenkayser6248]

So what came first your thyroid cancer or your uterine cancer, hmm

[@beckyshields]

I guess we will never know without an ultrasound back then. I’ve heard thyroid cancer grows slow so hard to say

[@ivetabombalova3933]

​@@beckyshields Regarding your uterine cancer, please follow the instructions in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJa6dH6vh792hJY By the way, 10:55 means big changes on horizon. (5+5=10) when you dee a multiple 5's this means big changes in your life!

[@tacocruiser4238]

Just be thankful it wasn't anaplastic thyroid cancer. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is one of the deadliest cancers.