I’m closing in on the seventh anniversary of my thyroid removal surgery. A few weeks later, when the pathology came back from the lab, I would learn that I had stage 3 thyroid cancer. Not only that, but I had an autoimmune disease that had been attacking my thyroid and would continue to affect me even after that little butterfly-shaped gland was removed.
It’s crazy to think that it was so long ago, when I’m still getting used to the idea of being a cancer survivor. It all happened so fast, going from flu-like symptoms to a large mass in my neck to surgery in just a matter of weeks. I remember my surgeon telling me she had never seen someone with the multiple issues and speed of onset that I had. Lucky me!
The experience showed me how much we take for granted, and how quickly life can take a turn. My life has never been, and will never be, the same. I’ve worked hard to make my cancer diagnosis meaningful, using my story to help others with similar issues. In fact, just before I started writing this, a good friend messaged me to let me know she needs an ultrasound on her thyroid. I never knew how common thyroid issues were until it happened to me.
How do you take something like cancer and turn it into a positive? Aside from helping others, it’s also been a major life lesson for myself. When things get tough, I remind myself “you survived CANCER…you’ve got this!” I’ve learned not to stress about the little things so much and focus on what’s truly important…love, family, and health.
I’ve deepened my relationship with the family and friends who were there for me during that rough time. The day of my surgery, my father arrived at the hospital before I did. My husband and I turned the corner toward the check-in desk, me a nervous wreck, and seeing my dad sitting there created an immediate sense of relief. My mother and I had had a strained relationship over the months prior to my illness, but all that tension melted away as we faced this health crisis. My husband barely left my side, and my children stepped up to help out and make things a little easier. My siblings and other family reached out daily to see how I was doing. I was constantly surrounded by love.
The people I barely knew who sent little gifts to brighten my days, the friends who checked in often, reminded me that there are many good people out there. Even now, when it seems like there is so much anger and hatred in our world, I look back on that time and all of the beautiful people who showed me love and kindness.
I’m much more in tune with my own body. I’ve learned how to tweak my nutrition, exercise, and overall lifestyle to feel as good as I possibly can. Having no thyroid and an autoimmune disease, there are still many days when I don’t feel great. Most days, though, I feel pretty good! I’ve learned that daily workouts, lots of veggies, eliminating alcohol, and limiting processed foods are some of the healthy habits that contribute to feeling my best. I’ve also learned that my body, and what works for me, is constantly changing. As a result, I’m flexible in my approach to nutrition and fitness and have let go a lot of the “rules” that I used to take as gospel.
Without thyroid cancer, I doubt I would have the level of strength that defines me today. In turn, I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned and apply it to countless situations in my life and the lives of others. It’s given me a unique perspective and the ability to coach others through setbacks and change. Am I glad I got cancer? Of course not. But I’m grateful for what it taught me.
