Diagnosis & Treatment

CANCER TYPE
Thyroid Cancer
AGE DIAGNOSED
31
Medical Center
Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo CA
Surgeon
Dr. Crockett, Mission Hospital CA
Oncologist
Clinical Trials
Medical Treatment
Radiation
Surgery
Details of Treatment
Total time was 18 months: 2 formal surgeries (plus an emergency ER visit from an infected incision), two rounds of radiation, then a year of "waiting it out" to ensure the final radiation had been effective.
Medication During Treatment
In preparation for scans, I was on a strict no-iodine diet and a medication to deplete me of thyroid hormones. I then started on Levothyroxine as a replacement.
Alternative Therapies During Treatment
Supplements
Exercise
Aromatherapy
WHAT CANCER TAUGHT ME
Cancer taught me (admittedly, in hindsight) that I cannot control the course of my life by holding on tighter. The more I try to stranglehold, the less control I actually have.
Supplements
Daily vitamin regimen with probiotics
WHAt helped me during treatment
Honestly, the greatest at-home support I had was friendship. I wrote or talked almost daily to my friends. The process was less physical and more mental (although the physical sucked too). Without them, I would have tanked into severe depression and lost a lot more than hair and muscle mass.
Favorite Quote
You never have to do anything alone.
Advice for Others
Do NOT do this alone. Friends, family, therapists. Get them, and embrace their support. The medical aspect will follow its course - the emotional aspect was what I was ineptly prepared to face.

My Story

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