Firsthand Experiences of a Nurse with Thyroid Cancer
Sunday June 29, 2008
Mitzi Deitch is a registered nurse, mother of a young daughter, and thyroid cancer patient. Mitzi's thyroid cancer was actually misdiagnosed by her endocrinologist for two years, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment. And, even after treatment, her cancer came back. Read Mitzi's first-hand description of her experiences, and how she's doing now, in this compelling personal account from Advance for Nurses. Photo: Clipart.com
Comments
When I try to access the page I just get “content unavailable”.
I get that, too. (Today is July 4th.)
Mary, your link is broken…..
Sorry folks. Had a glitch in the link, but it’s fixed now.
I went through the same thing!! 2 years of telling my doctor that there was something wrong with me and my thyroid medication wasnt working. She told me I was depressed and should go on an anti-depressant. I bought a book by Mary Shomon and it saved my life. I made an appt with an endocronologist and I had thyroid cancer. My thyroid was successfully removed Sept 26 2008. It has been a long struggle and I am still not feeling 100%. But I wish luck to all of you out there. Stay positive and stick up for yourself. Only you know when there is something off about you!
I had a massive lump come up suddenly on the right side of my neck in June 06. Finally in Dec 06 I had it removed - total thryoidectomy. Head and Neck Surgeon assured me prior to having it removed he was 99.9 % sure it was not cancer. Called me at work and said had to see him I had thyroid cancer.
Today I still cannot get on Thryoid Meds that don’t make me sick or cause me “Brain Dead” symptoms. I have been on many and cannot seem to find one for me. Any help? I am on a high dose of 225 mg/per day and quite taking my thyroid meds in December 07. Not a smart move I am sure, but none of my medical team seem to want to help me and where I live, medical help is few and far between.
Hi everyone. I was dx with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer in 1999. Had total thyroidectomy and neck dissection with multiple malignant nodes. Had first dose of I-131 150 mci while totally hypothyroid, another mega dose again hypo only 6 months later due to positive scan. Tg still positive, so another mega dose 3 years ago while taking Thyrogen instead of suffering with “hypo hell”. Thyrogen is now approved for ablative dose and I personally will never go hypo again. In addition to suffering, hypo gives the thyroid cells the chance to be stimulated as no suppression present. My Tg is still elevated, but am choosing to not have another radiation round due to complications. Tear duct drainage was destroyed by radiation, and the the surgery called DCR to repair the duct was not successful. New research showing the DCR is not as successful for radiation induced duct damage. Mary and her information has helped me survive this arduous journey as she is more knowlegable than most physicians and pharmacists. She taught me to be aware of not taking calcium and Synthroid meds at same time due to absorption problems; insist on using the TSH new guidelines she posts, along with additional tests like free T4. Follow her dietary recommendations for soy and thyrogenic foods. If I can help anyone, please let me know. I have been through 3 major cancer hospitals until I finally found Dr. Mazzaferi (now retired). YOU MUST BE PROACTIVE at a time when you are the most weak and in total isolation from these hellish treatments. As a single mother with no outside financial support, no family members able to help/cope, it has been a constant struggle to stay alive. I am concerned about the one person who posted to say that she has quit taking her thyroid meds. It is essential for her to find a doctor and get there. I commute 8-9 hours to get to my doctor and it is a hardship, but she is worth the trip. Please keep the faith that you can and will feel better with proper care and meds. I also use a tremendous amount of nutritional supplements from Life Extension. Yes, I know there are expensive, but that’s why I don’t get to take vacations, eat out much or get my nails done. It’s a great excuse to wear sweats and t-shirts : ) Also, yoga is a life-saver for my mental anxiety issues. Breathe deeply! My best wishes to you all, and THANK YOU MARY.