I Was Really Tired All The Time - Lizzie | Thyroid Cancer | The Patient Story

What started as fatigue and a routine checkup led to a shocking diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. From navigating multiple opinions to undergoing surgery at MD Anderson, Lizzie opens up about the challenges, the support she received, and how she crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon just weeks after surgery.

In this cancer vlog, Lizzie emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, listening to your body, and finding strength in community.

Thank you, Lizzie, for sharing your story to help others.

#thyroid #thyroidcancer #thyroidcancerawareness #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms

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Chapters:
0:00 Meet Lizzie
1:10 Fatigue and a Routine Doctor Visit
2:05 Finding the Nodule and Diagnosis
3:40 Seeking Multiple Medical Opinions
5:00 Choosing Surgery at MD Anderson
7:00 Preparing for Surgery and Family Support
8:30 Surgery and Recovery Details
10:10 Running the Chicago Marathon Post-Surgery
12:00 The Emotional Toll of a Cancer Diagnosis
14:00 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
16:10 Lessons Learned and Sharing My Story

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I Was Really Tired All The Time - Lizzie | Thyroid Cancer | The Patient Story

[kristinebalena]

I'm glad you're doing well now. I was diagnosed in May 2007 with medastatic papillary thyroid cancer with a follicular variation. I went a year and a half being misdiagnosed as a swollen gland or ear infection. All my tests and FNAs came back normal. I had a large lump behind my right ear. My ultrasounds on my thyroid were normal. The ENT thought I had a cyst in my neck and wasn't going to do anything. I demanded it be taken out. My surgery was at walter reed military medical center. 8 hour surgery with a radical right neck dissection and total thyroidectomy. I had lymph nodes removed as well. My thyroid was covered in microscopic thyroid cancer. I ended up up with high doses of RAI, and everything until 2023 when I was finally declared undetectable. Always advocate for yourself. Doctors work for us! I was fortunate that my 2 surgeons spared my vocal chords as I was a 911 dispatcher and took out my entire thyroid etc. It's a bit difficult to diagnose thyroid cancer because the cells are similar to normal ones.

[scottiehall]

I had advanced thyroid cancer at age 38 and I had 5 kids under the age of 10. Total thyroidectomy with RAI later. I'm now 63 with no recurrence. It wasn't a big deal.

[norlavine]

What an absolute darling! Beautiful face and beautiful mind. All the best young lady. xxx

[kathrynemason]

I was diagnosed in 1998 at the age of 34, total thyroidectomy and neck lymph node removal all OK for 5 years, then recurred meaning a block neck dissection and more lymph nodes removal. 4 years later a few random nodules in my liver that were thyroid cancer cells, all sorted, again, then 2021, triple negative breast cancer at the age of 57! I'm hoping this is it!!!! I'm still here.

[tohonour]

You are very beautiful. May your faith carry you! Blessings...

[dorothywalters]

It was 2015, knew I had several nodules but was watching the size. Aspiration in 2016, suspicious results and I asked if I could have the right lobe removed. 1st surgery August, medullary cancer diagnosis!! Dr. called for 2nd surgery and lymph node removal. No treatment needed and thank God cancer free to date.

[williamwhite]

Prayers in Jesus name !!! Iodine and every natural food from God that our bodies need !!! God Bless !!!

[dawnbaker]

Glad your well. My neighbor is fighting anaplastic thyroid cancer. Sending blessings

[roxannsejkora]

I found out that I had thyroid cancer because of an X-ray of my neck that I was having problems with. They saw a mass on my thyroid, so I was sent to an ear nose and throat doctor. They did a biopsy and it was cancer. They took one half of my thyroid and it had 3 tumors. Two weeks later, I had them take the other half to be “preventative “. They found 5 tumors, the largest one being 8 millimeters in diameter. Now i have been cancer free for about 15 years. I am very thankful for the doctor that did the surgery. He did a great job and I got excellent care. Now I take medication and have yearly blood work done.

[hidden-rs]

I also had papillary thyroid cancer at 26, which was 25 years ago now. As someone else said it wasnt that big a deal after all~but I remember being so scared at the time.

[truthsocial]

Sounds your med team were great. What medical insurance do you have?

[carmencorleto]

That's insane none of the prior doctors ordered a biopsy

[rozchristopherson]

I wonder. Taking levothyroxine, a thyroid medication, is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Sometimes these medications also increase cancer risks. I don’t know if this beautiful young woman was taking this medication. But for anyone who is taking this medication or any other medication, be aware of the risks of taking these drugs, especially year after year long-term.

[lynnbradley]

What kind of thyroid cancer did you have?

[nicolemori]

I heard the diagnosis of stage 4 cancer so often now as side effect of Covid vaccination, I wish you all the best 🙏💕