Most of us aren’t excited when we get a call back from our doctor, however I was. I happen to like my doctor quite a bit. So on April 2nd 2009 when I was sitting alone in my car I received a call from her, I was truly excited. I had been having some unusual symptoms and had gone in for an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy of my thyroid. I was reassured since I was told thyroid cancer is rare and that I more than likely just had a compromised thyroid, or nothing at all. So imagine my surprise when the doctor said, “Sweetie you’re positive, you have papillary thyroid carcinoma.” I was in a state of shock and my first question to her was “what about my voice?” I asked that because I’m a professional singer and the thyroid rests on the vocal nerve and voice changes can be a complication of thyroid surgery.
I don’t remember calling my girlfriend immediately after hearing the news, or my parents for that matter. I do however remember my doctor advising me to make sure I let my loved ones know it was papillary thyroid carcinoma, the least aggressive of all four thyroid cancers.
Moving forward I sought out the opinions of several doctors, one of who was recommended to me by the second doctor I had met with. I decided to go with that doctor’s recommendation and I ended up at the Cleveland Clinic. After further testing it was determined that I had stage 4 papillary thyroid cancer and that due to the size of my tumor it was recommended that I have a total thyroidectomy. So at the hands of my skilled surgeons I had my thyroidectomy and it was a success. I then followed up with a radioactive treatment, which lead to my full recovery. I’m delighted to report my voice was preserved and my music career continues to flourish.
In closing I will say that I know how fortunate I am to be a cancer survivor, due in part to losing family members and dear friends to cancer. Therefore I will be riding in the Livestrong Challenge Philly in honor of the loved ones I’ve lost and for friends and family who are facing cancer now.
To make a tax-deductible donation in support of my ride, please click here >>
Deadline: Aug 19th
