“It’s JUST Thyroid Cancer!” Four Words I Will Never Say (Again)

Tell Me More

When Leslie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, her oncologist said, “This is the best cancer you can get.”

And while she understands in hindsight that he meant to put her at ease, in the moment, Leslie resented his delivery and wondered if he really cared.

Was he taking her situation lightly? How could any cancer be considered good?

On this episode of Tell Me More, Leslie describes the feeling of heat in her throat that persisted for four years before she was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Leslie explains what inspired her to ask for a third neck ultrasound though her doctor deemed it unnecessary, and we consider how the cancer could have been prevented from moving into her lymph nodes had it been caught sooner.

Listen in for insight into the experience of being treated with radioactive iodine and get Leslie’s advice for doctors on taking an interest when patients advocate for themselves and reassuring them that you’re committed to their care.

Key Takeaways The feeling of heat in her throat Leslie mentioned for 4 years before she got a diagnosis

How Leslie had a neck ultrasound following her wellness checks two years in a row but didn’t have her thyroid nodules biopsied

The conversation with an acquaintance that inspired Leslie to push for a third ultrasound

How Leslie was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer via a fine needle aspiration biopsy and how her doctor delivered the news

How Leslie’s cancer could have been prevented from moving into the lymph nodes had it been diagnosed sooner

Why Leslie was baffled by having to ask the doctor for a third ultrasound

What a doctor takes into consideration before they order a given test

Why doctors say thyroid cancer is ‘the best cancer you can get’ and how that message is received by patients

Leslie’s experience of being treated with radioactive iodine and self-isolating for 7 days

Leslie’s advice for patients on telling your doctor when you’re not comfortable with how they’re handing your care

Leslie’s challenge for doctors to be interested when patients advocate for themselves

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Resources When Testing Gets in the Way on Tell Me More EP001