Christmas is a time of year for cheer and goodwill for most. In 2011, the Garcia family found it to be quite the opposite. Noelle, a loving mother of four, found a lump in her neck that would change the course of their family’s future and dynamics. After a necessary doctor’s visit, an ultrasound revealed several lumps all over Noelle’s thyroid. The doctor performed a needle aspiration biopsy that came back with the diagnosis of Papillary Carcinoma. Papillary thyroid cancer, also known as papillary thyroid carcinoma, is the most common form of thyroid cancer. In fact, papillary thyroid cancer accounts for about 85% of thyroid cancers. It was determined that Noelle would immediately need surgery. The first surgery took out entire thyroid and four cancerous lymph nodes. Just five months later, five more lymph nodes had to be removed in a second surgery. In the midst of being diagnosed with cancer, taking care of her husband and four children, Noelle discovered that she was pregnant with their fifth child. Treatment was placed on hold for the duration of her pregnancy and while Noelle was nursing. Once finished nursing, Noelle began radioactive iodine treatment. The radioactive iodine left her in complete isolation for 10 days. Two weeks following treatment doctors initiated a full body scan and found her body to be clear. Sadly, four months later an ultrasound revealed more cancerous lymph nodes. In October of 2014, Noelle underwent her third surgery. This medical report afterwards unveiled the power of cancer as it was found throughout. Just two months after surgery, in December 2014, Noelle lost her job and was out of work for four months. After landing a new job in April 2014, her physician suggested she seek treatment out of state and referred Noelle to Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. It was in July of 2015 when she had her first appointment at Huntsman where they performed blood work, and discussed surgery for two additional lymph nodes. This time the surgery was much more difficult. It was a risky surgery on lymph nodes that were between the corroded arteries, the jugular and the nerve that connects to the voice box. During this procedure, seven positive lymph nodes (5 not seen in the ultrasound) were taken out, bringing her total up to 21 cancerous lymph nodes removed. Noelle’s journey has not been typical of one with thyroid cancer. Right now the only treatment plan is labs and ultrasounds. Her trips to Salt Lake City have put a burden on her too heavy for her family to carry. In fact, since her most recent surgery, she hasn’t been able to travel back to SLC for follow up appointments due to the added costs associated with traveling and time off work. There however is an opportunity. An opportunity for friends and families, near and far, to reach out and give the Garcia’s a helping hand. Cancer touches so many people in our lives and a great way to help fight this terrible disease is to reach out to those near us. Words cannot express the gratitude from the Garcia family, as any amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read their story.
Artículos relacionados
