no news is good news (Photo credit: Isabel Bloedwater)
In March 2010, I was given the diagnosis of multifocal papillary thyroid cancer. Since that time, a few well-intentioned people have said “at least you have the good type of cancer”. I’m here to tell you there is no good type of cancer.
Put another way, no news of cancer is good news. It is not something any of us want to hear from a doctor about ourselves or a loved one. (I imagine the physician also doesn’t like sharing the news.)
Once a cancer label is applied, you are never viewed the same by insurance companies, doctors, or even by yourself. I kid you not. My self-image and level of self-care changed with the diagnosis. The remainder of my life is lived carefully structured to suppress thyroid cancer.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is the start of a journey. Each of us with a particular form of cancer can find other survivors and warriors who have been on similar paths. Each person’s story is their’s. Each cancer responds to different treatments. Each of us responds differently to the diagnosis.
Why am I sharing this here?
This site is about sparking thoughts and sharing ideas that can improve lives. What I try to share here is supportive information. It comes from my experiences – both personal and professional experiences. It comes from my desire to learn more about myself, my clients, my world.
Thyroid cancer is being diagnosed more frequently than before. Whether it is because of increased incidence or better tools for diagnosing, it doesn’t matter. There are things you can do to support thyroid health. Take the time to learn about them. (Ladies: ask for a thyroid collar when you have a mammogram if it isn’t offered to you.)
If you…
…hear someone has cancer, listen to them. Ask how you can support them. Don’t tell them they will be fine. That may or may not be true.
… have or do receive a cancer diagnosis, know that you are not in this alone. There are support networks in communities and on-line. There you can meet people who can assist you in knowing what questions to ask, what you might expect, and hear the good/bad of what people experience.
…have a loved one who receives a diagnosis, know that the support is also there for you. And, it is important you or someone be with us at doctor visits. Often in the course of treatment, our processing skills change. (Chemo brain does exist. Thyroid survivors often report hypo states often used for testing and treatment change our thoughts.)
…have a little extra cash, consider supporting cancer research. The effective, safe treatment of the diagnosis along with prevention is important at so many levels.
…get a diagnosis, asks about treatment options and the pros and cons of each. I opted for a protocol that made sense to me and my life rather than the protocol that made it easy on the doctor to follow me. I requested a second opinion that happened to support my right to choose and helped me create an informed plan of care.
…are dealing with a diagnosis (even as a caregiver), remember mental health support is there. Ask for it. Sometimes we need to be able to vent our fears and concerns without worrying how the other person will feel. Sometimes we need others to assist us in coping with the changes and the process.
Remember, there is no good type of cancer, but…
…we can live with a diagnosis. The diagnosis doesn’t define us, it is just a part of our description.
I’m still me – a unique, creative being who loves people and sharing music. I can still see the bright side of life. I can still be an inquisitive learner.
Self care and finding moments of joy is important in all lives whether we carry a cancer diagnosis. Join me in living a healthy informed life. Join me in living the moment.
Hey JoAnne,
Thanks for sharing this! You are an inspiration and a hero! Please let me know how I can offer support from afar. Wi.shing you much love and Joy
Thank you for your support. Being informed about thyroid cancer and thyroid health is the best support. I dream of fewer people dealing with this form of cancer.
Thanks Joann!
You’re welcome.
Dear JoAnn,
Thanks for sharing your experience and the 10 tips on thyroid health. I did not know that too much soy or fluoride could cause thyroid problems or about the need to protect the thyroid with a thyroid collar when getting x-rays. You are providing an important service.
Warmly,
Andrea
Thyroid health needs to be more of a topic. Sharing information is part of my mission as a survivor.
Thanks for sharing, JoAnn. You’re such a strong person, and I’d never have guessed you had cancer, since we’ve become online friends.
I would hope the line about “at least you have a good cancer” was meant to comfort–however clumsy and unintentionally insensitive.
Stay strong–your grace under pressure and perseverance are admirable characteristics.
Sending positive, healthy and hearty vibes.
Most people use the “good cancer” line as a means of encouragement. Yet, it makes those who have very real challenges regulating their bodies, have permanent damage from the surgery, or who have an aggressive form feel beaten. And, not ever being able to say you are in remission (we can only say suppressed) changes the feel of the word “cancer”. And, many go through annual testing that either requires withdrawal from meds or injection to raise their TSH. It is (based upon my experience) a less than pleasant experience.
Yet, we have a wonderful supportive community that shares resources and research with each other. When folks move, they assist them in locating quality doctors.
And, most of all, I don’t take life for granted. Each day is a true blessing even if energy is low.
I’m not at all surprised that people say “good type of cancer.” I’m not sure why so many feel that invalidating someone’s experience will make them feel better, and think it is okay to do. I’m sorry you faced such treatment.
Thank you for sharing your personal story JoAnn.
Many people are unsure about how to give real support. A family member of mine has one of the “good” kinds and was/is very distraught and need lots of support. You made me understand better why. I like your advice about asking them what they need. I think when my family member has a need of sharing her experiences it is her way of saying “listen to me, I am scared!” And when we try to talk about her kind being very treatable and telling her about friends we know that had it and is now well, we are trying to stop her from feeling scared.
Thanks Again!
All the best to your family member, Irene. Cancer survivors do have a need to vent emotions – both good and bad. It can also be okay to ask if there need to hear stories of success or if they need you to listen to them.
Hi JoAnn – thank you for sharing your story and this info, my husband had prostate cancer and he has, as you say, organized much of his life around not getting cancer..his diet, etc…it is def a change of life for us. You are strong, my friend! Keep on keeping on!
Your life settles (with luck) into a new normal. Being strong is important. Being open to support and help is also important. As you know, family members are also impacted by our diagnosis and treatment.
It was a great read JoAnne, thanks for raising awareness about cancer. It’s never been easy to know few people close to me who has this unfortunate disease but I adore them for being tough. They never gave up the fight. You’re right, there’s no good type of cancer. It’s just that we need to have a good outlook in life to keep fighting.
A good outlook is important, Gerry.