Pedaling for Papillary Thyroid Cancer

In January of this year, at a routine check-up, my ENT discovered a lump on my lower neck that seemingly popped up out of nowhere. It was like a small Adam's apple was just hanging out near the base of my neck. I was eventually diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, which I now know is one of the fastest-growing cancer types, with over 20,000 new cases a year. It is the 8th most common cancer among women overall and the most common cancer in women younger than 25. Although a person can get papillary thyroid cancer at any age, most patients will present before the age of 40. This fact still astounds me. I want to share my story because I want to encourage my gals to always advocate for their health, even when nothing feels physically out of the ordinary. Go for your check-ups, ask questions and always go for a second opinion if something doesn't feel quite right. Our intuition goes a long way when it comes to our health.

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After a successful surgery on March 1st to remove half of my thyroid gland and the cancerous nodule that was attached to it, I was concerned with how long the healing process would take and if I would ever be able to challenge my body in the ways I loved most - surfing, cycling, hiking, yoga and anything else I might want to try. Initially I was convinced that my body would be able to heal on its own without relying on a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) medication. After about a month of taking it easy post-op, I was able to get in the water for a surf session at home at San O, and I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Aside from some muscle tension at the incision site, I felt like myself!

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My impatient, stubborn self was convinced I still didn't need the TSH supplement; my body could adapt, as it always had. After a few months of feeling decent but not great, I finally started on TSH in early September, and within a week felt incredible. My energy was back, I was able to go harder in my workouts, and I didn't need as much sleep. It will be some time before I get my hormone levels right, but I'm lucky to have an incredible team of professionals at Northwestern to rely on.

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I know that my experience and recovery process has been as amazing as they have been because of my surgeon, Dr. Cord Sturgeon, and his staff at Northwestern. I want to be able to give back to their incredible work in the Endocrinology department, and what better way to do that than by racing in a 50-mile bike ride on short notice?

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Two weeks ago, a fellow Chicago transplant from SoCal friend suggested we sign up for the Red Granite Grinder in the middle of Wisconsin, a 50-mile hilly ride through the forest preserves up there. We've been training to the best of our abilities and are pretty stoked for Saturday's race. If you're able to donate, we will share a link that will track us on race day (10/15). I feel pretty damn lucky to be here, to have the support from the best of friends and family that got me through every step of the way this year, and to be able to physically challenge myself at this point. I love you all!