Jessica’s Cancer Battle

Hello. My name is JessicaNiccole Glennon, I am a single mother of three beautiful children (ages 17, 15 &11). Battling cancer has been hard and asking for help is also hard.

About a year ago I noticed some hoarseness in my voice and felt a bit of tightness in my neck, which I thought was caused from pulling and lifting at work. So, I continued to work until I found a mass on the right side of my neck. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor who referred me to another doctor.

After months of doctors assuring me that it was likely nothing to worry about, as they kept bringing me back in for different tests and labs, I was finally diagnosed. Thyroid Cancer.

Thyroid Cancer that had metastasized into my right lymph nodes and potentially my lungs. I underwent a complete thyroid removal, as well as having the majority of my right lymph nodes removed in September 2023. I then started to experience heart problems related to having my thyroid removed. Due to this I was no longer able to work as a CNA, since it could be a risk to my residents, as well as myself.

As I am currently going through a divorce I no longer have access to health insurance and fall into the cracks of not being accepted to any financial hardship programs. This is causing me to no longer be able to afford my future appointments and treatments, such as the thyrogen injections that i need before I am able to receive any RAI treatment. Since I have waited and hoped for a means to pay for the injections and radioactive treatments to stop the cancer, my health is seriously failing but I have not given up hope. Within 60-90 days I should come off my ex-husband’s insurance and will be able to apply for Medicaid. But the doctors say I can’t wait 60 days for the thyrogen shots and the RAI treatment because of the spread of the cancer already. I am a patient at the City of Hope and I am trying to remain hopeful.