I have thyroid cancer. There, I typed it. Even as I made the phone calls last night and the words came out of my mouth, it was impossible to believe.
Yesterday, I learned the results of my biopsy and as it turns out, they found cancer cells on the left nodule (which is over 3 cm) and the right nodule (3cm) is underdetermined. As my doctor told me over the phone I was shaking but not entirely surprised. When it comes to odds, I have to admit, they are rarely in my favour. The 5% of nodules that are actually cancer are now part of my story. Part of my 40s. Part of my future and one day, my past.
I snuck a photo at my last ultrasound (see my thyelfie above).
I can’t really describe my feelings except that when I got off that phone call and heard that the next steps would be to see an ENT oncology surgeon at North York General, all I wanted to do was be with my family. And that’s what I did. I walked into the other room and talked to the people I love most in the world, told them that I had cancer and that I was going to be just fine. It was as much me convincing myself, as it was convincing them.
We spent the night together but interrupted by texts from close friends, emails to my boss, messages from two friends who have had thyroid cancer and a visit from my bestie. It really wasn’t until I saw her with flowers and read the message that we would “kick cancer’s ass” that I realized that I HAVE TO KICK CANCER’S ASS!
So, with a deep breath, I share this news and thank you in advance for your support as we go through yet another journey in our family. Things could be worse and I know that. Thyroid cancer is very treatable and will likely be all good with the removal of my thyroid (I’m assuming they will just take the whole thing out) and some hormone meds for the rest of my life. To say that we are used to overcoming obstacles would be an understatement. We’ve handled worse and been okay. I’ll be okay. I’ve got an angel on my side.
Carrie
March 2, 2016 at 3:49 pm (8 years ago)Hey my friend!! You are one of the toughest people I know. You will overcome! You get uber healthy so you can fight this!
Im here in anyway you need!!
Lots of love to you!!
#Onward #Unstoppable
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:09 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Carrie!
Karma
March 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm (8 years ago)You got this, lady! I’m sorry you’re joining the club, but there are plenty of us here to tell our tales and offer support and remind new members that cancer can be beat. xo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:09 pm (8 years ago)Shitty club, but I love the members xo
Tanya Mirza
March 2, 2016 at 3:58 pm (8 years ago)You got this! If anyone’s got this, it’s you! Yet another chapter in your awesome book and I have no doubt it will end with you being an inspiration and cheerleader for others! Hugs xx
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:09 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Tanya!
Kerrie
March 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm (8 years ago)Scary news and a difficult diagnosis. My step-father had Thyroid cancer when I was young and is well into his 70s now. You can do this! Wishing you all the best.
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:10 pm (8 years ago)So good to hear the great stories…there are many.
Kathryn Howell
March 2, 2016 at 4:04 pm (8 years ago)I love you my bestie and we are going to kick cancers ass together. I am here for you every single step of the way.
You are so strong and so brave and this is going to part of your past and a story you use to continue inspiring so many.
XO
Kath
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:10 pm (8 years ago)Couldn’t do this without you xo
Renee
March 2, 2016 at 4:04 pm (8 years ago)Oh, Heather. I’m sorry to hear this news. Cancer is a club no one ever wants to join. Keep surrounding yourself with loved ones and stay positive!!! It makes a world of difference when going through this. Xo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:10 pm (8 years ago)Horrible club..shitty benefits, but the members are pretty damn awesome
Tammy @inRdream
March 2, 2016 at 4:07 pm (8 years ago)Oh Heather, I am so very sorry to read this. Strength is on your side, you are strong and I know you will kick Cancers ass! Sending prayers your way my friend. XO
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:11 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Tammy
Parent Club
March 2, 2016 at 4:24 pm (8 years ago)Thinking of you – and knowing you have such a good support system – you will kick this!
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:11 pm (8 years ago)I have great support…appreciate it!
Deb
March 2, 2016 at 4:33 pm (8 years ago)Cancer picked the wrong girl! You are the strongest person I know and you are going to kick a**! Tons of prayers xxx
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:11 pm (8 years ago)Love that…yup…no the worst I’ve been through. I got this.
Lindsay B
March 2, 2016 at 4:38 pm (8 years ago)Heather, I am shocked to read this. I hate hearing the C word, and even more when it touches those I know. You’re one of the strongest women I know and this is just one more thing that will be a part of your story. You will kick cancers ass!! Sending you all of my strength, thoughts and prayers to help get you through this time. xo Lindsay
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:12 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Lindsay…appreciate your prayers.
Heather
March 2, 2016 at 4:47 pm (8 years ago)You’ve got so many people here to help and support you through this. Count me in as one more. Xo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:12 pm (8 years ago)You can never have enough Heathers in your tribe…xo
Ally
March 2, 2016 at 4:51 pm (8 years ago)Heather you are going to KICK this! We will all be here to support you. Big hugs. xo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:13 pm (8 years ago)Appreciate your email connection….it helps to talk to others. thanks
Maria
March 2, 2016 at 5:02 pm (8 years ago)I’m sorry to hear this news, Heather. It sucks. I’m glad it’s treatable and you will kick this ugly thing to the curb. xo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:13 pm (8 years ago)Gonna kick it in great shoes…
Jennie
March 2, 2016 at 5:14 pm (8 years ago)Lots of love and strength coming your way from NY/Maryland. xoxo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:13 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Jennie
Erica
March 2, 2016 at 6:44 pm (8 years ago)Oh, Heather. I did a double-take when I saw your post title. I admire your grace and positivity. You WILL be okay and you WILL kick cancer’s ass. You have lots of love and support in your corner. xoxo
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:13 pm (8 years ago)I will…thank you
Brandee
March 2, 2016 at 7:09 pm (8 years ago)Oh Heather, I’m so sorry that you are going through this. Your positivity will be a huge asset whike you kick cancer’s ass. You’ve got this. Sending love and strength your way.
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:14 pm (8 years ago)Appreciate it.
Mindy Peltier
March 2, 2016 at 8:27 pm (8 years ago)Found this on Twitter and had to stop by and let you know I’m praying for you. I’m a 3x survivor and thryvor. I love your attitude, it will help you. 🙂
I want to encourage you to be kind and patient to yourself through treatment. They will tell you that it is the best cancer to have, but it will still have its challenges. Adjusting to life without a thyroid is a challenge, but you can more than just survive, you can thrive. Thus the “thryvor.”
There are some days I’m totally fine, other days I am upset I lost my 40’s to cancer, to be honest. You might have some ups and downs, too, it’s part of the journey. It seems you already have the right people to walk with you through the journey, so I’m happy for you. If you have any questions for me, feel free to reach out.
KICK IT, my friend!
Heather Hamilton
March 2, 2016 at 10:15 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Mindy…I’m hopeful but anxious to get more answers
Amanda
March 3, 2016 at 2:55 am (8 years ago)Oh Heather….as I said on Facebook – you are one of the strongest women that I know (even though we’ve never met in person) – your positive outlook and strength shine through in everything that you share. You’ve got this, girl. I know you do! Now go kick cancer’s BUTT!!!! xo
Loukia
March 3, 2016 at 3:04 am (8 years ago)You got this! You will overcome this. Thinking of you and sending you love and light… as I know you already got strength! xo
Michele
March 3, 2016 at 3:13 am (8 years ago)I’m so sorry, this was not the news you wanted at all. Nobody does. I know 2 thyroid cancer survivors and you will make #3! Kick Cancer’s A** my friend!
Aeryn Lynne
March 3, 2016 at 7:12 am (8 years ago)Awh, geez Heather, I’m so sorry this is something you have to face. Like many have said, you are truly a strong woman. While its undoubtably a rough thing to go through, I fully believe you’re going to make this cancer’s butt hurt! <3
Natalie McGrath
March 3, 2016 at 1:31 pm (8 years ago)I am a thyroid cancer survivor as well. I got cancer the first time when i was 21. They had to remove my thyroid and most of my parathyroids. 7 years later the cancer returned to the thyroid cavity and attached itself to a couple surgical clips. It’s always hard to hear the ‘C’ word. However i was told by the Dr (the first time i had cancer), that thyroid cancer has the highest cure rate. And that if you had to have cancer but you could choose which one, thyroid id’s the one you should pick. I have now been cancer free (the second time) for 6 years now. Best wishes and good luck to you
Heather Hamilton
March 4, 2016 at 5:19 pm (8 years ago)Thank you for sharing your story.
Louie Garcia
March 3, 2016 at 6:30 pm (8 years ago)Hi Heather,
Welcome to the club. Diagnosed 1/11/16 and had my surgery 2/2/16. I’m 41, husband, and father two young girls. I love reading your article and I love your attitude. I have found in my short journey that the greatest tool you will have in beating this is positivity. I’m with you, we will beat this thing! There is a great book out there called “Kicking Cancer’s Ass” by Robert Hawke. The author is a comedian who at 40 was also diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. He walks you step by step through the process with some laughs along the way. Check it out and good luck on your journey!
-Louie
Heather Hamilton
March 4, 2016 at 5:19 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Louie…that’s is so great to hear! I’ll definitely get that book and wish you well on your recovery!
Sandra
March 4, 2016 at 2:09 am (8 years ago)I love you sis! You got this….no problem.!!
Sherri Tully
March 4, 2016 at 11:26 am (8 years ago)Kick that Cancer in the ass!! You got this! Thinking and praying for you and your family.
Manda
March 4, 2016 at 1:24 pm (8 years ago)Today is my two year cancerversary for thyroid cancer. It has made me stronger, healthier and given me the best outlook on life. What are the odds that this morning I open up my email and see your article through savvy mom! This will empower you, although it will scare you at the same time. One day at a time and remember there is lots of support out there!
Heather Hamilton
March 4, 2016 at 5:18 pm (8 years ago)Thank you so much Manda. That is so encouraging!
Courtney
March 5, 2016 at 11:43 am (8 years ago)I am so sorry to hear this. I have absolutely no doubt that you’ll kick cancers ass. In the meantime, you will be in my prayers!!!
Heather Milligan
March 5, 2016 at 2:14 pm (8 years ago)Hi Heather, You do not know but I have been following your story through my good friend Ally Cooper. I have to say, you are truly an inspirational person- I do not think I would have the strength that you so obviously have. I have read over the years of your son’s passing, your ups and downs with your boys and now this. Though we don’t know each other, from reading your story, if anyone can beat this you seem like an incredible candidate! Goodness, my heart just broke when I read your post 🙁 Know that you have many, many people rallied behind you- friends, family and total strangers! The biggest hugs, positive thoughts and prayers are being sent your way- you WILL kick cancer’s ass! !!
Jody @ Mommy Moment
March 7, 2016 at 6:42 pm (8 years ago)Oh Heather,
How did I only read this now? I just said a prayer for you – your family – your sweet boys.
There really are no words that seem right. So sending hugs and love and sunshine – you will get through this.
Paula Schuck
March 22, 2016 at 1:09 am (8 years ago)Heather: I am stunned reading this post. YOU are without question one of the strongest people I have ever met in my whole life. I am relieved to hear it is treatable and I know you will kick cancer’s ass especially with the support of so many who love and care for you. My heart thinks you have been through enough challenges. So kick cancer’s ass and then honestly I hope sunshine and rainbows and 50 years of good health follow. XO