As I sit here, resembling a Pez dispenser without any candy, I reflect on my recent diagnosis of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP). It’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it? Just five days ago, I received this diagnosis, which is a form of non-invasive cancer.
Before diving into my story and what I hope it will inspire in you regarding your health, let’s take a quick stroll through my medical history. Spoiler: my body and I have not always seen eye to eye.
- At 23, I underwent a tonsillectomy—years later than most, thanks to work commitments that made me use vacation time for the procedure. My post-op photos were quite the hit, featuring me in a hospital gown, experience of nausea, and even flipping the camera off for good measure.
- Fast forward to age 35 when I dealt with a uterine polyp I affectionately named “Artie.” He was quite the squatter in my uterus, interfering with my attempts to conceive, and even had a brief stint on Twitter before being evicted.
- Then came Gary the Gallbladder at 37, who was removed, allowing me to enjoy eggs again.
Between these medical adventures, I became a mother of two (including a child on the autism spectrum), took on household duties, and juggled my own business. In the chaos of life, my health often took a back seat, falling below items like “drain the hot water heater” on my to-do list.
When self-care comes to mind, we often envision bubble baths, massages, or sneaking a piece of chocolate in solitude. While I am fully on board with indulging in these luxuries, my recent thyroid cancer journey has illuminated a startling truth: many women overlook their health while focusing on self-care.
For a decade, I had known about the nodule on my thyroid but pushed it aside. It wasn’t that I didn’t care—I’m quite the health advocate for others—but life kept throwing distractions my way. From fertility treatments to managing my children’s needs, I found myself sidetracked by everything else.
Over the years, I noticed my hair thinning, struggling with weight loss, and dealing with irregular periods. Initially, I chalked these up to perimenopause or bad luck. Yet, as someone who fights for my children’s health, I realized I had grown complacent about my own.
Finally, after an ultrasound and a needle biopsy with a concerning cancer probability, I had surgery. The results confirmed NIFTP. When I shared my experiences with friends, many admitted to neglecting their own health issues, with one stating, “I haven’t had a physical in ten years. I only take time off for my kids.”
We often hear about self-care, but why do we forget to put on our own oxygen masks first? A study by Redbook and HealthyWomen found that 45% of women over 30 neglect their health, often due to prioritizing others’. Reflecting on this, I believe it’s accurate.
I asked my friend, Sarah, a licensed clinical psychologist, why women struggle to prioritize themselves. She explained, “Women often fall into caretaker roles, feeling it’s natural to place others’ needs before their own. This can lead to guilt when they choose self-care.”
According to the American Thyroid Association, women are significantly more likely than men to face thyroid issues. Undiagnosed thyroid conditions can lead to serious health risks.
So, consider whether you’re sidelining your health for something else. Next time you see a quote about self-care on social media, think about your last check-up or that nagging pain you’ve been ignoring. As Sarah put it, “We all have breaking points. It’s okay to take care of your children, but you must also matter.”
Ignoring my symptoms could have led to serious complications, turning self-care into a matter of healthcare. We all have many commitments; however, caring for ourselves should be a priority. Self-care is more than just enjoying scented candles or ice cream—it’s about our health.
I plan to stay vigilant about my health and ensure I get the attention I deserve from healthcare providers. We women must support each other, even when we feel like a Pez dispenser.
If you’re on a fertility journey, check out this couples fertility journey for intracervical insemination for helpful tips. And for more insights, visit this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. You can also explore this authority on at-home insemination kits for further guidance.
In summary, my journey through thyroid cancer has taught me the importance of prioritizing my health and self-care. Women often neglect their own well-being while caring for others, but it’s crucial to put ourselves first. Let’s change that narrative and support one another in making our health a priority.
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