I’m sitting here resembling a Pez dispenser (minus the candy), just five days after my diagnosis of “Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP).” It’s both a mouthful and a form of non-invasive cancer. Before I dive into my journey and why it’s essential for you to prioritize your health, let me take a moment to share some highlights from my not-so-friendly history with the medical world:
- At age 23, I underwent a tonsillectomy. I had to use vacation days since my job wouldn’t offer time off. My return was marked with photos: “Here’s me in my hospital gown… this is me throwing up… and here’s me flipping off the camera.”
- Then came my uterine polyp, affectionately named “Artie Polyp,” who was uninvitedly squatting in my uterus and blocking my pregnancy efforts. He even had a brief stint on social media before eviction.
- At 37, I bid farewell to my gallbladder, Gary, which finally allowed me to indulge in eggs again.
Amidst these battles, I found myself juggling motherhood with two children (one on the autism spectrum), household chores, a thriving business, and a husband whose inability to close cabinets is legendary. Over time, I began to slide down my priority list, often finding myself beneath tasks like “Drain the hot water heater weekly.”
When people think of self-care, they often envision a cup of tea, a soothing bath, or a well-deserved massage. While I wholeheartedly support these indulgences, my recent thyroid cancer ordeal has underscored a crucial truth: many women neglect their actual health while pretending to engage in self-care.
For ten years, I was aware of the nodule on my thyroid but kept postponing action. It wasn’t that I didn’t care—I’m a staunch advocate for health. Yet there was always something more pressing: other surgeries, infertility treatments, raising children, and various distractions—like a new season of my favorite show or the latest documentary on Netflix.
In recent years, I experienced thinning hair, weight loss struggles, irregular periods, and heart palpitations. Initially, I attributed these issues to perimenopause or just bad luck. But I realized I had become lazy when it came to advocating for my own health, despite being a fierce champion for my children.
Eventually, I had an ultrasound and needle biopsy on my thyroid that indicated a 5% to 15% chance of cancer. Further testing revealed a 50% gene expression likelihood of malignancy. Upon removal, the pathology showed NIFTP. When I shared my diagnosis with friends, many revealed they too were ignoring their own health concerns. One close friend admitted, “I haven’t had a physical in a decade. If I take time off work, it’s for my kids’ doctor visits—not my own.”
We frequently discuss self-care, but why is it that as parents we don’t prioritize our own needs? A study by Redbook and HealthyWomen found that 45% of women over 30 neglect their health because they’re too busy taking care of others. This rings painfully true in my conversations with friends.
I asked my friend, Mia, a licensed clinical psychologist, why women often sideline their own health. She explained, “Women often take on caregiver roles with children, partners, and even aging parents, leading to feelings of guilt when they need to prioritize themselves. The societal expectation to be ‘good girls’ and ‘people pleasers’ makes it even harder for women to say no.”
According to the American Thyroid Association, women are five to eight times more likely to face thyroid issues than men, with risks increasing during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Ignoring health concerns, whether thyroid-related or otherwise, can lead to serious complications.
When you encounter self-care quotes on social media, consider your own health: when was your last pap smear? Do you need a mammogram? Is that persistent discomfort worth ignoring? As Mia wisely noted, “We all have limits. While it’s okay to take your kids to soccer practice or to care for a parent’s health, you must also prioritize yourself. Ignoring your needs can lead to burnout and increased stress, making it harder to care for others.”
If I had continued to overlook my symptoms and my thyroid (which I’ve affectionately named “Sweeney Todd” due to the scar), it could have escalated into a more severe situation. Self-care must include proactive healthcare.
With numerous commitments demanding our attention, dedicating time to our health may seem daunting. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that self-care extends beyond indulgent treats. While I cherish the occasional scented candle or pint of ice cream, our health—and lives—depend on us being proactive.
Moving forward, I will remain vigilant not only about attending doctor appointments but ensuring I receive the care I deserve. As women, we must encourage one another to prioritize ourselves, even when we look a bit like a Pez dispenser.
For more insights on self-care and health, you can check out our other blog about home insemination kits, or read about fertility medications and their side effects for more information on women’s health. And if you’re considering starting a family, the CDC is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my experience with thyroid cancer has taught me that self-care is not just about pampering ourselves; it’s about being proactive about our health. We need to prioritize our well-being just as we do for those we love.