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Jerica’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Thyroid Cancer)

Untitled-6I am 23, the mother of a pop singer; Cayleigh, a dancer; Micaela, and the Boss man; Christopher Jr., and I am with my true knight in shining armor (or as I like to say my knight in shiny tinfoil).

Right after I turned 23 and I was 8 months pregnant with the boss baby, I was diagnosed with Metastis Papillary Thyroid Cancer. I gave birth to my son the next day (who was healthy as could be ) and he truly saved my life, which is something he will always be reminded of. Following the birth of my son I had a complete Thyroidectomy and had 29 tumors and cancer infected nodes from my neck and chest. Chris, my knight in shiny tinfoil, stayed with me every minute he could, other than when he would go spend time with our daughters or go home to bathe our newborn. He stepped up and took care of a newborn baby and took care of me at the same time IN A HOSPITAL on one of those really uncomfortable couches. Poor guy was so exhausted BUT he never once complained. He just gave 100000% support.

I developed pneumonia after surgery. Then I had problems with my pain medicine pump that was attached to my neck which landed me a long stint in the hospital. We could not have made it through this very hard time without the support of my wonderful in-laws, my sister, and a few others who helped out!

A few short months after enjoying my perfect life with my perfect husband, and perfect 3 beautiful angels, I had to leave for almost two weeks for radiation. I had to go on a no iodine diet for about 6 weeks which was HORRID. But my honey made me special recipes for every meal and did everything he could to keep me happy. My aunt Roni was a huge blessing during this trying time. She came and pretty much became super nanny, cook, housekeeper, taxi, and caregiver all in one just so Chris could focus on our newborn and me. Chris brought me food and presents the kids made me, which he would have to leave for me right outside my doo. Then he would sit about fifteen feet down the hall and talk to me because I was not allowed around anyone due to the high doses of radiation. Those presents from my kids really got me through; along  my honey bringing me movies, food, and letters. It was a very hard time but my family made it doable.

I gained a lot of weight, my face was swollen for a month, and I mean SWOLLEN. I’ve been dealing with bad nausea since, throwing up at least every few days, suffering from a lot of dizziness, pain, bad nerve pain in my face, ear, and neck. I’m now going for round two a year later. It’s back in all the same places plus the opposite side of my neck. I must admit, I’m scared to death and I fear every day that my kids will live life without their mommy. But with my wonderful support system I could never stop fighting, and I never will. I often hear ‘OH THYROID CANCER, if you had to choose a cancer that would be the best one to choose ‘. It may look that way because the death rate isn’t as high as most cancers,but trust me, thyroid cancer is and will forever affect my life. In no way whatsoever has it been easy.

I couldn’t do any of this without my wonderful family and friends. Anyways!! I’m opening a non-profit thyroid cancer organization with my husband and I can only pray that we can help people going through thyroid cancer, as there is not much support or help out there!! Anyone with questions about my journey can email me at jericaxox@gmail.com

Oh, and TULSA CANCER CENTER IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

Jerica
Indiana
Submitted 04-09-2012

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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