How I Discovered Cancer Through a Stroke
Sorry for the long wait….
To continue from my previous post, I was discharged after a month in the Integrated Health Hub. When I got home, I was depressed. On 8 Nov 2023, I called 995, told the medics I had numbness on my right side, and was rushed to the hospital. This time, I was hospitalized for 3 days. In those 3 days, I went through numerous tests—blood tests, MRI… On the third day, the doctor said the blood tests showed abnormalities in my left thyroid and I needed a biopsy.
The biopsy appointment was quick, even at a government hospital. Two weeks later, at the review, a young doctor told me I had cancerous cells in my left thyroid. After breaking the news, he excused himself (maybe to give me space?). He left, came back 5 mins later. I was playing with my phone. He asked, “Mdm, do you understand what I hv told u?” I said, “Yes, Doc!” He wanted me to repeat it. He was puzzled—I didn’t cry. I know crying is useless 😔. So I asked, “What’s next?” He said, “We can’t do anything now. Mdm, we can only remove your cancer in September 2024, a year post-stroke. Between stroke and thyroid cancer, stroke recurrence is riskier.”
I took his advice, did research. Papillary thyroid cancer’s common, slow-growing cancer. I waited. Fast forward… In March 2024, I met my friend’s sister-in-law. She shared her (non-cancerous) thyroid removal story—hers was 3.7cm! She said, “Get a second opinion!” Asked her to refer me to her doctor (a professor, private hospital, booked solid). She got me an appointment—my 贵人! 😄 To be sure, I booked a neurosurgeon to clear my stroke condition for surgery. The scan (previous post) was green light! Professor’s on holiday… 😬. I snagged a May 2024 slot.
Every surgery has risks—bleeding, nerve damage (voice/swallowing), parathyroids… didn’t faze me. My worry? The neck scar 😅 (vain woman!). Surgery was perfect! No 黄小琥 vibes, scar’s discreet, like a neckline. 😎 Thank God! Discharged in 4 days, left thyroid out, lifetime meds now.
To conclude: Be positive. Medicine’s advanced. Get treated fast. Hope this inspires you! Positive thoughts overcome challenges. DM me for the professor’s contact 😊.
If you suspect thyroid cancer or have been diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, especially in Singapore, can provide peace of mind and access to specialized care. Early-stage neck cancer like papillary thyroid cancer often grows slowly, so timely evaluation is crucial but urgent surgery may not always be necessary immediately, particularly if other health risks exist. I learned that consulting a multidisciplinary team helps tailor treatment to individual health status. For example, my stroke condition meant delaying thyroid surgery to reduce risks. Also, discussing potential surgery side effects, like nerve damage or scarring, helps set realistic expectations. Regular monitoring through blood tests and imaging is vital to track cancer progression, guiding the best treatment timing. Additionally, connecting with others who have undergone thyroid surgery provided emotional support and shared valuable tips on recovery and lifelong medication management. Ultimately, maintaining a positive mindset and acting promptly on medical advice proved essential in my experience. I encourage anyone facing similar health scares to advocate for themselves: ask questions, seek second opinions, and trust your medical team. Early detection and informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
hi ,can I also have the prof contact ? thanks