Narrative Essay On Thyroid Cancer

Sierra Bowes

“You tested positive for cancer” are the words no human being wants to hear. In October of 2009 my great aunt felt a lump in her neck, which later was diagnosed as thyroid cancer. Over time doctors have learned this cancer can be traced down to be a gene. Since then throughout the years, everyone on my father's side of the family has been tested for this gene. So far 16 out of the 19 that have been tested, came out positive. In June of 2013 my test results came back, sadly they were positive. My surgery was scheduled for August 12th, a date I will never forget. I remember sitting in the room before my surgery thinking what would have happened if my great aunt had never found the lymph node. Kind of scary to think how bad it would have been if it had spread.

Of course I was in pain , but the free ice cream was the cherry on top of being cancer free. I now am required to take a pill everyday for the rest of my life to substitute for my thyroid.

I was once told, “that we are never guaranteed tomorrow. Live today like it is your last and never look at the glass as half empty.” I remember into my teenage years I used to be so unhappy, when I honestly had no reason to be. The moment you're told that you lived through something that could have eventually killed you, will certainly change your perspective on life. Since that day I have taught myself to do whatever it takes to make others happy, myself as well. If you live everyday like its not worth being here, you aren’t really