I had an ultrasound done that reported I had a .9 cm TIRAD5 nodule with extra thyroidal extension (ETE) protruding inferiorly. I have terrible insurance. I saw some uninformed and seemingly uncaring doctors who I didn’t have confidence in. I felt scared and a bit paralyzed, thinking it was 95% chance of cancer that had already spread outside my thyroid because of the presence of the ETE. It took me a month and a half of watching Save Your Thyroid videos on YouTube trying to get informed and make smart choices for myself. It felt overwhelming navigating the medical system I felt lost in.
When I saw a post on SYT’s FB page, saying Jen started doing personal consultations, I decided to splurge. It was priced very reasonably, and Jen gave me thoughtful and informed ideas how I might proceed. She shared resources and wisdom pertaining to my situation. I didn’t know ultrasounds can be erroneously interpreted. Jen gave me a short list of doctors highly trained in ultrasound imaging located in my area. I went to have the fresh ultrasound done, which ended up showing no ETE, no spread, and low chance of cancer.
Seeing the doctor she made me aware of was like night and day compared to the doctors my insurance sent me to.
When Jen told me about the possibility of the ultrasound error, I thought it sounded too good to be true. But her suspicion was correct. I’m so grateful for the work she does helping us all be more informed so we can advocate for ourselves. It took me two months to get that error straightened out, but it could’ve taken years had I not had my consultation with Jen.
I’m forever grateful for her help.
