If you already read my previous article about Tien, I shared to you many beautiful photos of her.
And you might say, “She doesn’t look sick!” Well, that’s why we don’t judge a book by its cover.
In behalf of all patients with hypothyroid including Tien, I want to share to you the frustrations they feel living with this concealed illness that you might think they look normal but the struggle they carry inside is too painful and heavy where not many people can understand even their own loved ones.
Now, let me explain to you the situation of someone who has hypothyroidism.
This another kind of cancer affects people worldwide and it affects women more than men. The work of your thyroid is to keep the body’s organs functioning properly. Also, thyroid hormone is important for regulation of body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism.
But, when the thyroid is no longer functioning, these are the things will most likely happen to your body.
- Extreme weight gain or loss for others.
- Hair loss
- Mood swings or unusual depression
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Constant napping
- Insomnia
- Pain and aches
- Foggy brain or unable to concentrate
- Dry, flaky skin
- Irritable
- Constipated
- Feeling fluttered or heart beats too quick
- Anxious or “feeling wired”
- Appetite and taste buds changed
Now, here are more confidential facts about hypothyroidism:
Forbidden
Don’t get me wrong, we can take sides in this issue. With this, I am especially referring to the current situation in Vietnam. Where, for instance, talking about health in this country, i.e. measles outbreak, vaccination, and swine flu are concealed). How much more cancer? Poor people, even family members are in denial and there is no acceptance with the reality
Heart-breaking
Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer means a lifelong need for its management. And problems such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, temperature intolerance, hair loss, and more can affect you not only physically but emotionally, interfering with your relationships and reducing your ability to enjoy daily life.
But here’s the best part despite living life with cancer.
Winning
It is not easy to face cancer. For Tien, she didn’t choose to get cancer, she needs not to fight it. Yet, she faces cancer bravely and she clings on every single hope that she can have every day until that time will come, she will be able to crush cancer. And the winning part, Tien faces cancer the way she wanted, together with the few people who understand her and never left her facing cancer alone.
Life-changing
Can cancer change a patient’s life? Absolutely! No one wishes to have cancer but there are some ways that cancer makes a patient a better person than if it would never had cancer.
Tien is a very quiet or rather we say introvert person, the first time I met her and I found out she has cancer, I tried to reach out and talk to her as a peer survivor. But that was not easy when during that time she was afraid that when people know that she has cancer, she might lose her job or friends.
I asked her if I can write an article about her, at first she hesitates. Gradually, she gained the courage to face the reality where turned herself to appreciate life more by being one of the voices of cancer. She becomes part of The Cancer Voice Vietnam as the graphic designer and to contribute to every charity activities that directly contribute to childhood cancer patients in one of the hospitals in Vietnam.
So, whenever you know someone that is affected with thyroid cancer, be patient with them.
You may see them as lazy, complaining, negative and miserable, but you know what? They are conquering heroes today. When you see them complaining, they are actually achieving a day to survive. When you see them lazy, they are just tired. When you see them irritable, they are in pain.
Whenever you see them like that, they are heroes that will never ever give up.
However, what they only need from you is your support and love. This fight is also your fight whether you like it or not.
Have you recently asked a friend or loved one that has hypothyroidism how they are doing or how their day was?
My name is Cielo, the author of “The Cancer Voice Asia”, a blog that aims to support and inspire anyone who is facing cancer. I know how it feels to be diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer, Leiomyosarcoma, at the age of 29. I know the challenges, the fears, the hopes, and the joys of living with cancer. I want to share my story with you and connect you with others who understand what you are going through. Together, we can empower ourselves and fight against the disease. Join me on this platform and let’s make our healing journey a meaningful one.
