Patient Contacts: South East England

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Emma Cooper

Diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer 2008
Surgery x 1 total thyroidectomy (Hammersmith Hospital)
1 x RAI thyrogen (Harley Street)
Post-operative hypocalcaemia
Temporary bilateral vocal cord palsy post-surgery

Emma is a 34 year old documentary producer/director at the BBC, living in London, with her husband George and "Butterfly Baby" Harry.

She was diagnosed and then found she was pregnant; surgery was performed at 16 weeks pregnancy.

She gave birth to Harry in September 2009 and had her radioactive iodine therapy six weeks later. Her voice is now completely fine.

Her scar is supercool and she is now a happy Butterfly girl.

Email Emma
Tel: 07968 012896

 

Julie Williams

I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, extending into the sheath of the carotid artery, in June 2008 (aged 49).

I had my operation July 2008 (total thyroidectomy, right neck dissection and removal of the sheath of the carotid artery and two parathyroid glands).

I had post operative hypocalcaemia but no complications with the follow up RAI treatment in September 2008. I am still on calcium medication.

I had voice problems for some weeks after my operation but these are now resolved. My follow-up scan in January 2009 was clear although I experienced a number of unpleasant side effects on Thyrogen.

I am currently well and monitored six monthly by an endocrinologist.

I am married with three adult children aged 20, 23 and 26. I work part-time and have recently moved to Suffolk from the Plymouth area where I was treated. I am also a volunteer with the West Suffolk Hospital.

Email Julie
Tel: 01284 750530 after 6 pm

 

Karen Joy

My name is Karen and I live near Maidstone in Kent. I work full time with children and really enjoy my job.

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer (papillary carcinoma follicular variant) in February 2007. This came out of the blue after I had seen my GP for what I thought was a swollen neck gland which appeared during a cold virus!

I had two operations, two lots of radioactive iodine and three miserable periods of hypothyroidism.
I also had complications with my thyroidectomy scar and am still seeing a plastic surgeon to help with this.

I had my first clear scans in December 2008 and am now fit and well.

I would be very pleased to talk to anyone going through a similar experience. There is light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Email Karen
Tel:01622 843617

I look forward to talking to you.
Karen

 

Zara Butti

Diagnosed June 2007
Papillary Thyroid Cancer with Lymph Node Involvement
3 x Surgery Darent Valley
Vocal Cord Palsy
1x RAI Maidstone
1 x RAI Royal Marsden
Oncology
Intensive Speech Therapy
Voice recovered well
1 x Challenge Scan

Zara is 34 and runs her own chiropody Practice and internet business in Dartford, Kent.

She was diagnosed with Papillary Cancer after a lump on her neck became more obvious and was causing her voice to become hoarse.

During her first surgery her left vocal cord was damaged which caused Zara to have severe problems with her voice. However, after intensive speech therapy her voice is now almost normal.

Email Zara
Mobile: 07941 491869

 

Key

Helpline: 01207 545469
Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm