Jacqui’s Story

Following a partial thyrodectomy at North Tyneside hospital I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer on the 4 January 2007.

I underwent further surgery later that month to remove the remainder of my thyroid gland. I was then referred to the care of Dr. Mallick and his Team.

On my first appointment the HiLo trial was discussed with me in detail and I was given information to take home and read.

However, before I had got home let alone discuss it with my husband I had made the decision to be a part of the trial. Why, to be honest I don’t really know it felt right for me and I am a great believer in gut instinct.

I suppose in the back of my mind was the fact I had previously had radio iodine treatment for an over active thyroid, plus there was always the possibility of no throxine withdrawal.

Had the trial involved the chance of a higher dosage I know for a fact I would not have participated. It was also a way of giving something back, which may make a difference to treatment for future generations.

I was never put under any pressure to participate; I received no additional checkups and knew I could withdraw from the trial at any time with no consequences.

I did complete surveys before, during and after treatment to establish how I was feeling both physically and mentally.

Radioiodine was given to me in the normal way, the bonus I was in isolation less than 24 hours and it worked. My body scan following treatment plus my challenge scan revealed no abnormalities.

In July 2008 I was told I was in remission, how good is that.

I have no regrets or worries about being part of the HiLo trial as with all my treatment for thyroid cancer I have had excellent care by all the medical teams involved, which has nothing to do with the trial.

In addition there was wonderful support from my family and Butterfly.

Throughout all my treatment I have tried to stay very positive, probably worked too hard and not taken enough time out to fully rest; fear anxiety and the fatigue sometimes takes its toll.

There is only one word to describe thyroxine withdrawal and that is horrible. From my experience I hope one lesson I have learnt is that maybe just sometimes you have to do a little bit of what you want to do in life.

Jacqueline Mason
September 2008