Rachel Heyer

Nowata, Oklahoma

Thyroid Cancer Survivor

While I won't go as far as to say I'm glad I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, what I will say is that I've changed for the better because of its impact on my life. And, through my association with Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), I've grown emotionally and spiritually.

I was diagnosed with cancer following a car accident. I'd been having pain in my neck and down my arm, and my doctor thought I might have a disc compression in my spine due to the wreck. So, I had an MRI, and it showed cancer on my thyroid. I had surgery to remove half my thyroid in February 2004. But following that, I was disappointed with the attitude of the physicians caring for me and wanted a second opinion. I'd written CTCA's phone number down from a radio ad I'd heard before I ever knew I had cancer, because I thought it sounded like a great place to work. So, I went looking for it.

When I contacted CTCA, I was feeling scared, devastated and disappointed. There's no other diagnosis like cancer to make a person think of his or her mortality. The cancer was also a double blow to me, because I'd just lost my job after 25 years. I felt empty. I'd lost a sense of my worth. I was questioning why this was happening to me, as most people probably do. Was God trying to teach me something? Was there a lesson in this? Did He want me to become more empathetic to others? I knew God was my answer, but I didn't know how to personally interact with Him.

I began attending classes at CTCA in Tulsa, seeing the PNI (psychoneuroimmunology or mind-body medicine) psychologists, nutritionists and receiving spiritual support from Pastoral Care. I learned how my attitude and approach could impact my recovery. It has made such a difference.

I thought I was quite knowledgeable about nutrition, but I've received a better understanding of how diet affects cancer and your health in general.

I've developed a greater confidence in God and in doing what His Word says to do. I know I don't have to understand or fully comprehend everything that happens to me. I can trust that God will be there to take care of me, whatever transpires. While thyroid cancer may be less likely to spread than other cancers, I still have a degree of concern as to whether it's going to show up in another part of my body. But, I've learned to say, "Rachel, you can leave that in God's hands. As His child, you have His promises to lean on." My fear is gone through the spiritual support I've gotten here.

I also definitely feel more open about my faith and understand the importance of sharing it with others ... who God is and what He means to me.

I think it's essential that patients understand the importance of all aspects of care offered by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the mind-body, spiritual, nutritional and naturopathy, not just the chemo, radiation and surgery.

I've learned that cancer doesn't have to be the conqueror. I can conquer it.