Cancer Survivor Raising Awareness

June Hill was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 1997. Thyroid cancer accounts for only one percent of all diagnosed cancers and is treatable if discovered early.

This article appeared in the Newnan-Times Herald on February 18, 2003 and was written by Nichole Golden.

The fact that June Hill even has a voice is considered a miracle by doctors – A miracle she is putting to good use by raising awareness about cancer. Hill Was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 1997, after a painful lump in her neck was found to be malignant. Two years earlier Hill was painting a room when she first noticed soreness and found the lump. The cancer was originally diagnosed as a “toxic goiter” and Hill had no reason to believe otherwise.

“I felt fine,” she recalled.

During the next two years, the swelling would increase and subside. Hill headed back to the doctor when she heard changes in her voice.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump or nodule in the neck, and in rare instances pain, hoarseness or swollen lymph nodes. Hill had all of these symptoms at the time of her diagnosis.

After a biopsy of the lump, Hill under went surgery to remove the tumor. “It was attached to my esophagus,” she said.

The cancer had also grown to her left and right laryngeal nerves, and thyroid gland. June’s thyroid had to be removed, and she lost her left laryngeal nerve.

In the days following the surgery, Hill could only speak softly but has gradually regained her voice. She cannot reach high pitches. One physician told June that often patients can only speak in a whisper after such surgery.

“I received a miracle,” said Hill.

The thyroid regulates heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the rate at which food is metabolized. Hill now takes thyroid medication to handle those functions. “I could not live without it’” she said of her medicine.

There four types of thyroid cancer – papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. Hill’s cancer was diagnosed as papillary, a slow growing form that accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all thyroid cancers. One known risk for papillary and follicular cancers is exposure to external x-ray beam therapy in childhood.

Hill has never met another person with thyroid cancer; but draws strength from members of the First Baptist Cancer Support Group. “They have been there for me,” said Hill. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at the First Baptist Church in Newnan, GA.

A year later, Hill had surgery to remove lymph nodes on the left side of her neck, and one was found to be malignant.

The treatment for thyroid cancer is an isolating experience. Four times in the past five years, Hill has been admitted to an Atlanta hospital for treatment with radioactive iodine.

The iodine seeks out thyroid tissue that has spread throughout the body and the radiation destroys it.

“You are highly radioactive,” explained Hill.

No one can occupy the hospital rooms neighboring Hill’s as radiation can seep through electrical outlets. The phone, remote controls, and the bathroom floor are all wrapped in plastic to prevent contamination. The treatment is administered in capsule form, but is so radioactive that no one touches it. The nurse pours it straight form the bottle into Hill’s mouth.

A technician uses an instrument to check the radiation each morning and when it drops to certain level, the patient can be discharged. Hill can take nothing home with her other that the clothes she wore to the hospital which is kept in a secure area. For three days, she has to keep a three-foot distance from family members and separates her own laundry and dishes from the family.

The radiation has destroyed the salivary glands in Hill’s cheeks. The glands under her tongue work very little. She carries a small dropper bottle of special water in her purse to help her swallow and kill enzymes.

She recommends those undergoing radiation discuss dental problems that may be caused by the treatment and to seek necessary protection.

“Faith in God is absolutely necessary when experiencing cancer,” emphasized Hill.

Shortly after her initial surgery, Hill awoke in excruciating pain at home. She prayed and said she heard in an audible voice say” It’s OK. I will take care of it.”

Hill said she prays more now and that this battle has only increased her faith. “You are given strength when you need it, she said.

Hill’s cancer has metastasized to her lung, but the nodules are dormant. She has a CT scan every two months to ensure there are no changes.

The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or call (770-460-8920), can provide detailed information on thyroid cancer and other types of cancer. Hill is looking forward to participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in May at the county’s fairgrounds. Hill will walk with other survivors during the first lap and will also be a member of the small business team.

“You bond with those people. You need to be with those people,” said Hill of fellow cancer survivors.
A Newnan resident for 20 years, Hill recently shared her story at the Relay for Life kickoff to encourage others to be their own strong health advocate.

Having cancer has inspired Hill to learn more about nutrition and integrative medicine, which addresses the spiritual and emotional aspects of health as well as the physical. “I am so excited about that,” she said of the push for an integrative medicine center.