ModernMom’s Brooke Burke shared the scary news that she would be undergoing surgery to remove her thyroid.
At a routine physical several months ago, doctors discovered a lump on her neck.
“I got my results back days later and they were atypical, which means that the doctors couldn’t confirm whether the nodule was cancerous or benign,” she says.
“So I had to have a bunch of additional tests and get second opinions. Long story long, I got my results back and they were not good.”
The mom of four posted a video in which she opened up about her diagnosis and shared an inspiring message of hope and strength.
“I need to have thyroid surgery and a thyroidectomy, which means I’m going to have a nice, big scar right here across my neck,” she says. “Here’s the way I see it: I’m just going to make a positive out of this negative thing. I’m going to be a really good patient and do everything I need to do.”
“I’m ready to deal with it, and I’m going to be fine. I feel really strong… I’m going to fight through this, and as crazy as it is, my head is in the right place.”
It all started a few months ago, at a routine physical, when doctors discovered a lump on her neck.
“I got my results back days later and they were atypical, which means that the doctors couldn’t confirm whether the nodule was cancerous or benign,” she says.
“So I had to go and do a whole bunch of additional tests and get second opinions. Long story long, I got my results back and they were not good.
The mom of four posted a video in which she opened up about her diagnosis and shared an inspiring message of hope and strength.
“I need to have thyroid surgery and a thyroidectomy, which means I’m going to have a nice, big scar right here across my neck,” she says. “Here’s the way I see it: I’m just going to make a positive out of this negative thing. I’m going to be a really good patient and do everything I need to do.”
“I’m ready to deal with it, and I’m going to be fine. I feel really, really strong… I’m going to fight through this, and as crazy as it is, my head is in the right place. It’s going to be good.”
You can check it out below:
But the story doesn’t stop there. Support poured in from the ModernMom community – from other moms, sisters, daughters and cancer survivors who were touched by Brooke’s courage.
We wanted to share some of their words:
“This was me exactly two years ago… found at a routine physical, with no symptoms or family history. I was the healthiest I had ever been in my life and to hear the word cancer is scary to say the least. Especially when you have four kids. as I do. Thyroid cancer is cancer, whether it’s the best one to have or not. Be grateful that it’s the best to have but don’t allow anyone to discount your feelings.
I had a complete thyroidectomy and just celebrated 2 years cancer free. Being a mom, you never throw away a teachable moment and that’s what I turned this negative into. I have always been into fitness and health and my kids know that. My recovery was fast and minimal and I truly believe that it was because of my good health and the shape I was in. I always tell my kids that you are only given one body and it’s theirs to take care of. Teachable moment. I also used it as a time to remind myself to focus on the important things. At the end of the day, the only things that really matter are your health, and your family and friends. Let the little things go! (A hard lesson for a control freak, Type A personality like myself!) Best of Luck!”
“I have a friend who just went through the exact same thing with her thyroid. It’s scary now, but it’s ‘fixable.’ And the scar won’t be as bad as you think. At first it may seem like a big deal, but it WILL fade over time. My daughter had lumps removed from the lymph glands on both sides of her neck about 5 years ago at the age of 28, and you can’t even tell where the incisions were anymore. Hang in there!!”
“I had it 2 years ago, doctor said ‘it’s the best cancer to get.’ Totally curable, and you can’t even see the scar anymore. Keep smiling.”
“As I watch your video, tears roll down my face… I so understand what you are going through, as I am a Breast Cancer Survivor. I know the “C” word all too well. Keep the positive attitude, trust me….it will help you to get through this journey. I pray that God guide your doctors to help you in all that you need and wish you a speedy recovery. Blessings to you Brooke : )”
“Thanks for making this video. Plain talk, no conjecture. My mom went through this over sixty years ago. Today she is 85 years old. I’m sure you will be fine. Have a speedy recovery and keep your children feeling safe.”
“Having gone through cancer myself, I realize what a obstacle this may be but I promise you that going through something like this will only make you stronger and make you appreciate your blessings even more.”
“Wow! Watching your video took me back step for step, word for word to my thyroidectomy a few years ago. I went in for a normal appointment, and the doctor found I had a enlarged multi-nodular thyroid. Months of ultrasounds, needle biopsies and blood work. Ended up have a complete removal. My doctor said the same thing, it was a good cancer to have, it’s contained and easy to remove. Haha, umm, I guess it is good then… Mine thankfully came back from pathology as negative. The scar has really faded. You can see it but I have never had anyone say anything about it. Stay strong!”
