When Vivien saw a NORTH Foundation banner, she didn’t hesitate. Motivated by her own battle with thyroid cancer and a family history of the disease, she became a regular donor – determined to help fund crucial research that could save lives.
With almost 1 in 2 Australians (approximately 43%) diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, Vivien says that uncertainty of cancer drives her to support others who are affected.
Viven’s shock cancer diagnosis
In early 2024, Vivien began experiencing troubling symptoms, including pins and needles, tingling in her feet and numbness in her face.
An MRI scan of her brain ruled out any central nervous system illnesses. However, a further scan of her neck revealed a lump. The lump was small and painless, which is why Vivien hadn’t noticed it before.
A biopsy revealed that Vivien had thyroid cancer.
The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, a group of glands responsible for producing and regulating the body’s hormones.
Even though the cancer was slow-growing, Vivien understandably wanted the cancer removed quickly. Her GP referred her to Dr Alex Papachristos, an endocrine surgeon with a special interest in advanced thyroid cancer management at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Vivien lives outside Canberra and was full of praise for how quickly and easily she was able to access a specialist doctor in Sydney. She credits Anthony from Dr Papachristos’ team, who organised the initial consultation via telehealth, as being very helpful and caring at a crucial time.
Within a few months, Vivien underwent a four-and-a-half-hour thyroidectomy to remove the cancer, which was attached to her trachea or windpipe. The delicate operation took some time, as Dr Papachristos had to remove a piece of the trachea and carefully preserve the laryngeal nerve which sits right alongside the trachea, running up to the voice box.
There was a risk Vivien would lose her ability to speak, but she was relieved when she still had her voice. The scar was hidden in the natural fold of her neck and while it currently feels a bit tight, she knows that it will get better in time.
Ongoing donations help advance cancer research
Reflecting on her experience, Vivien says,
“There was no reason why I got cancer. I donate so that hopefully, research will uncover more information that can help others.”
An estimated 2,900 Australians are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. It affects almost three times as many women as men and can occur at any age.
“Research into cancer is vital for improving outcomes for those affected by this disease,” said Dr Papachristos, “and ultimately increasing the survival rates of Australians living with cancer.”
Donations to the NORTH Foundation play a crucial role in making research possible and every donation helps make a difference. If you want to join Vivien in helping the fight against cancer, please donate.
