Patient Interviews
Active Surveilance
28: Patient Story 2 – Kimberly Dorris – A Comprehensive Analysis of Graves’ Disease
This episode is a thorough presentation of Graves’ Disease from Kimberly Dorris, an educator and expert, and also a patient. In this episode, listeners will gain a thorough understanding of a disease that is often confused with other diagnosis.
Kimberly Dorris is the Executive Director and CEO of the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation, a small nonprofit organization based in Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
Ms. Dorris has a unique perspective on thyroid dysfunction, having lived with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. She was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2007 and took methimazole for seven years. Approximately 18 months after stopping the methimazole, she became hypothyroid and is currently taking replacement hormone.
24: Patient Story 1 – Judy O’Reilly – Thyroid Cancer and Hypothyroidism
In this episode, we hear from Judy O’Reilly.
Judy was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011. Following surgery, Judy speaks about the frequent challenges, including adjusting medication dosages, hypothyroidism, and her energy levels hitting the wall during daily activities.
For Judy, the cancer diagnosis forced the conversation of talking about death with her children and husband. A singer and musician, the thyroid cancer and resulting surgery has caused vocal challenges.
11: Professional Triathlete, Ironman Champion, and Facing Thyroid Cancer with Karen Smyers
In this episode, we hear Karen describe what the calls, ‘character building’ moments, including how she approached thyroid cancer in the midst of of preparing for the 2000 Olympics.
Other obstacles included a torn hamstring, being hit by a 18-wheeler, and a broken collar bone. Regardless of the obstacle, Karen was able to stay focused on and win the Pro National Ironman Championship.
At 42 and post thyroid cancer, Karen gave birth to her second child.
Listen to this episode and you will be inspired by Karen’s determination, perseverance, and approach to living life to the fullest. And, in some cases pushing boundaries and achieving what some would say not possible.
10: Recovering From Thyroid Cancer Surgery, Faster, Better, and Stronger with Evan Simon, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Oregon State University
In this episode, we hear from Evan Simon, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Oregon State University. Evan was diagnosed with advanced Stage IV thyroid cancer, which resulted a 13 hour surgery.
At the end of his surgery, Evan was told he would not be able to lift his hands overhead for 3 months, instead he broke the odds, taking him only 3 weeks.