Resilience Over Thyroid Cancer: SJMC’s Comprehensive Care You Can Trust

A frequent traveller for work, Ivy made it a priority to undergo yearly health check-ups. However, a missed year due to her busy schedule led to the discovery of a thyroid nodule. A full medical report received later confirmed abnormalities, prompting her to seek medical attention.

“I was based in the Philippines for work and decided to come back to Malaysia for treatment due to familiarity and trusted referrals. Through recommendations, I found Dr Hew Fen Lee, a Consultant Endocrinologist from SJMC.

Dr Hew Fen Lee ordered further tests, including an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy. The results confirmed a diagnosis of thyroid cancer,” she shared.

After undergoing fine needle aspiration.

One Stop Centre for Thyroid Cancer Treatment 

Ivy’s journey at SJMC reflects a seamless, end-to-end care; ensuring she received the right support at every stage—from diagnosis to full recovery. Since receiving her diagnosis, Ivy had to be referred to a doctor for thyroid removal surgery.

Fate played a role as Ivy was referred to Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon, Dr Daphne Anthonysamy. Upon meeting Dr Daphne, Ivy felt an immediate connection and decided to proceed with surgery under her care.

Ivy shared that despite the surgery being scheduled close to Deepavali, Dr Daphne performed the procedure to remove her thyroid and even checked on her during the holidays. Ivy spent five days in the hospital and shared that the surgery was not as difficult as her previous ovary removal, which required an open abdominal procedure, and her recovery went well.

Following surgery, Ivy underwent radioiodine therapy (RAI) under Dr Yogendren Letchumanasamy, a Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician. He opted for the liquid form of RAI, known to be more effective for his patients despite higher risk for himself.

“Radioiodine therapy uses a radioactive form of iodine called I-131. When taken orally, the radioiodine travels to the thyroid gland and releases radiation, destroying thyroid cancer cell in the thyroid gland and any that may have spread to other parts of the body,” Dr Yogendren shares, adding that iodine therapy specifically targets the thyroid and has very little effect on other parts of the body.

“I found the treatment manageable thanks to his supportive approach. I was required to stay in the hospital for quarantine 3 days and an additional 2 days quarantine at home after undergoing RAI but because my sister-in-law recently gave birth at the time, I decided to spend those extra 2 days in hospital to avoid contact with my loved ones,” Ivy said.

Ivy and her mother who is her strongest support. 

Recovery from Thyroid Cancer

“I returned to the Philippines after treatment and then the pandemic lockdown started, so I was unable to return to Malaysia for follow-ups. Dr Daphne was very kind to advise me remotely on prescription adjustments based on blood tests results from where I am,” Ivy shared.

This continued for two and a half years until Ivy was able to resume in-person consultations in 2024. By January 2025, she had passed the critical five-year milestone, now requiring check-ups only once a year with Dr Daphne while still seeing Dr Yogendren every six months.

Life After Thyroid Cancer

“I would describe myself as a problem-solver, so I’m very focused on getting things done. Once I was diagnosed, I quickly sought medical treatment and although I felt some anxiety the day before surgery, I chose not to dwell on it. My mother was my strongest support; always there to care for me throughout this journey,” she shared.

With her entire thyroid removed, Ivy takes lifelong medication. A follow-up ultrasound confirmed that Dr Daphne had performed a meticulous surgery, effectively reducing the risk of thyroid cells multiplying. Today, her surgery scar is barely noticeable.

The comprehensive care she received minimised any side effects, allowing her to continue living life fully and embracing each new chapter with resilience and determination.