When Aimee Parsley-White discovered a mass on her neck in 2021, she knew surgery was likely necessary.  Her sister, a nurse, felt Aimee needed to act quickly to assure the lump caused no further health concerns or other medical issues.  After a visit to her primary care physician, Aimee was referred to an endocrinologist, a specialist who develops treatments for conditions related to hormones.  The physician felt the mass was on the thyroid gland, which creates and secretes hormones into the blood.

In October 2021, Aimee had her first visit with the endocrinologist in Columbus.  An ultrasound was scheduled to view the area and determine a treatment.  The ultrasound confirmed Aimee’s thyroid was enlarged.  The specialist then informed Aimee that she should have a biopsy and another appointment was scheduled.  When Aimee arrived for the biopsy, the endocrinologist decided not to perform the procedure and ordered another ultrasound.  He also suggested a bone scan, then a thyroid scan using nuclear medicine to determine the functionality of the thyroid.  The appointments for the testing took place through October and into November, and the biopsy was rescheduled for early January 2022.

“I was starting to get very frustrated.  My physical health was declining quickly.  I lost 30 pounds in a month’s time, experienced significant loss of energy, heart palpitations, and swallowing food had become uncomfortable,” Aimee remembered.  “I understand the testing was to determine the underlying cause of my condition; however, I did not feel the cause was more important than protecting my health and removing the mass.”

Due to the mass, Aimee was experiencing hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone, thyroxine, and accelerates the body’s metabolism causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.  Aimee shared her concerns about the delays with her neighbor and friend, Shayne Miller, APRN-CRNA, a nurse anesthetist at Licking Memorial Hospital.  Shayne suggested Aimee make an appointment with Bradley R. Lawson, M.D., of Licking Memorial Otolaryngology (ENT).  Dr. Lawson specializes in treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.  

“Shayne said Dr. Lawson was a very good physician and is well known in his field.  I called Dr. Lawson’s office the week of Thanksgiving and was able to schedule an initial appointment for the following week.”

Accessing the laboratory tests results from the endocrinologist through Aimee’s electronic medical records, Dr. Lawson informed Aimee he would need another ultrasound performed and a biopsy in order to move forward with a partial thyroidectomy.  He agreed that action needed to be taken as soon as possible to remove part of the thyroid.  If only part of the thyroid is removed, the remaining portion of the gland continues to function and produce the needed hormones for the body preventing Aimee from having to take synthetic hormones for the rest of her life.  After the results of both the ultrasound and biopsy were complete, Amiee met with Dr. Lawson to create a treatment plan.

“Dr. Lawson was delightful and had a very good bedside manner.  He explained my condition and the process completely, and assured me that my surgery would be scheduled as soon as possible.  I felt so relieved,” Aimee said.

The surgery was scheduled for January 2022.  After a positive COVID-19 test, however, Aimee’s procedure was delayed a few weeks, but she was pleased that Licking Memorial staff members were quick to contact her and reschedule the surgery.  Upon arrival, Aimee was kept informed about each step of the process.  The surgery was considered an outpatient procedure meaning that as soon as Aimee was fully alert and stable, she was able to leave the Hospital and return home for recovery.

“I was a little slow in waking from the anesthesia, but the staff checked on me continually.  I did not feel rushed.  For a surgical procedure, it felt very relaxed.  The nurses and technicians answered questions and were willing to explain the expectations for my release,” Aimee shared.

Following the surgery, Dr. Lawson discussed the pathology report with Aimee in detail.  He informed her that he removed an incidental micropapillary thyroid carcinoma along with the toxic nodule which was causing her hyperthyroidism.  Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) develops from the follicular cells in the thyroid and typically grows slowly, making it treatable with a good prognosis by utilizing surgical removal.

In addition, Dr. Lawson also performed a parathyroidectomy, the removal of all or part of one of the parathyroid glands.  Four parathyroid glands are located on the outside borders of the thyroid in the front of the neck.  Such glands assist in controlling calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood.  One of Aimee’s parathyroid glands were determined to be an adenoma, meaning that it was producing excessive levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH).  Abnormally high levels of PTH cause elevated calcium in the blood stream.

Aimee is grateful to be able to once again fully enjoy time with her husband, Edward White, Jr. (Ned), and children – Mason, Lindley, Nolan, and Hudson.  Aimee grew up in Granville, and her siblings and parents have all remained in the area.  

“It has been a blessing to have my family nearby during this trial.  They have been helpful in caring for my children.  After losing a brother to brain cancer, the removal of part of my thyroid was a cake walk,” Aimee said.  “The Granville community has also been a blessing to our family.  My children attend school with Shayne’s children, and his family’s friendship has been invaluable.”  

One particular symptom of hyperthyroidism that patients often report is brain fog, which is described as a group of symptoms including low energy, forgetfulness, sleepiness, and difficulty focusing.  Aimee is slowly overcoming the sluggishness, and is now performing billing tasks part-time for a friend’s counseling business.  She is looking forward to celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary in June next year.