After Sherry Hennen’s husband passed away, she decided she wanted to live closer to her three sons. One lives in New Lexington, one in Pataskala, and one in Columbus. She found a condominium
in Thornville where she felt she would be comfortable and close to each of the boys and their families. After the move, she searched for a primary care physician to manage all aspects of her health and
wellbeing.

Having had a male physician in the past, Sherry thought she may be better able to relate to a female physician, so she searched through local listings to find a suitable match. She began visiting Katrina
M. Timson, M.D., at Licking Memorial Family Practice – East. “Both Dr. Timson and her Nurse Practitioner, Joan Crumrine, APRN-CNP, offer excellent care,” Sherry said.

Earlier this year, Sherry began experiencing pressure in her throat especially when she bent over. She
quickly made an appointment to visit Dr. Timson. After examining Sherry, Dr. Timson referred Sherry to the Licking Memorial Radiology Department to have an ultrasound performed. “I really had no idea what was causing the discomfort I felt. I never had issues before with my thyroid, but I knew something was not right,” Sherry said.

Dr. Timson reviewed the results from the ultrasound and informed Sherry that her thyroid was enlarged, and that there nodules present. Sherry was then referred to Licking Memorial Otolaryngology.  Otolaryngology is a specialty which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.  The physicians have specialized training and experience that allows them to treat
both acute and chronic illnesses and also focus on preventive medicine. Sherry then scheduled an appointment with Kenneth C. Parker, M.D., to determine the next steps in treating the issue.  Performing an ultrasound on Sherry’s throat, Dr. Parker found nodules in her thyroid.

“Dr. Parker is very knowledgeable, and he explained my options including surgery to remove my thyroid,” Sherry recalled.

Known as a thyroidectomy, the procedure entails surgically removing all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. The thyroid releases hormones which control many critical
functions of the body. An overgrowth of normal tissue may lead to the development of thyroid nodules which require removal if the growths are causing difficulty in swallowing or breathing. The nodules may be benign or malignant.

During the procedure, the surgeon, or otolaryngologist, makes a small incision in the skin of the neck as close to a natural crease as possible to reduce the appearance of the scar. A thin layer of muscle is parted to gain access to the thyroid gland, then one or both lobes of the thyroid gland as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may be affected by disease are removed. The muscles of the front of the neck are returned to their proper position and secured in place.  Sherry underwent the thyroidectomy at
Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), where she stayed overnight to recover.

“Everything went perfectly. The staff was amazing and very kind. Overall it was a good experience,” Sherry revealed.

During a follow-up visit with Dr. Parker, Sherry was informed about the results of the biopsy on the nodules. “Dr. Parker took my hand to comfort me as he told me that cancerous cells were found in
three of the nodules. He quickly assured me that he would take good care of me, said I should not worry at all about the findings, and that I would be just fine,” Sherry said. “He is the nicest, most
compassionate physician. I know that he deeply cares about me and ensures I do not let stress hamper my recovery.”

When the thyroid gland is surgically removed, the body still requires thyroid hormone to assure that vital functions remain in balance. Sherry was referred to an endocrinologist to assist in managing
thyroid hormone levels, monitoring for cancer recurrence, and adjusting medication dosages. She will continue visiting Dr. Parker for further follow-up visits as well.

Since her surgery, Sherry has been focusing on her family. She enjoys spending time with her sons, Brad, Cory, and Tyler, and their children.  Sherry has one grandson, and five granddaughters. Having raised three boys herself, Sherry says she enjoys being a grandmother, but only wishes she knew
more about braiding and haircare for the granddaughters.