ThyCa News Notes - July 2014
08/2014- ThyCa Expands Medical Advisory Council
- Andrew’s Thyroid Cancer Triathlon for his Daddy
- More Great Speakers Confirmed for the Conference!
- People Coming to the Conference from Near and Far!
- New on the Conference Page
- Lenvatinib Update
- 47 Thyroid Cancer Grants! Thank You!
- Thyroid Exam Is Number One
- August Seminars with Physicians in New Jersey and Nevada
- August Hypoparathyroidism Events
- New Support Groups Start Meetings in Hawaii and Virginia
- You won’t want to miss it!
- How My Nodule Was Found
- Use AmazonSmile to support ThyCa when you shop through Amazon
- Join #ThyCaTalk on Tuesdays on Twitter!
- Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is coming up fast!
- Note from a Newsletter Reader
- Low- Iodine Recipe of the Month: Rae’s Delicious Savory Chicken
- Please Join Us!
- Follow Us
- It Only Takes One Minute
- About ThyCa NEWS NOTES and ThyCa
ThyCa Expands Medical Advisory Council
We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Medical Advisory Council with the addition of the newest members:
- Andrew J. Bauer, M.D., F.A.A.P, Pediatric Endocrinologist, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Keith C. Bible, M.D., Ph.D., Oncologist, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Naifa L. Busaidy, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Maria E. Cabanillas, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Gilbert J. Cote, Ph.D., Molecular Geneticist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Andrew G. Gianoukakis, M.D., Endocrinologist, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
- Elizabeth G. Grubbs, M.D., Surgeon, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Joshua P. Klopper, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado
- Barry D. Nelkin, Ph.D., Researcher, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Yuri Nikiforov, M.D., Ph.D., Pathologist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Eric J. Sherman, M.D., Oncologist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Jennifer A. Sipos, M.D., Endocrinologist, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
- Lori J. Wirth, M.D., Medical Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
These 13 new members add to our distinguished experts who provide ongoing input and review of medical information on ThyCa’s web site and print materials, as well as participating at our International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, and meetings throughout the year. Our advisors help guide and support our goals in education, treatment, and research.
We will soon add their biographies and photos to our Medical Advisors page. This page has the biographies of 34 of our medical advisors.
We are grateful to you all for your distinguished service and dedication in support of everyone with thyroid cancer.
Andrew’s Thyroid Cancer Triathlon for his Daddy
Andrew’s Triathlon was a big success!
Eight-year-old Andrew swam, rode, and ran in a Children’s Triathlon on July 19, 2014, raising nearly $7,000 for research on the rare and incurable stage 4 medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) that his father Rob Bohning is fighting.
It’s not too late to make a donation to this moving fundraiser. Click Here to donate.
Thanks very much to all the wonderful donors! 100% of all donations will go to ThyCa’s Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) Research Fund to support research on MTC.
While Andrew was training, Rob said, “I’m watching Andrew train and he’s already able to complete all 3 legs of the event—a 5 mile bike ride, a ½ mile run, and a ¼ mile swim.”
Below are some photos from the big day. Read more on our web site.
And visit the Facebook page that Rob set up: Andrew’s Cancer Triathlon for His Daddy
https://www.facebook.com/AndrewsTriathlon4Daddy
Rob has also been fundraising for MTC research through his 4th Stage Cycling club. Our Rally for Research page has details.
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More Great Speakers Confirmed for the Conference!
We’re proud to introduce more of our great conference speakers.
- Naifa Busaidy, M.D., is an Endocrinologist at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and a ThyCa Medical Advisor.
- Ann W. Gramza, M.D., Medical Oncologist, is a Staff Clinician in the Endocrine Oncology Branch of the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
- Joshua P. Klopper, M.D., is an Endocrinologist at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, and a ThyCa Medical Advisor.
- Steven G. Waguespack, M.D., Endocrinologist, is Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,, Texas, and a ThyCa Medical Advisor.
- Tracy S. Wang, M.D., M.P.H., is a Surgeon at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
These and more than 30 additional distinguished medical professionals will speak at the 17th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, October 17-19, 2014 in Denver, Colorado.
Join us in Denver for 1, 2, or all 3 days. This weekend brings you a unique opportunity to learn, in person and in depth, from dozens of leading thyroid cancer experts, plus specialists in coping skills and complementary approaches to well-being. You’ll have more than 100 choices of sessions during the conference.
Roundtables and social gatherings will also give you the chance to meet and get to know lots of others who are also coping with thyroid cancer.
Mark your calendar for October 17-19 and register now! Register either online or by mail. Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee (just check the scholarship box on the registration form).
And, remember to book a hotel room at the special conference attendee rate of $89 per night single/double.
People Coming to the Conference from Near and Far!
Early-bird registration for the Conference continues, and already people are coming from 29 states, Canada, and Mexico.
If you’ve registered for the Conference and are coming from outside the Denver area, remember to book your hotel room at the special rate we’ve arranged: $89 per night for a single or double.
If you’ve already registered for a hotel room, remember to register also for the conference, and take advantage of the early-bird registration discount.
Registration and hotel details are on our Conference Page.
We look forward to seeing you in October!
Visit our Conferences page for:
- More hotel details, including reservations at the $89 room rate for conference attendees
- Meal choices at the hotel
- Driving directions plus more transportation information
- Varied attractions in the Denver area.
July 30, 2014— Lenvatinib, a new drug that has shown promise in a clinical trial for treating progressive differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, and their variants) that does not respond to radioactive iodine, will receive accelerated assessment by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Lenvatinib is an oral multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor. It is manufactured by Eisai.
Eisai also reported that it soon plans to submit an application to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Lenvantinib.
47 Thyroid Cancer Grants! Thank You!
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Survivors’ Association, Inc., is proud to have awarded 47 thyroid cancer research grants since 2003 in support of our dream of cures for all thyroid cancer.
Thanks to you, our generous donors and supporters, our grants have gone to researchers in 5 countries: France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States. An independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) selects the recipients from researchers and institutions around the world. Thank you very much to ATA for your support.
Three ways you can help support our next round of grants
- Donate a new item (goods or services) for our Dinner/Auction Fundraiser, being held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, in Denver, Colorado, in conjunction with the conference. If you’d like to donate an item, e-mail us at conference@thyca.org for the Auction Item Donation Form.
- Come to the Dinner/Auction, a wonderful evening of fellowship and fundraising, Invite others to join you.
- Donate online or by mail to our Research Funds. Read about the research we’re supporting on our Rally for Research page. When you donate through this page, online or by mail, your contribution will support our next grants.
Thank You!
Have you heard about The Stanford Medicine 25? These are 25 physical exams that Stanford University School of Medicine emphasizes in training its medical students and internal medicine residents.
The Thyroid Exam is first on the list. It’s used for finding many types of changes that may indicate a thyroid disorder. Read more about how Stanford uses all the exams in training physicians, and get the list here:
Stanford also notes that there are many more than 25 physical exams.
Leader of the Stanford Medicine 25 team is Abraham Verghese, M.D., M.A.C.P., Senior Associate Chair for the Theory & Practice of Medicine, as well as the Internal Medicine Clerkship Director at Stanford University School of Medicine.
August Seminars with Physicians in New Jersey and Nevada
Learn more about thyroid cancer and get answers to your questions.
ThyCa and the volunteers of the ThyCa Jersey Shore University Support Group (www.thyca.org/sg/nj_neptune/) and the ThyCa Reno Support Group (www.thyca.org/sg/nv_reno/) are pleased to cooperate in publicity for these free educational events..
- In Neptune, New Jersey, on Friday, August 1, 2014. Free Coping with Thyroid Cancer Day with speakers from Meridian Health Care in the Lance Auditorium at Jersey Shore University Medical Center from 8 a.m. to noon. ThyCa is pleased to cooperate in publicizing this event.
- In Reno, Nevada, on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Free luncheon lecture on Long-Term Thyroid Cancer Management Strategies: Appropriate intensity after the first five years of thyroid cancer diagnosis. Sponsored by Renown Regional Medical Center. The speaker is Evan Klass, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology and Associate Professor of Medicine at Renown Regional Medical Center.
August Hypoparathyroidism Events
Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is a challenging disorder that affects some people with thyroid cancer.
Meet and learn with others with hypoparahtyroidism at these free events sponsored by the nonprofit National Organization for Rare Disorders.
- In Houston, Texas, on Friday, August 8th.
- In Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, August 23rd.
New Support Groups Start Meetings in Hawaii and Virginia
Our newest local support group will start meeting in September in Wailuki, Maui, Hawaii. Thank you very much to Robin Foundher for starting this group.
For details about this group, and the web pages of all the local ThyCa support groups, visit our Support Groups page.
If you’d like to start a group, you’ll find the e-mail contact for our Support Groups Director on that same page. We’re glad to provide training, materials, and resources to help new groups get started.
Haven’t attended or been in contact with a local support group yet? Here are the top reasons you won’t want to miss the next one:
- ThyCa Local Support Groups meet regularly, and our volunteers are also available to give phone and e-mail support, so it’s convenient for your schedule
- It’s an opportunity to talk openly and honestly with others who understand what you are going through
- You can compare notes about local resources with fellow support group members
- It’s a great way to learn about what’s new in thyroid cancer treatment
Read even more reasons to attend.
There are more than 110 local ThyCa support groups support communities around the United States and in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Philippines. Find the web pages of all the groups.
If you don’t see a group in your area, consider starting one. ThyCa can help you start a group. Visit our Support Groups page for information.
—from a Newsletter Reader
I knew I was at risk since I’d had significant radiation exposure as a teenager and I made sure all of my physicians knew about this risk.
I had my annual physical exam at the end of 2012 and nothing was noted.
In early 2013 I had my annual dental cleaning and check-up. During this exam by my DENTIST she found the tumor. Days later I had my thyroid removed. The pathologic diagnosis was a 5.0 cm x 3.2 cm x 3.1 cm Papillary Thyroid Cancer, stage pT3, NX.
The ONLY symptom I had was that I was having a hard time buttoning my dress shirt collar but I just thought I was putting on weight.
Thank goodness my DENTIST did a routine exam
(Editor’s Note: We encourage all of you to encourage your family and friends to request a neck check at their medical appointments. It could save their lives. And support Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, and our awareness campaigns year-round, by giving out materials — all free from ThyCa. )
Use AmazonSmile to support ThyCa when you shop through Amazon
Support ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association by starting your Amazon shopping at AmazonSmile. When you designate ThyCa via AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to ThyCa.
There is no cost to you. You use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile, and the prices and selections of items are the same.
Visit AmazonSmile for details.
Thank you!
Join #ThyCaTalk on Tuesdays on Twitter!
Are you on Twitter? Join us on Tuesdays for #ThyCaTalk.
#ThyCaTalk is held each Tuesday through August and September, and all @ThyCaInc Twitter followers are invited to participate.
During #ThyCaTalk, we’ll be sharing new insights, asking questions, hosting trivia, and providing some super cool ThyCa Spirit item giveaways along the way.
If you’re not already on Twitter, sign up and follow us.
Read more about #ThyCaTalk.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is coming up fast!
We welcome your help getting the word out in September or year round.
If you represent an organization, we invite your organization to become a partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
We’re happy to send free materials any time, anywhere worldwide. For tools, tips, and partnering information, visit our Raise Awareness page. 
Wow! And hello :-)
Thank you for this e-mail. I just wanted to let you know that I personally appreciate all the hard work you do for us, thyroid cancer patients.
My TT was 2 years ago but have had Graves [earlier]. I am still having issues with my health. Things I did not have to worry about or felt prior to having thyroid disease and cancer.
Thank you again. And big hugs to all.
Low- Iodine Recipe of the Month: Rae’s Delicious Savory Chicken
Contributed by Rae B.
Rae’s Delicious Savory Chicken
Ingredients:
One small dish full to at least the halfway point with extra light olive oil
Add a lot (to taste) of . .
Paprika
Garlic powder
Basil leaves (crushed)
All-purpose seasoning such as Spicely Organic Spices
Ground thyme
Parsley flakes
Rosemary leaves (crushed)
Black pepper
Non-iodized salt
Thoroughly mix all ingredients together in the same dish using a basting brush.
Coat as much seasoning as desired on raw chicken.
Grill (I prefer to use a George Foreman grill) for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Test temperature when the time is up. If necessary, cook at 325 degrees F for 5 - 10 minute intervals.
When the appropriate internal temperature is reached (165 degrees), serve.
This dish pairs especially well with asparagus.
Rae writes, “Easiest, most delicious low-iodine meal ever!”
Thank you, Rae! We will include your recipe in the next edition of ThyCa’s FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
Free and Downloadable: Click on the Cookbook link on our home page to download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.
The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and French.
Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.
This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing.
All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.
To contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.
No one should have to face a diagnosis of thyroid cancer alone. Your membership dues support ThyCa's efforts to provide our free services and resources to survivors and their families around the world.
Membership dues enable us to do many great things such as:
- Expand our informative web site
- Develop and assist local support groups
- Provide a toll-free survivors’ helpline and the Person-To-Person Network
- Develop and distribute handbooks and many more publications
You may join as a 1-year, 2-year, or lifetime member of ThyCa. Membership is open to anyone interested in thyroid cancer and supporting ThyCa’s efforts. To join, online or by mail, please visit our Membership page
Our Facebook community is now more than 11,000 people strong, and Twitter has more than 2,100.
Our support of each other — whether giving or receiving — is an incredible gift. Thank you for joining us.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.
It only takes a minute to make a donation online. in support of ThyCa's work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102).
We thank you in advance for your support!
About ThyCa NEWS NOTES and ThyCa
Copyright (c) 2014 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
This newsletter and ThyCa’s many other services and thyroid cancer research grants are made possible through the generous contributions from our donors and volunteers. Thank you! We invite everyone’s contributions, either small or large, financial and service. Together we make a difference!
Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Rae B., Kristy F., Leah Guljord, Newsletter Readers, Pat Paillard, Barb Statas, Theresa Wickerham, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.
The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals serving people worldwide and dedicated to education, support, communication, and fundraising for thyroid cancer research.
ThyCa sponsors the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, as well as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance each September, plus year-round awareness campaigns, research funding, and thyroid cancer research grants.
Visit our web site to learn about thyroid cancer, coming events, and ways you can help. Ask us for free materials and information. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our website.