Finding the Light in the Dark
- Marketing professional Randy Kreill, 60, went through thyroid cancer back in 2004 and it “turned his world upside down.”
- Like many cancer survivors out there, it took an actual life-threatening diagnosis to change his outlook on life, and Randy was admittedly already striving for a bit of a slow-down.
- According to the American Cancer Society, thyroid cancer can show up via any of these symptoms: A lump in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, or a hoarse voice that does not resolve.
Like many cancer survivors out there, it took an actual life-threatening diagnosis to change his outlook on life, and Randy was admittedly already striving for a bit of a slow-down.
Read More"I went to get an X-ray and it turned out I had a very large goiter in my neck," Randy said. "I was having panic attacks and losing sleep."
Randy’s doctors mistakenly told him that they thought it was benign, but unfortunately, a biopsy revealed cancer. Shortly after, Randy spent months and months in radiation treatment.
"I came away from that knowing that cancer patients are more likely to have future cancers," Kreill said. "I became very focused on what might have been the root cause."
As he continued to find peace in his diagnosis, Randy’s cholesterol dropped significantly.
Then, the Beavercreek, Ohio native found solace in an unlikely comfort, Xero Shoes DIY sandals.
"My life changed again when I bought these crazy looking sandals," Randy said. "I had to put them together and figure out how to lace them the best way."
He participated on a run for his 50th birthday in his “invisible shoes.”
"Wearing the sandals is a constant reminder to pick up my feet," Randy said. "I've learned how to run properly and use my core."
The health-enthusiast completed his 79th race at the age of 59 in July, and most importantly, feels healthy and pain-free. “And extremely grateful,” he said.
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A New Lease On Life
Randy, who is happily married to his wife Megan, aims to spend more and more quality time with their daughters Lindsay, 24, Emma, 22 and Arin, 20.
"At the age of 42, I wondered if I'd be around to see my girls grow up," Kreill said. "Cancer shook me to the core, but the lifestyle changes flipped a switch from a life drifting by and based on fear, to a life of faith, hope, joy and adventure."
Thyroid cancer, for the most part, is very slow-growing, but that doesn’t mean you can dismiss warning signs.
According to the American Cancer Society, thyroid cancer can show up via any of these symptoms:
- A lump in the neck, which might grow quicklySwollen neck
- Neck pain in the front, sometimes going to the ears
- A hoarse voice or other changes in the voice that do not resolve
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- A continuing cough in the absence of a cold
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to consult your doctorr.
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