This article was originally published on Kueez
Growing Up As A Happy And Healthy Child
Victoria Price grew up in San Diego, where it was always sunny, and she was always outside. She loved to adventure and enjoyed her time in nature. As a child, Price was active, and she participated in many sports, including horseback riding.
As she grew up, Price became an accomplished equestrian and competed in different shows. She had a joyous childhood filled with laughter, and she never imagined where life would take her. Price would have never guessed how much her life would change once she grew up.
Graduating And Excited To Enter The World Of Reporting
Price started her career before she graduated from college. She worked as a student reporter for BuTV10 at Boston University where she was earning her degree. Price then became a corporate entertainment intern after working at the station for 2 years.
While she was a student Price was an online correspondent for the Olympics, and she hosted a web show on the night of the 2012 elections. During her last semester before she graduated, Price reported about the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. After, she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism and international relations.
Moving To Arkansas To Start Her Career
After graduating from college, Price started working as a reporter for KARK 4 in Arkansas. She was just getting into the heat of her career, and things were progressing quickly for this young reporter.
In Arkansas, Price was reporting on some of the most high profile cases like murder trials, state legislation, and more. She also reported on critical natural disasters and occasionally a Razorback football game. Price's work at this station won her a handful of Emmy's and other awards.
After Gaining Some More Experience It Was Time To Return To Her Hometown
Price grew up in sunny San Diego, so when she was given the opportunity to transfer to another station in Florida, she couldn't resist. The bay area of Tampa reminded her of her sunny hometown and gave her a sense of comfort.
Having been at this station for a few years, Price gained a following from her regular viewers, and people are always reaching out to compliment her presence on TV. She is a natural when it comes to reporting.
Giving Back To Her Community
Throughout her career, Price has visited many places to bring awareness to different causes. Last year, she visited a local second-grade class to teach them about the news and reporting. The students gave her many interesting story pitches, and the class got to be on the news that day.
Not only has price worked with local schools, but she also broke a huge story about a local animal shelter in Tampa that was operating well-above capacity. She has a passion for animals as she was an equestrian growing up, so she shares issues that are near and dear to her heart.
Reporting Throughout A Global Pandemic When A Viewer Notices Something Suspicious
This year, the main focus for most reporters has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Price has been reporting and working hard to cover the global health crisis so that viewers can have the most up-to-date information regarding restrictions and information.
While reporting one day, a viewer noticed an odd lump on Price's neck and decided to send her an email. The person didn't know if the reporter would see the email, but they hoped she would seek medical attention just to be on the safe side.
Receiving An Interesting Email From A Fan
While looking through her emails one day, Price noticed an interesting one from a viewer. The email was short and didn't have any body text; it was just a subject line, but it grabbed Price's attention. The viewer said that they noticed a lump on her neck and she should go see a doctor.
At first, Price didn't know if she should take this email seriously because the person could have been a troll or the lump could have been a shadow from the lighting. She was hesitant to see her doctor, but her boyfriend told her it is better to get it checked in case.
It Was Time To Take Things Seriously
While she had been reporting on a global health crisis for a few months, she had neglected to take care of her own health. Even if it turned out to be nothing, Price wanted to be safe and listen to the viewer. She decided to make an appointment with her doctor, and within a week she was in the office to start testing.
When her doctor initially examined this lump, he decided to order an ultrasound to see what was happening internally. The doctor also ordered some bloodwork to get some more information. While the blood work turned out fine, Price did not get the news she wanted to hear.
Even More Testing Than She Expected
The ultrasound revealed a nodule on her thyroid, so the doctor decided to perform a biopsy. Price was shocked that this was turning out to be a bigger situation. She had not felt any symptoms, so it was strange that the doctor was concerned. Price just wanted some answers so she could understand what was happening.
Over the past few months, Price had felt tired, but she accredited her lack of energy due to the long work hours while she covered the global pandemic. There were so many questions running through her mind and it was overwhelming. She was about to get the result she was dreading.
Sharing The News With Her Supportive Viewers
After bloodwork, an ultrasound, and a biopsy, Price's doctor informed her that she had thyroid cancer, and it had spread to a few lymph nodes.
The doctor told her that they caught in a very early stage so that the procedure would be simple, and she wouldn't need radiation. Although she had some answers, many questions still kept her up at night.
More Unanswered Questions
Price wondered if this would affect her voice or if she would have to wear a turtleneck to cover up an unsightly scar. She lives in Florida, so a turtleneck would not help her in the heat and humidity.
Price heard that people could have a hoars voice for weeks following the procedure, and she wondered how it would affect her going back to work. She was nervous that she wouldn't be able to speak for longer than she expected.
At Such A Young Age, How Can This Happen
Once Price was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, she started to do some research. She is only 29-years-old, so how could she have cancer? She had no family history, and she lived a healthy lifestyle.
Growing up, she was active as an equestrian, and into adulthood, she enjoys the outdoors. Although Price realized it had nothing to do with her lifestyle. After researching about her type of cancer, Price found that it is relatively common for women around her age to get nodules on their thyroids.
Thyroid Cancer Is Much More Common For Women
More than 52,000 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed each year, and Price said she would have ignored it had it not been for the concerned viewer. Her doctor said this mass could have been there for years before she ever noticed it.
Thyroid cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for young women, but when caught early on, it is very treatable. However, if Price had not gotten treated, it could have spread to her vocal cords, which would have affected her career.
Thanking Her Guardian Angel
Price was still in shock that a viewer was able to spot a lump before she did, but she was grateful that they felt compelled to reach out. If this woman had not told Price about the bump, she might have never looked at it, and she needed to thank the viewer.
Price emailed a long thank you to this kind woman who had used her own experience with thyroid cancer to help others. The woman answered her and gave Price her number so they could talk on the phone after she recovered from surgery.
Taking The Steps To Remove The Cancer
A month after Price received her diagnosis, she scheduled surgery to have her thyroid and surrounding lymph nodes removed. The thyroid controls your body's metabolism, and it regulates many body functions, including temperature.
Although this is a crucial gland, people can live without it. For those like Price who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, removing the thyroid is the first treatment doctors will do to get rid of the cancerous tumor. As long as she takes daily medication, her body can function normally without a thyroid.
What Would Have Happened If It Was Left Untreated
Price's cancer also spread to a few lymph nodes, so the surgeon removed those as well. There was one lymph node that was one infected lymph node that was incredibly close to her vocal cords.
If Price had not treated the cancer, her doctor said that it could have spread to her vocal cords and affected her voice. She depends on her voice to share stories and continue her successful career, so she is thankful that it was treated sooner than later.
Recovering Slowly, But Surely
After her surgery, Price updated her Instagram followers that she was doing well and recovering. The operation was a success, and the doctors found that it didn't spread that much, so they caught it just in time. Price said she would be back to her regular reporting a week after her surgery.
After surgery, some people may have a sore neck or have a hoars voice, but the recovery time is surprisingly short. Price said she spent the week home cuddling with her dog and watching Netflix, but she was eager to get back to work.
Getting Back To Work
A week after her surgery, Price did an interview, and she had a noticeable scar below her neck. Although she has this constant reminder, she feels lucky to have had someone looking out for her. She doesn't know if she ever would have gone to the doctor had it not been for the viewer.
In her interview, Price talked about her quick recovery and how excited she was to get back to work. She also announced that she and her mother would be starting a foundation for thyroid cancer awareness. Her message to all young women is to check your neck and take care of your health.
Future Plans To Thank The Kind Viewer
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Price cannot meet the viewer who emailed her, but they are corresponding. She has the woman's number and once the situation improves in Florida, Price hopes to find a way to thank this woman properly.
Price doesn't know how to repay someone who saved her life, but she is going to try her best. She said you only get one life to live, and this is her second chance thanks to this incredibly thoughtful woman. Once they meet, Price will be sharing some photos of them together.
#CheckYourNeck
Now that Price is aware of how common thyroid cancer is, she encourages everyone to check their necks regularly. If you feel anything or are having discomfort, she says to got get it looked at by a doctor.
If someone hadn't noticed this bump on her, she would never have gone to a specialist. Price feels so optimistic about the future because the cancer was removed entirely, and she is now cancer-free.
Be Aware Of What Your Body Is Telling You
She feels grateful to all of the viewers and fans who sent encouraging words of support and kindness throughout the past few months. Price never thought something like this could happen to her, but she is now healthy.
If you have been feeling extra tired or feel like your body is trying to tell you something, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Price had been tired for a few months and didn't realize what could be the cause until she went to the doctor.
Even People Who Live A Healthy Lifestyle Should Check For These Warning Signs
Like Price, many people have small bumps that go unnoticed. The tricky thing about cancer is that in the very early stages, someone might not notice any symptoms, much like Price. As it progresses, someone might feel pain or have trouble swallowing.
Price suggests that anyone who suspects they have an unusual lump gets it checked right away. It is better to be safe than sorry. With everything going on in the world, it is essential to make sure you are taking care of your health and focusing on yourself when you need to.
How Common Is This Type Of Cancer And When You Should See A Doctor
In America alone, over 15 million people have undiagnosed thyroid problems, and thyroid cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. Most women who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer are between 15 to 29 years old, so early detection can help reduce your risk of something spreading.
You can do a self-evaluation by looking in the mirror and focusing on the lower front of your neck. If you tip you head back and swallow, you can see if there are any unusual lumps. If you see something out of the ordinary make sure to call your doctor. It is important to stay in-tune with your body.
Victoria Price Wan't The First Person To Have A Viewer Spot Potential Cancer
Marc Lawrence is a former Republic of Ireland football player who played in the '70s and '80s. After retiring from the professional sport, he had a short career as a manager and then turned his attention to radio and television as a sportscaster for football games.
For a while, he had noticed a mole on his face that he was going to have checked out, but put off the appointment. He said, "I was already aware of the blemish and was planning to get an appointment about it, but, like a typical 60-year-old bloke, I had been putting it off rather than sorting it out." That was a big mistake.
Finding Out The Spot Was More Serious Than It Looked
While Lawrence was hosting Football Focus, a viewer noticed that the mole on his face was rather suspicious. The man emailed the show and told them that Lawrence should go see a dermatologist about the mole because it looked like melanoma.
Lawrence said the email was the push he needed and immediately went to the doctor to have the mole checked. After his doctor looked at the spot, he was sent to the hospital to have it removed. The spot had to be removed so the doctors could test it to see if it was cancer and if it had spread.
Getting Treatment And Waiting For Some Nerve-Wracking Results
Once Lawrence was at the hospital, a surgeon removed the mole, and it was sent away for testing. After a few weeks of waiting for his results, he found out that the mole was cancer, and he had to go back for another operation. The doctor had to check his lymph nodes to see if cancer had spread.
Lawrence had to wait about a month to find out the results, and he continued to work to stay busy. He returned to the hospital for a third operation to have the rest of the cancer removed, and finally, he got good news. For Lawrence, the hardest part was telling his children because he didn't want to scare them.
Meeting The Fan Who Saved His Life
Lawrence was beyond grateful to the viewer who had emailed him, and he needed to meet him. He wanted to thank the viewer in person for evidently saving his life. Dr. Alan Brennan was the fan that emailed in, and he had hoped that someone read it, but didn't hear back for weeks.
Alan waited for a while and finally got a reply thanking him for pointing out the mole. Lawrence and Alan finally met in person on BBC Breakfast, and he was so thankful to Alan for catching his cancer and reaching out. Lawrence said that he never wore sunscreen as a child, so once someone pointed it out he had to go to the doctor.
Out Of Millions Of Viewers, One Spotted A Mysterious Lump On This HGTV Star
Tarek El Moussa is the star of HGTV's Flip or Flop. He always expected feedback from fans after the show aired, but Moussa never predicted that one of the millions of followers would save his life.
During a marathon of the show in 2013, Ryan Reade, a registered nurse, was watching the show and spotted a mysterious lump on Moussa's neck.
Reade, immediately contacted the show's producers so they could tell Moussa to get the lump checked out by a doctor.
Reade, immediately contacted the show's producers so they could tell Moussa to get the lump checked out by a doctor.
The Registered Nurse Who Spotted The Cancer
It turns out that Moussa had been having throat problems for a while, and the doctor told him the lump was cancer. He had dismissed the lump on his neck many times, and it turned out to be more severe than he thought. Moussa thanked Reade for encouraging him to see a doctor because it saved his life.
Reade and Moussa met for the first time on The Doctors, where she explained that the lump didn't look healthy, and she had to reach out. Moussa and his wife (at the time) were so thankful for Reade. She had no connection to the HGTV star, yet she had the compassion to help him.
Recovery And Moving Forward
Moussa underwent surgery to have his thyroid and lymph nodes removed. He had to get iodine radiation because the cancer was stage two. Although this treatment took all his energy and gave him migraines, Moussa continued to work through the treatment.
Moussa decided to keep working because he thought that slowing down would make him depressed and scared for the future. Work was his outlet for stress relief, and it gave him hope that he would get through this. Moussa has been in remission for almost seven years, and he continues to get checked each year.
Another Newscaster Found Out She Had Cancer Because Of A Viewer
Maria Sansone is a reporter for NBC 10 Boston, and she was on air when a viewer wrote to her about a lump on her neck. She never even noticed it until someone pointed it out. In 2008, Sansone took the viewer's advice to see a doctor, and it turns out that she had thyroid cancer.
Luckily, Sansone caught the cancer before it spread, and she had her thyroid removed. She didn't know how she could have missed a tumor the size of a golf ball when her viewer noticed right away. Sansone is now an advocate for cancer research and encourages women to get their thyroid checked often.
When You Are On TV People Criticize Many Things, But Those Comments Can save A Life
Inside Edition's Deborah Norville knows all too well about the critiques people face when they go on TV. Whether it's your hair or an outfit, people will comment about it, but some comments are actually helpful. After noticing a lump on the reporter's neck, a viewer emailed the producers at Inside Edition.
Norville had known about a nodule on her thyroid for years, but the doctors always said it was nothing to worry about. After the viewer pointed it out, Norville went back to the doctor and found out she had cancer. It was caught in the early stages, so it had not spread, thankfully.
Removing The Tumor In The Early Stages
Norville underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and she said it was caught early, so the operation was simple. She was so thankful to the viewer for noticing something that she wouldn't have thought twice about.
Thyroid nodules are very common and don't always turn into cancer, but they have to be monitored regularly. Since Norville had been checking her nodule often, she was prepared for what it could have turned into.
Living Each Day Stronger
Norville was overwhelmed by the amount of support she received online. Many of her fans sent prayers and well wishes, which she says helped her through the recovery. Fortunately, the recovery time for this procedure is short, so she was only home for a week before returning to TV.
While many people care for others, they often overlook their own wellbeing. People have to be more in tune with their bodies because things can easily go unnoticed. It is important to remember to care for yourself when your body is telling you to slow down.