Before I ever founded SYT, I was just a patient suffering with a huge benign thyroid mass. I desperately needed relief, but was not a good surgical candidate. I had perfect thyroid function and did not want to take thyroid medication for the rest of my life. One sleepless night, after a desperate prayer, I discovered Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). At that time, only 2 treatment centers existed in the US, and there was only 1 patient testimonial online. Fortunately, I was able to connect online with another patient who shared with me about her treatment experience and some very helpful tips -- I will be forever grateful to her. Once I learned I was a candidate, I traveled 9 hours by car to have my procedure. It was well worth it. My RFA was a success and tremendously changed my life for the better! Five years later, I still have a functioning thyroid and have maintained a 90 percent reduction in my nodule. I thank God for my wonderful RFA doctor, my friend who helped me along the way, and for thyroid RFA!

In April, 2023, a 1cm suspicious nodule was incidentally found in my thyroid, which ultimately would be confirmed to be papillary thyroid cancer. I was shocked and scared. The idea of removing my thyroid and being on life-long medication felt daunting, but I did not think I had any other choice. My surgeon recommended a lobectomy and told me I was not a candidate for RFA due to the location of the nodule (up against my trachea). I discovered RFA through Jennifer’s YouTube channel. As I continued my research and watched Jen’s videos that featuring experts, I felt more intrigued. Joining the SYT Facebook community ultimately gave me the confidence to cancel my surgery and seek a second opinion. I read many stories of patients in similar situations who advocated for themselves and successfully underwent the procedure. My second opinion was from a renowned surgeon, who felt confident that she could treat me. The procedure was a complete success with no complications! I’m so grateful to have found a treatment that is safe, effective, and minimally invasive—and I have the SYT community to thank for it!

I'm very pleased! Had over 7 by 5 by 3 cm nodules. Deviated trachea and 30 percent airway constriction. Now, running and feeling much better! Size is reducing. So thankful surgery wasn't needed!

I tried everything I could to shrink my thyroid nodule on my own. Being able to save this important organ through RFA has been an answer to my prayers. So thankful for an alternative to surgery. My results have been remarkable.

I have suffered due to health problems for many years and removing half or all of my thyroid seemed unwise if not absolutely necessary. RFA on my small cancerous nodule has allowed me to keep my thyroid intact and producing vital thyroid hormones my body needs.

This procedure has been life-changing for me by offering me a safe and effective way to treat my subclinical hyperthyroid with toxic nodules...in just one month, my thyroid is functioning normally. Hurray for RFA!!

RFA has enabled me to preserve my functional thyroid and return to a happy quality of life! No more swallowing issues, no more ugly neck lump. So happy I pursued RFA!

Its been 3 months now and my nodule has decreased by 57%. I'll continue to have ultrasounds to monitor it but all thyroid levels are normal and the nodule is expected to continue shrinking. I had lung surgery a year ago and was not willing to consider surgery if there were any other options.

After being told I should have a PT, I found this group and my journey to RFA began. I chose to have RFA in 2021 due to my benign nodule increasing in size. I am now holding steady with a 73% reduction two years later. I am so happy I chose RFA for my nodule and there was an alternative to surgery.

I had been following my thyroid since 2014 waiting for the thyroid guidelines to change. My largest nodule measured up to 5.4 cm on ultrasound. I just had my 3 month RFA follow up ultrasound. The nodule now measures 1.5 cm. Problem solved!

I initially faced considerable struggles, contemplating removal of my thyroid due to a lack of knowledge among some doctors on the subject. Fortunately, I persevered through the challenges and opted for thermal ablation, a decision that now fills me with immense contentment. The procedure not only preserved my thyroid, but also marked a significant turning point in my health. I am now delighted to feel both happy and healthy, grateful for positive outcome and the ability to retain a vital part of my well-being.

My doctor monitored my 5.7 cm benign nodule for 8 years - it was stable and I had no symptoms. Then, it started growing and I developed subclinical hyperthyroidism, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. My nodule was treated with RFA in December 2022. It shrank 75 percent, my symptoms are gone, no meds, normal blood levels. The ablation and recovery were easy - best decision I ever made.

I had three sessions of high intensity thyroid ablation on a large nodule which was growing below my sternum. I persevered with putting pressure on my consultant to consider me for RFA and so glad he did. My nodule reduced over 60 percent and has helped my breathing issues and neck appearance and hence confidence. I was always euthyroid, so did not have any issues apart from breathing and a huge lump over 9 cm! The process was scary at first, very painful, but I knew it was going to help so I persevered without pain relief. The more popping noises the better and I got used to the feeling of digging around in my neck. I was very swollen and bruised, especially after my second very long treatment, as the fantastic consultant used so much energy to ablate the nodule. I had a very hoarse voice for a few days, but the results are amazing. He said I had an amazing pain threshold. I iced my neck a few days afterwards, carefully cleaned my incision, took a couple paracetamol and rested. I found my jaw ached slightly and was tired, but returned to work a couple of days later. I had it performed in the UK. Thank you.

I have been struggling with hyperthyroidism for 9 years due to nodules. Thank God I didn't give in and have my thyroid removed. RFA was finally just recently approved in Canada and I was fortunate enough to have RFA performed by Dr. Pasternak. Thankfully, the procedure was less painful than I anticipated and I am finally feeling hopeful about reclaiming my health.

Click here to watch Cyrus share his experience with RFA treatment of papillary thyroid cancer.

Click here to watch Josemily share her experience with RFA treatment of a benign nodule.

Click here to watch Em share her experience with RFA treatment of papillary thyroid cancer.

Click here to watch Sandy share her experience with RFA treatment of a large benign thyroid nodule.

Click here to watch Deborah share her experience with RFA treatment of a large benign thyroid nodule.

Click here to watch Dean share his experience with RFA treatment of a large benign thyroid nodule.

Click here to watch Debi share her experience with RFA treatment of a toxic thyroid nodule.

Click here to watch Tara share her experience with RFA treatment of a toxic nodule.

Click here to watch Kathy share her experience with TAE of a huge benign goiter.

Click here to watch Becki share her experience with laser ablation of a benign thyroid nodule.

Prior to my RFA, my toxic nodule was ~40cc's. I had my first RFA in April 2024 and it reduced to 18 cc's by the time I had my second RFA in late July. Four weeks following my second RFA the ultrasound showed it had already shrunk to 11.8cc's. My hormones already seem to be normalizing. I'm very grateful for an alternative like RFA that preserves my natural thyroid function!