Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

Navigating an Indeterminate Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis with Chelsie PaulsonWhat do you do when your thyroid biopsy results leave you with more questions than answers? In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, I am joined by Chelsie Paulson, a vocal advocate and active member of our patient community. After an Afirma molecular test came back with a 50/50 inconclusive result, Chelsie was told that removing her thyroid was her only option.Instead of accepting lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, Chelsie took her health into her own hands. She shares her incredible journey of advocating for herself, canceling her surgery just days before, and traveling to New Orleans for Microwave Ablation with Dr. Emad Kandil. We also discuss how she integrated holistic lifestyle changes with a specialist in California to support her body's natural healing process, ultimately leading to massive nodule shrinkage and a benign pathology result!If you are sitting in the waiting room of uncertainty with an indeterminate nodule, this episode is here to give you hope and remind you that you have choices.Learn more about Dr. Emad Kandil and his practice:🔗 https://kandilablationcenter.com/⏱️ Episode Chapters:0:00 - Welcome to Save Your Thyroid02:05 - Discovering the Nodule: Symptoms & First Biopsy07:27 - The 50/50 Afirma Result & The Push for Surgery15:07 - A 2 AM Email: Finding Dr. Kandil & Canceling Surgery19:19 - Experiencing Microwave Ablation in New Orleans27:27 - Holistic Healing & Integrative Oncology in California28:52 - Post-Procedure Nodule Shrinkage & Benign Results38:59 - How Chelsie is Feeling Today44:32 - Misconceptions About Ablation & Final Advice for PatientsEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Save Your Thyroid for more interviews with the world’s leading experts in thyroid-saving technology.Resources:👉 Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/👉 Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/👉 Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical👉 Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/Support the channel:PAYPAL👉 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVENMO👉 https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagainAffiliate links:🌿 TOUPS AND CO: https://toupsandco.com/jen🎙️ RIVERSIDE: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagain🧴 VAN MAN: https://vanman.shop/?ref=itsmejenagain💡 BON CHARGE: https://us.boncharge.com/?rfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ff⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. No endorsement is given or implied for any specific product, treatment, or physician mentioned. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual medical needs.

Can you shrink a thyroid nodule by 82% while keeping your thyroid intact? In today’s episode, I am joined by Emily Saska, a patient who refused to accept a total thyroidectomy as her only option. When Emily discovered an "angry," rapidly growing 3.8cm thyroid nodule, she was steered toward the operating room. Instead, she chose a "needle off the record" moment and sought out nsPFA (nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation).Join us as Emily walks us through her experience with this cutting-edge, non-thermal technology performed by Dr. Emad Kandil. From a "nothing burger" recovery to stunning clinical results, Emily’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of patient advocacy and the life-changing potential of thyroid-saving technology.In this episode, we explore:The Surgery Referral: Why Emily questioned the "standard of care" and how she found the courage to seek a second opinion.What is nsPFA? An inside look at nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation—a non-thermal alternative for those who want to avoid the risks of heat-based treatments.The "Birthday Band-Aid": Emily’s step-by-step account of the procedure day and why her recovery was so incredibly fast.Proven Results: How Emily achieved a 65% reduction in just six weeks and an 82% reduction by her seven-month follow-up.Empowering Advice: Why you should never "blindly trust" a surgical referral without exploring the latest nonsurgical tools first.If you’ve been told that surgery is your only path, this episode is for you. Your thyroid is a vital organ—learn how you can save it.Connect with Our Guest & Expert:Dr. Emad Kandil’s Practice: https://kandilablationcenter.com/Previous episodes on nsPFA (nPulse): Dr. Tufano: https://youtu.be/ihkp3tmLqXI?si=xGrWeS4OavCM59qF Dr. Harding: https://youtu.be/1eG6x0W9CW0?si=wl1maW_QS5SEwNP_ Dr. Kandil: https://youtu.be/GWa-xs9iO-s?si=vR_ZRcDN0WuBqK1aResources: 👉 Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/ 👉 Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/ 👉 Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical 👉 Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/Support the Show:Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVenmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagain⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. No endorsement is given or implied for any specific product, treatment, or physician mentioned. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual medical needs.Keywords: Thyroid Nodule, nsPFA, Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation, Thyroid Ablation, Dr. Emad Kandil, Thyroidectomy Alternative, Non-Surgical Thyroid Treatment, Save Your Thyroid, Thyroid Nodule Shrinkage, Patient Advocacy.

Are you being told that a thyroidectomy is your only option for a growing thyroid nodule? Dr. Ian Orozco is here to change that with the launch of his new private practice, The Thyroid Institute of Utah.In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, we are challenging the status quo of traditional thyroid care and exploring the minimally invasive revolution of Interventional Endocrinology. Join host Jennifer Holkem as she sits down with board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Ian Orozco, a leading expert in Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in the Intermountain West.Together, they discuss his transition to a specialized private clinic in Provo, Utah, and how non-surgical options like RFA are helping patients shrink benign nodules, preserve their thyroid function, and avoid lifelong hormone replacement. Whether you are actively navigating a new diagnosis, seeking alternatives to the scalpel, or considering traveling out-of-state for expert care, this conversation is packed with the insights you need to make an informed, empowered decision.In this episode, we cover:  The Thyroid Institute of Utah: Why Dr. Orozco opened a single-focus practice dedicated entirely to modern thyroid care.  Understanding RFA: How Radiofrequency Ablation works to treat symptomatic hot and cold thyroid nodules without surgery.  Navigating the Hurdles: The truth about insurance coverage, Medicare codes, and how to advocate for yourself.  The Future of Treatment: Emerging technologies, ethanol ablation for cysts, and why the "wait and see" approach is becoming a thing of the past.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Save Your Thyroid for more interviews with the world’s leading experts in thyroid-saving technology.⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to a New Era in Thyroid Care02:35 Dr. Ian Orozco's Journey and Philosophy06:57 The Importance of Collaboration in Thyroid Treatment10:35 Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)20:17 The Benefits of RFA Over Traditional Surgery27:52 Expanding Treatment Options and Innovations in Thyroid Care33:52 How to Connect with Dr. Orozco for Treatment35:49 Empowerment in Patient Care36:45 Navigating Insurance Challenges39:45 The Future of Interventional Endocrinology42:49 Emerging Technologies in Thyroid Treatment48:24 Lightning Round: Insights and Advice53:52 Final Thoughts on Patient EmpowermentResources:👉 Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/👉 Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/👉 Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical👉 Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/Support the channel:PAYPAL👉 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVENMO👉 https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagainAffiliate links:🌿 TOUPS AND CO: https://toupsandco.com/jen🎙️ RIVERSIDE: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagain🧴 VAN MAN: https://vanman.shop/?ref=itsmejenagain💡 BON CHARGE: https://us.boncharge.com/?rfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ff⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. No endorsement is given or implied for any specific product, treatment, or physician mentioned. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual medical needs.

Episode Title: Trading the Scalpel for a Needle: Thyroid RFA with Surgeon Dr. Jacques GaudetEpisode Summary:What happens when a highly trained Head and Neck Surgeon decides that the best tool for a thyroid nodule isn't a scalpel?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jacques Gaudet, a board-certified Otolaryngologist at Southern ENT Associates. Dr. Gaudet shares his journey from training in the resource-scarce aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to becoming the second physician in Louisiana to offer Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). We discuss why he views himself primarily as a patient advocate, the critical role of advanced ultrasound expertise in performing safe RFA, and how he helps patients navigate the anxiety of a new nodule diagnosis.If you’ve been told to "watch and wait" or that a total thyroidectomy is your only option, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to advocate for your own thyroid health and explore minimally invasive alternatives.In This Episode, We Cover:  The Making of an Advocate: How a "trial by fire" medical residency post-Hurricane Katrina shaped Dr. Gaudet's resourceful, patient-first approach to medicine.  The Surgeon-Sonographer Advantage: Why a surgeon's intimate knowledge of neck anatomy combined with expert ultrasound skills is crucial for safe and effective RFA.  Redefining Success: Why complete disappearance of a nodule isn't always the goal, and how RFA dramatically improves cosmetic and compressive symptoms.  Navigating the "Gray Zone": How to manage anxiety when diagnosed with an indeterminate nodule, and why "we're going to win" is the mindset you need.  Accessible Care: How bringing cutting-edge non-surgical options to smaller communities like Thibodaux, Raceland, and Houma is changing the landscape of thyroid care.Episode Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy in Thyroid Care1:26 Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Medical Practice5:05 The Role of a Patient Advocate7:40 Shifting Perspectives on Thyroid Surgery9:09 Bringing Radiofrequency Ablation to Louisiana12:47 Quality of Life and Non-Surgical Options14:35 Importance of Ultrasound Expertise17:08 Navigating Thyroid Anatomy in Procedures20:35 Patient Stories and Building Trust23:15 Comforting Patients with New Procedures27:07 Measuring Success in Thyroid Treatments30:04 The Evolution of Thyroid Care34:57 Advice for Patients with Thyroid NodulesConnect with Dr. Jacques Gaudet:🌐 Website: Southern ENT Associates📍 Locations: Thibodaux, Raceland, and Houma, LouisianaSupport the channel:Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Save Your Thyroid for more interviews with the world’s leading experts in thyroid-saving technology.  PayPal: paypal.me/itsmejenagain  Venmo: @itsme_jenagainPartner Links & Discounts:🌿 Toups and Co: toupsandco.com/jen🎙️ Riverside: riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagain🧴 Van Man: vanman.shop/?ref=itsmejenagain💡 Bon Charge: us.boncharge.com/?rfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ffPatient Resources:👉 Podcast Website: saveyourthyroidwithjen.com👉 Patient Education Site: saveyourthyroid.org👉 Private Facebook Group: Join the Community👉 Patient Navigation Services: Book a ConsultDisclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No endorsement is given or implied for any specific product, treatment, or physician mentioned. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual medical needs.

Can You Shrink a Massive Goiter Without Surgery? Anne’s TAE Success StoryCan a grapefruit-sized goiter be treated without a total thyroidectomy? In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Anne Moeller to discuss her transformative journey undergoing Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE). After being told her large multinodular goiter required major surgery, Anne advocated for an organ-preserving alternative that changed everything.If you’ve been told your goiter is "too big" for RFA or that surgery is your only option, this episode is for you.In This Episode, We Cover:-The "Grapefruit" Goiter: Anne describes the physical pressure, breathing difficulties, and cosmetic concerns of living with a large cervical goiter.-Canceling the Surgery: Why Anne walked away from a scheduled thyroidectomy to pursue a non-surgical path.-The Power of TAE: How Thyroid Artery Embolization works to "starve" nodules and shrink massive growths without a neck incision.-Patient Advocacy: How Anne navigated the UK and US medical systems to find Dr. Juan Camacho.-Life After TAE: The recovery process and the emotional impact of preserving her thyroid function.Resources Mentioned:-Dr. Juan Camacho Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqKPESXhEkMTimestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Meet Anne Moeller03:15 - Growing a massive goiter: The physical & emotional toll08:45 - The "Surgery Only" ultimatum from doctors12:30 - Discovering TAE: Finding an organ-preserving alternative18:50 - Meeting Dr. Juan Camacho & Canceling the Thyroidectomy25:10 - The TAE Procedure: What does it actually feel like?32:45 - Recovery & Results: Breathing easier and visible shrinking41:00 - Jennifer’s Final Thoughts: Why your thyroid is worth savingSupport the channel:PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVENMO👉https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagainAffiliate links:TOUPS AND CO👉https://toupsandco.com/jenRIVERSIDE👉https://www.riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagain

100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule AblationCan you treat a thyroid nodule without heat or surgery? In this milestone episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem welcomes back pioneer Dr. Emad Kandil, Chief of Endocrine Surgery at Tulane University, to celebrate a massive clinical achievement: completing over 100 cases using nPulse™ nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (nsPFA).While Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA) use thermal energy (heat) to destroy nodules, nPulse is a non-thermal technology that uses ultra-fast electrical pulses to trigger apoptosis—natural cell death—at the cellular level. This means faster recovery, less post-op pain, and a new level of safety for nodules located near "danger zones" like the recurrent laryngeal nerve.🔬 What We Cover in This Episode:-Thermal vs. Non-Thermal: Why "nanopores" are changing the game for precision and safety.-The 100-Case Milestone: Real-world clinical insights into patient recovery, NSAID use, and rapid volume reduction (often 70%+ in just one month).-Cancer & Complex Cases: Dr. Kandil discusses the MD Anderson clinical trial for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (PTMC) and using nsPFA for toxic (hyperfunctioning) nodules.-Non-Responders: Can nsPFA help patients who didn't see results from previous RFA or MWA treatments?-The Insurance Frontier: An honest discussion on CPT codes, reimbursement, and the future of access to this technology.Whether you are a patient looking to avoid the scar and lifelong medication of a thyroidectomy, or a clinician following the latest data in interventional endocrinology, this deep dive into nsPFA technology is a glimpse into the future of thyroid care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Non-Surgical Thyroid Interventions01:49 Milestone Achievements in Nanosecond Pulse Field Ablation04:21 Understanding Nanopulse Technology and Its Advantages06:58 Comparing Thermal Ablation and Nanopulse Techniques09:14 The Patient Experience: Comfort and Recovery11:43 Training and Experience in Nanopulse Procedures14:31 Sedation and Its Impact on Treatment Outcomes17:00 Post-Procedure Recovery and Follow-Up19:08 Case Studies and Success Stories21:44 Future of Thyroid Treatments and Innovations26:52 Innovations in Treating Toxic Nodules29:20 Advancements in Thyroid Cancer Treatment36:56 The Importance of Active Surveillance43:14 Navigating Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer47:42 Insurance Challenges in Thyroid Treatment52:18 Navigating Thyroid Health and Community Support🔗 MD Anderson Clinical Trial (PTMC): Contact the study team directly to ask about the "nPulse PTMC Trial":Principal Investigator: Dr. Victoria BanuchiPhone: 346-217-8668General MD Anderson Trials Line: 1-877-632-6789👥 Connect with Dr. Emad Kandil:https://kandilablationcenter.com/Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Save Your Thyroid for more interviews with the world’s leading experts in thyroid-saving technology.#ThyroidAblation #nPulse #DrEmadKandil #SaveYourThyroid #ThyroidCancer #NonSurgical #RFA #EndocrineSurgery #MedicalInnovation

Can you shrink a large thyroid goiter without surgery? In today’s episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Tosin, a patient who successfully treated a complex multinodular goiter using an innovative, nonsurgical procedure called Thyroid Arterial Embolization (TAE).If you’ve been told that a total thyroidectomy is your only option for a large or complex goiter, this conversation is for you. Tosin shares his entire journey—from the stress of the initial diagnosis and the fear of invasive surgery to discovering TAE and experiencing a significant reduction in thyroid size and normalized TSH levels.In this video, you’ll learn:What is Thyroid Arterial Embolization (TAE) and how does it work to shrink goiters?How TAE differs from traditional thyroid surgery and thermal ablation (like RFA).The reality of the procedure, recovery time, and long-term results.The importance of seeking second opinions and being a proactive patient advocate.If TAE is a new term for you, I highly recommend listening to my deep-dive interviews with Dr. Juan Camacho, a pioneer in this field, to understand the science behind this technology:🔗 https://youtu.be/xqKPESXhEkM?si=c7ZqbRqFfrm6ZTPO🔗 https://youtu.be/APcl0gqHgv0?si=eOHaaFNNg7oewtIOTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Thyroid Health and TAE00:53 Tosin's Diagnosis Journey04:04 Exploring Treatment Options07:47 The Decision Against Surgery09:57 Discovering TAE as an Alternative12:29 Understanding the TAE Procedure15:09 Comparing TAE and Traditional Surgery16:29 The Importance of a Collaborative Medical Team18:38 Experiencing the Procedure: A Patient's Perspective22:16 Post-Procedure Recovery and Initial Symptoms24:50 Understanding the Procedure's Impact on Health27:56 The Unexpected Success of the Treatment29:24 The Role of Open-Mindedness in Patient Care32:38 Empowering Patients: Seeking Alternatives to SurgeryContact Dr. Juan Camacho: precisionimageguided@gmail.comKey resources:-Dr. Juan Camacho on BackTable Podcast: https://youtu.be/qH-S_8_D4eY?si=A9imME1r7ELJvOAJ-Clinical Registry (Protect Trial): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06868459?cond=thyroid&intr=embolization&rank=3-Recent Publication: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12301183/ This paper summarizes follow-up data from the first U.S. and international patients treated using the pressure-enabled technique.PROTECT Registry PED-TAE Physicians: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xzj2PMN8BapM3JzYxbbj-84RT_zX44A852oboYCRP44/edit?usp=sharingDisclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video by Jennifer Holkem or "Its me Jen again" should be considered medical advice.Support the channel:PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVENMO👉https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagainAffiliate links:TOUPS AND CO👉https://toupsandco.com/jenRIVERSIDE👉https://www.riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagainVAN MAN👉https://vanman.shop/?ref=itsmejenagainBON CHARGE👉https://us.boncharge.com/?rfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ffResources:👉Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/#ThyroidHealth #ThyroidTAE #GoiterTreatment #NonSurgical #PatientStory #DrJuanCamacho #SaveYourThyroid #MedicalAdvocacy #ThyroidNodules #HealthJourney

Are you struggling with thyroid nodules or hypothyroidism despite "normal" labs and a clean diet? It’s time to stop looking at the thyroid as the culprit and start looking at it as the victim of a mineral crisis.In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Morley Robbins, the medical historian behind the Root Cause Protocol and author of Cu-RE Your Fatigue. Morley brings the "receipts"—thousands of peer-reviewed studies—to prove that what we’ve been told about iron and copper is often the exact opposite of biological reality.We explore the revolutionary idea that thyroid nodules may actually be "zombie cells" that lack the copper-dependent energy to die, and why your "low ferritin" might actually be a sign of iron toxicity, not deficiency.🕒 Episode Chapters:00:00 | The Historian of Facts: Jennifer introduces Morley Robbins and the mission to question the standard of care with hard science.05:15 | The "Confession": Jennifer shares her personal journey of "unlearning" and Morley explains how a frozen shoulder launched his mission.12:40 | Why "Clean Eating" Isn't Enough: The Glyphosate Factor and why our organic food is "hollow."18:22 | The 90/90 Rule: Why you can't fix a broken engine (mitochondria) by pressing the gas pedal (thyroid hormone) harder.25:45 | The Iron Myth: Understanding the "Closed Loop" of iron recycling and why we are designed to hoard iron, not excrete it.35:10 | Iron & Hypothyroidism: Reviewing the data (Edwards et al., 1983) on how iron accumulation causes the thyroid to fail.42:30 | The Ferritin Trap: Is your "low ferritin" actually iron trapped in your tissues "rusting"?52:15 | The "Zombie Cell" Theory: How copper deficiency prevents Apoptosis (cell death) and leads to thyroid nodules.01:05:10 | The Proof in the Papers: Discussing the Frontiers in Endocrinology (2024) study linking iron levels to nodule risk.01:15:40 | Actionable Solutions: The "Stops and Starts"—from ditching synthetic Vitamin C to embracing beef liver.01:25:00 | Closing & Teaser: What’s coming in Part 2? A live "Full Monty" lab interpretation.💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:The Copper "Doorman": Without bioavailable copper, iron cannot leave your tissues. It stays "stuck," creating oxidative stress (rust) in the thyroid gland.Thyroid Nodules as Metabolic Failure: We discuss the study Aberrant Apoptosis in Thyroid Epithelial Cells, suggesting nodules are cells that simply didn't have the energy to "retire."The Problem with Zinc & Synthetic C: How common supplements might be inadvertently tanking your copper levels and fueling thyroid dysfunction.Watch the Jesse Chappus podcast episode with Morley that I mention in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYvXJRTlut4Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video by Jennifer Holkem or "Its me Jen again" should be considered medical advice.Support the channel:PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVENMO👉https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagainAffiliate links:TOUPS AND CO👉https://toupsandco.com/jenRIVERSIDE👉https://www.riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagainVAN MAN👉https://vanman.shop/?ref=itsmejenagainBON CHARGE👉https://us.boncharge.com/?rfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ffResources:👉Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/#ThyroidNodules #MorleyRobbins #RootCauseProtocol #IronToxicity #CopperConnection #ThyroidHealth #BioavailableCopper #SaveYourThyroid #MitochondrialHealth

Most people are told that if a thyroid goiter is "too large" or has "dived" into the chest, the only option is a total thyroidectomy—often involving a sternotomy (cracking the chest bone) to reach the tissue. In today’s episode, I sit down with Matthew Ashby, who faced exactly this crossroads. Matthew shares his powerful journey of navigating a massive multinodular goiter, the "silent" symptoms that began to impact his breathing, and how he successfully avoided major surgery by choosing Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE). Join us as we explore how this advanced, non-surgical treatment may shrink goiters and preserve your thyroid gland, even in the most complex cases.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Matthew Ashby’s Thyroid Journey02:49 - Discovering the Massive Multinodular Goiter06:11 - "Silent" Symptoms: When Breathing Becomes Difficult08:55 - The Surgical Recommendation: Facing a Sternotomy11:41 - Researching Alternatives: Finding Dr. Juan Camacho15:01 - How TAE Works: The Science of Embolization17:45 - The Procedure & Recovery: Matthew’s First-Hand Account20:40 - Results: How Life Changed After the Goiter Began to Shrink23:47 - Why Every Patient Should Advocate for Their Thyroid26:35 - Final Advice for Those Told Surgery is the "Only Way"Contact Dr. Juan Camacho: precisionimageguided@gmail.comKey resources:-Dr. Juan Camacho on BackTable Podcast: https://youtu.be/qH-S_8_D4eY?si=A9imME1r7ELJvOAJ-Clinical Registry (Protect Trial): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06868459?cond=thyroid&intr=embolization&rank=3-Recent Publication: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12301183/ This paper summarizes follow-up data from the first U.S. and international patients treated using the pressure-enabled technique.PROTECT Registry PED-TAE Physicians: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xzj2PMN8BapM3JzYxbbj-84RT_zX44A852oboYCRP44/edit?usp=sharingAlexander Lam — alexander.lam@ucsf.edu (UCSF)Catherine T. Vu — catvu@health.ucdavis.edu (UC Davis Health)Ricardo Paz-Fumagalli, MD — paz.ricardo@mayo.edu (Mayo Clinic / Jacksonville) Alan Reeves — areeves2@kumc.edu (University of Kansas Medical Center)Daniel Scher — dscher@mfa.gwu.edu (George Washington University)Shawn Sarin — ssarin@mfa.gwu.edu (George Washington University)Stephen Reis, MD — sr3321@cumc.columbia.edu (Columbia University Irving Medical Center)David Dwyer — david.dwyer@jefferson.edu (Thomas Jefferson University)Joseph Marion — joseph.marion@essentiahealth.org (Essentia Health)Govindarajan (Raj) Narayanan — gnarayanan@baptisthealth.net; raj.narayanan@radpartners.com  (Baptist Health / Miami Vascular Institute)Charles Hua — huacharl@uw.edu (University of Washington)Vijay Ramalingam — vramali1@bidmc.harvard.edu (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)John J. Schmitz, MD — schmitz.john@mayo.edu (Mayo Clinic / Rochester)Waleed Brinjikji, MD — brinjikji.waleed@mayo.edu (Mayo Clinic / Rochester)Richard Marshall — rmarshal@tulane.edu (Tulane University)Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video by Jennifer Holkem or "Its me Jen again" should be considered medical advice.Support the channel:PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagainVENMO👉https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagainResources:👉Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/#ThyroidHealth #ThyroidTAE #GoiterTreatment #NonSurgical #PatientStory #DrJuanCamacho #SaveYourThyroid #MedicalAdvocacy #ThyroidNodules #HealthJourney