Meet Nette: Thyroid Cancer & Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Thriver

We spoke with Nettebabii Marie, a two-time cancer survivor and thriver. Learn more about her story and how she’s looking to continue supporting the cancer community!

What is your cancer journey? 

Even before my cancer experience, I had already been through a lot. Having cancer was just another thing for me to face. When I was a kid, I was in an accident. I was hit by a train when I was 11 years old, which gave me a partial disability. I was in the hospital for close to six months; they didn’t think I was going to make it. Once I started improving, I had to go through physical and occupational therapy. 

In 2010, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had to have surgery to have my thyroid removed, and everything was good. A few years later in 2014, I started not feeling good again. I made an appointment to see my doctor, and she suggested that I see an oncologist. Wait a minute, isn’t that a cancer doctor? “Because you have a history of cancer in your family with your aunts and grandma on your dad’s side passing away from breast cancer, I want you to get checked out.”

The oncologist did a spinal tap to remove some marrow from my spine. The test came back positive for leukemia, so I officially received my Chronic Myeloid Leukemia diagnosis in 2014. They completed some further bloodwork and put me on medication. The first medication I was on was called Cigna. I didn’t like it much because I was feeling nauseated all the time. I also had to take it three times a day, and the pill was a powdery substance in a capsule. It’s hard for me to swallow pills like that because of my thyroid surgeries. My doctor wanted me to try a different one, Sprycel. It’s been better for me. I don’t feel as nauseated, and I only have to take it once a day versus three times a day for the other medication.

Unfortunately, for my medications, I have to be on them for the rest of my life. I have to be on Sprycel to treat the leukemia. I also have to take levothyroxine for my thyroid.

What made you want to start sharing your story online?

I did feel alone when I received my cancer diagnosis. I thought that if I started to share my story that I would have the chance to meet more people going through cancer or who have been through it. I’m glad I did it now. I started sharing on TikTok and have been able to meet others battling cancer and other cancer survivors. I have almost 9K followers on TikTok now, and I’m on the road to 10K. I also have a Facebook account dedicated to cancer, Nettebabii Marie Cancer Survivor. 

Then one day, I was reflecting on my journey and how long it has been for me. I decided to make my own group. This group is called “People Living With Cancer And Cancer Survivors.” We’re almost 600 members strong! I never expected the group to grow that quickly, but so many people in the cancer community want connection. We welcome anyone dealing with cancer or any other rare condition.

Do you have any advice for someone who has recently been diagnosed with cancer or who is worried about getting tested for it?

Cancer can happen to anyone. If you’re having unusual issues with your body, contact your doctor. They can either help you or send you to someone who can help you.

If you have cancer, you’re not alone. I thought I was, but I wasn’t. There are millions of other people going through this every day. 

If you do have to take medication, take it as it is prescribed. Eat as healthy as you can while you take your medication. 

If you find yourself feeling sad or down, try to keep your mind off things as much as possible. Listening to music, music is therapy for me. Even a little thing like going for a walk, sitting at a part by yourself, anything to keep your mind off the cancer for a little bit. When I was diagnosed, I found myself going into depression and shutting myself off for a while. I didn’t want to be around anyone or talk to anyone. I had to get myself out of that dark place and be around people again who truly loved me. It was so important for me to get out of the house every once in a while. 

My slogan is never give up, keep fighting. It does get tough and hard sometimes, but remember this. You are amazing. You are beautiful. You are brave. You are courageous. You are loved. You do matter. You are strong. You are a survivor. Most of all, you are a warrior. I’m a testimony; if I could get through everything I did in my life, you can do it too. Dreams can still come true.

Photo courtesy of author.