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Papillary Thyroid Cancer

When Jamie Jones learned she had papillary thyroid cancer, this Hollywood actress could have turned on the drama. Instead, Jamie got serious and started researching her treatment options.

Surfing Injury Leads to Cancer Diagnosis

A few weeks before her diagnosis, Jamie, who resides in Los Angeles, California, was surfing in the Pacific Ocean when she injured her back. She sought relief from a chiropractor, who refused to treat her until she got an MRI. The results were frightening - Jamie not only had a herniated disc in her back, but also a suspicious spot on her thyroid.

"I had an ultrasound to find out what the spot was, only to learn it was cancerous," said Jamie, who was in her late twenties at the time. A biopsy confirmed she had thyroid cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.

Jamie's Mom Knew Who to Call - the Doctors at Fox Chase

Jamie was scared - so she called her mom, who lived 3,000 miles away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "I figured my mom would know what to do next," Jamie recalled, who spent the week "in a blur." Her mother, Sandi Mann, certainly knew what to do. As an active member of the Board of Associates at Fox Chase Cancer Center, she was extremely familiar with the hospital and its staff.

Sandi arranged for Jamie to see John A. Ridge, MD, PhD, FACS, a surgical oncologist specializing in cancers of the head and neck, including thyroid cancer. Jamie flew home right away and went straight to Fox Chase.

"Dr. Ridge was extremely informative."

"Dr. Ridge was extremely informative and spoke in a language that I could understand," said Jamie. "He really was amazing." Dr. Ridge diagnosed Jamie with papillary thyroid cancer. He recommended surgery at Fox Chase, followed by radioiodine (I -131) therapy, which could be administered back in Los Angeles.

As an actress, Jamie was terrified about surgery and the potential scars left behind. Jamie's career depends on her outer appearance. After doing some research, Jamie thought she might be a candidate for minimally invasive laser surgery.

Surgeons at Fox Chase have specialized training in minimally invasive techniques. With this experience, comes the knowledge to determine the best surgical method for each patient, whether it be laparoscopic or open surgery. In Jamie's case, Dr. Ridge believed open surgery would provide the most effective results because her cancer had spread.

Aware of Dr. Ridge's reputation as one of the most talented head and neck surgeons in the country, Jamie decided to trust his recommendation and have the surgery at Fox Chase.

"I was really scared. This was my first experience in a hospital," Jamie explained. "The staff at Fox Chase made me feel as good as I possibly could at the time." Afterward, Jamie looked and felt better than she expected. Along with her family, her boyfriend (now husband, David) gave her much needed support. She is grateful to the hospital staff for allowing her to be surrounded by family during this difficult time in her life.

"Everyone at Fox Chase was phenomenal."

"Everyone at Fox Chase was phenomenal. From my physical therapist, Jeannie Kozempal, to my nurses and doctors - the whole experience was terrific," said Jamie. "The staff explained everything to me. Dr. Ridge took time to listen to my concerns and answer my questions."

"The best part about Dr. Ridge is that he didn't allow me to indulge my fears, but at the same time, he didn't dismiss them." Jamie left the hospital feeling confident that she would have a full recovery.

Jamie returned to Los Angeles where she continued her treatment, as recommended by Dr. Ridge. Once she was feeling better, Jamie returned to the activities she loves the most - surfing, pilates, running and yoga. She estimates currently being at 95% of her physical level before cancer; she feels great and has resumed her career as Hollywood actress, Jamie Mann.

"No one ever notices my scar."

Once Jamie's scar healed, she was even more grateful to Dr. Ridge for his ability to perform a complicated procedure with a tiny incision. "No one ever notices my scar," admitted Jamie. "It healed beautifully and very quickly, and make-up artists do not need to cover it up when I am working."

"I'd go back to Fox Chase in an instant."

A cancer diagnosis can be a terrifying experience for some people, but it was not as bad as Jamie expected. "I was surrounded by caring people, including the Fox Chase nurses, who treated me with compassion and made me feel safe," Jamie concluded. "I hope I do not have to undergo cancer treatment again, but if I did, I'd go back to Fox Chase in an instant."

Learn more about thyroid cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.