A Lifesaving Second Opinion

Redmond resident Debbie Kirchner knew something wasn’t right, so she turned to the care team at EvergreenHealth

Ever since Debbie Kirchner was a girl, she’s lived with Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid. It had become a regular part of her life, taking hormones daily and attending regular check-ups.

That was until Kirchner felt a particularly large lump in her throat. After an initial consult with another provider, she read outstanding reviews for EvergreenHealth endocrine surgeon Dr. Timo Hakkarainen, and she scheduled an appointment for a second opinion.

Timothy Carlos, MD,

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at EvergreenHealth

Debbie Kirchner, EvergreenHealth Cancer Care patient

“Because the lump had grown quite rapidly and an initial biopsy returned with abnormal cells, I had a suspicion for potential thyroid lymphoma, even though it’s rare,” Dr. Hakkarainen explained.

The tumor was attached to an area where damage could leave her with a paralyzed vocal chord and voice changes. Though it took nearly three more hours than an average thyroidectomy, surgery was successful.

However, Dr. Hakkarainen was right. Kirchner was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare cancer that impairs immunity and is sometimes fatal. It was an oncologic emergency. Dr. Hakkarainen arranged for a chemotherapy port to be implanted and Kirchner began working with Dr. Tim Carlos, a medical oncologist with EvergreenHealth’s Cancer Program—a partnership program between EvergreenHealth and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, located on the EvergreenHealth Kirkland Campus.

“Debbie came to me prepared with insightful questions and we’ve formed a great partnership,” shared Dr. Carlos. “What’s unique about our cancer care is when patients have a rare form of cancer, like Debbie’s, we’re able to collaborate with innovative cancer centers in the U.S. to better care for our patients.”

Between rounds of chemo, Kirchner saw her care team daily for immune-boosting shots, where they made sure she felt her best—whether she needed water, someone to talk to or a place to lie down.

“Throughout the entire process, I realized how lucky I was to have a support group – doctors, nurses, food staff and technicians. While I was blessed to have the support of my family and friends, I also had a class act, transparent care team by my side.”

Kirchner is now cancer-free. She visits EvergreenHealth routinely for check-ups, takes thyroid hormones and is learning to enjoy her newly found lifestyle as a retiree in Redmond.