Save Your Thyroid with Jen

Save Your Thyroid with Jen Podcaster, Founder of Save Your Thyroid https://linktr.ee/itsme_jenagain

04/05/2026

Are we looking at the wrong thyroid cancer statistics? đź“Š

Hearing a cancer diagnosis is incredibly scary. But in this clip, Dr. Kandil explains why it's so important to look closely at the specific type of cancer before rushing into a major surgery.

Often, general thyroid cancer mortality rates can seem frightening because they include highly aggressive forms of the disease. But for small, well-differentiated thyroid cancers, the data tells a much more reassuring story.

Research shows that for these specific small cancers, the mortality rate is extremely low (under 1%), making active surveillance a very reasonable option for many patients with nodules up to 2cm.

And for those exploring ablation? The clinical data is incredibly promising. Dr. Kandil shares that for well-differentiated cancers under 1cm, ablation can offer a disappearance rate of up to 99%, with progression remaining close to zero.

It’s a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn't always have to mean losing your thyroid. Understanding your specific pathology can open the door to less invasive, highly effective options!

🎧 Listen to the full episode at saveyourthyroidwithjen.com!

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

04/04/2026

Navigating complex medical guidelines can be one of the most challenging parts of a patient's journey. 🤔

In this clip, Dr. Kandil shares a difficult scenario involving a liver transplant patient who was also diagnosed with a small thyroid cancer.

While Dr. Kandil felt that a minimally invasive ablation could safely and effectively treat the small thyroid cancer, the current transplant protocols required a full surgical removal of the thyroid before the liver transplant could proceed.

It brings up an important conversation about how medical guidelines evolve. Dr. Kandil notes that while protocols for other conditions (like prostate cancer) have been updated over time to allow for monitoring in certain cases, thyroid cancer guidelines in these complex, multi-system situations are still catching up.

Stories like this highlight the ongoing need for research and clinical discussion. As more data emerges, the hope is that future guidelines might offer more flexibility and less invasive options for patients facing multiple health challenges.

🎧 Listen to the full discussion at saveyourthyroidwithjen.com!

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

04/03/2026

What is recovery actually like after thyroid ablation? 🤔

While thermal ablation is an amazing alternative to surgery, the heat can cause some post-procedure inflammation. In this clip, Dr. Kandil notes that while most patients report mild discomfort (around a 3 out of 10), the recovery can be a bit tougher for those with very large nodules.

Enter Nanopulse (nsPFA). ⚡

Because this new technology uses ultra-fast electrical pulses instead of a thermal burn, the recovery is a completely different experience. Dr. Kandil calls it a "very soft treatment." Patients are tolerating it extremely well, with consistently "no issues" afterward—even when treating massive goiters! No heat means no thermal inflammation, making the bounce-back faster and far more comfortable.

🎧 Listen to the full episode at saveyourthyroidwithjen.com!

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

04/02/2026

What if "watch and wait" wasn't your only option for a small thyroid cancer? 🤔

While active surveillance is an incredible tool for small cancers, Dr. Kandil explains why ablation can be a proactive alternative. Instead of just watching it, why not try to shrink it?

In this clip, Dr. Kandil shares how he uses ablation as both a treatment and a diagnostic tool. If the cancer doesn't respond to the ablation, it’s a strong indicator that it’s an aggressive tumor that actually requires a full surgical removal.

But it all starts with the right data. Dr. Kandil emphasizes that comprehensive genetic testing is an absolute must before ablating any cancer to ensure it's safe to proceed and that you aren't dealing with a genetically aggressive tumor.

Knowledge is power, especially when navigating a cancer diagnosis. You always want to make sure you have the full picture!

🎧 Listen to the full episode at saveyourthyroidwithjen.com!

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

04/01/2026

Does your zip code dictate whether you get to keep your thyroid? 🤯

In this clip, Dr. Kandil and I get on our soapboxes about the infuriating reality of insurance coverage for thyroid ablation. Major providers will fully approve the procedure for patients in some states, but completely deny it for patients right here in Alabama or in Louisiana.

Dr. Kandil literally has out-of-state patients flying in to see him who get full coverage, while his own local patients with the exact same insurance company are denied.

When insurance companies dictate your treatment and push you toward surgery without knowing your situation, it borderlines on practicing medicine without a license.

The silver lining? Because the system is so illogical, Dr. Kandil is fighting back by offering zero-interest payment plans in his new practice so patients can still get the care they deserve.

🎧 Listen to the full episode at saveyourthyroidwithjen.com!

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/31/2026

This week on Save Your Thyroid, we are tackling the "C-word" head-on. When a biopsy comes back as thyroid cancer, the immediate reaction is often fear, followed by a rush to the operating room. But as my guest Dr. Emad Kandil explains, we need to let the science—not just the fear—drive our decisions.
Personal Respect, Scientific Focus

Dr. Kandil doesn’t take cancer lightly. With a significant family history of the disease, he "respects cancer" deeply. However, he insists that for well-differentiated thyroid cancer, we must look at the actual data.

In our latest episode, we dive into why the "cut it out" approach is no longer the only gold standard for small, low-risk cancers. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) now has clear guidelines for Active Surveillance (AS), and the global data is staggering:

👉The Kuma Hospital Evidence: In landmark studies from Japan involving thousands of patients, nobody died while following an active surveillance protocol for small thyroid cancers.

👉Low Progression Rates: In cohorts of over 4,000 patients, progression (defined as a growth of just 3mm or more) occurred in less than 3% of cases.

👉The 2cm Threshold: Research shows that active surveillance can be effective for well-differentiated cancers up to 2cm in size.

👉Minimal Mortality: The mortality rate for these small, well-differentiated cancers remains extremely low—below 1%.

A cancer diagnosis is a big deal, but it doesn't always have to mean a big surgery. By following the science and the established guidelines, many patients can safely monitor their condition and avoid the lifelong side effects of a total thyroidectomy.

Are you navigating a new diagnosis? Listen to the full episode to understand why "watching and waiting" is a scientifically backed, life-saving strategy.

🎧 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/30/2026

Safety by Design: Why Electricity Protects the Voice Nerve

When we talk about thyroid ablation, the biggest concern for both patients and clinicians is the "danger zone"—the area where the thyroid sits dangerously close to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. One wrong move with heat, and a patient's voice could be changed forever.

But what if the very thing we use to protect nerves during surgery could be used to treat the nodule itself?

In our latest episode, Dr. Emad Kandil breaks down the fascinating science of why nanopulse (nsPFA) is fundamentally different from the "thermal" treatments we’ve grown used to.

Dr. Kandil shares a perspective that only a high-volume surgeon would have. During traditional thyroid surgery, surgeons use electricity to monitor nerve function. It’s a safety tool—a way to ensure the circuit between the brain and the voice box is perfect.

If electricity was inherently damaging to the nerve, we wouldn't use it to protect it in the operating room.

👉No Heat Spread: Unlike RFA or Microwave, which rely on a "burn" that can accidentally spread to adjacent tissue, nsPFA uses precise electrical pulses.

👉The Voltage Factor: By staying within specific parameters, nsPFA triggers cell death in the nodule without the risk of thermal injury to the surrounding nerves.

👉 Physician Adoption: Because the risk of "going outside the lines" with heat is removed, this technology offers a much safer learning curve for doctors looking to offer non-surgical options.

👉 "Electricity is not supposed to really hurt the nerve... I think for physicians, this can be a safer approach to incorporate in practice compared to thermal." — Dr. Emad Kandil

Is your nodule in a "tricky" spot? Listen to the full episode to understand why the science of electricity might be your best path to thyroid preservation.

🎧 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/29/2026

This week on Save Your Thyroid, we’re talking about the "waiting game"—the long months patients usually spend watching and hoping for their thyroid nodules to shrink after a procedure.

If you've had RFA or Microwave ablation, you know the drill: your first real check-up isn't for three months because thermal energy takes time to work. But in our latest episode, Dr. Emad Kandil explains why nPulse (nsPFA) is completely changing his clinic's schedule.

The One-Month Milestone: Why Speed Matters

The difference between "thermal" (heat) and "nanopulse" (electrical) isn't just about how the procedure feels—it’s about how fast the body responds.

👉Thermal Ablation (RFA/MWA): Because heat causes a slow process of tissue breakdown, Dr. Kandil has moved his follow-ups to 3 months. Seeing a patient at one month often leads to frustration because the visible change is minimal.

👉Nanopulse (nsPFA): Because this technology triggers apoptosis (immediate programmed cell death), the results are visible almost instantly. Dr. Kandil now schedules these follow-ups at 1 month because the shrinkage is already significant enough to celebrate.

The "Happy Patient" Factor

There is a massive psychological benefit to seeing your results sooner. Dr. Kandil provides his patients with a clear calculation table—similar to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) standards—so they can see the exact volume reduction for themselves.

👉 "For nanopulse, the visit is one month after... I see the difference. I can see a very happy patient just a month after." — Dr. Emad Kandil

Want to see the data behind the speed? Listen to the full interview and learn why "non-thermal" might be the fastest path to a smaller nodule.

🎧 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/29/2026

This week on Save Your Thyroid, we’re taking a moment to step back and look at the "big picture" of patient advocacy. Sometimes, in the middle of researching CPT codes and clinical trials, it’s easy to lose sight of just how much the landscape of thyroid care is changing.

In our latest episode, Dr. Emad Kandil shared a perspective that honestly left me a bit speechless. It’s a reminder that when patients speak up and share information, it doesn't just help one person—it changes the entire field.

The "70% Factor": Knowledge is Moving Patients

Dr. Kandil pointed out a staggering statistic from his own practice: over 70% of his patients travel from out of state to seek non-surgical options. When he asks how they found him, the answer is consistently the same: they did their own research and found the Save Your Thyroid community.

For decades, a large thyroid nodule meant one thing: surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Kandil were trained to be "very good" at these operations, but even a "safe" surgery can leave a patient with lifelong side effects.

We are now witnessing a fundamental shift—an evolution—where we can provide excellent clinical outcomes without the traditional "suffering" that often followed the blade.

You are not just a "patient"; you are part of a movement that is pushing medical technology forward. By demanding options like nPulse (nsPFA) and RFA, you are helping doctors transition from a "surgery-first" mindset to a "preservation-first" reality.

👉 "We are part of evolution... things that we used to always treat with surgery... now we can actually provide good outcome without any side effects related to the surgery." — Dr. Emad Kandil

Ready to be part of the change? Listen to the full episode and learn more about the future of thyroid-saving technology.

🎧 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/27/2026

This week on Save Your Thyroid, we’re talking about a critical—but often overlooked—part of the patient experience: Comfort. The technology behind nPulse (nsPFA) is revolutionary because it’s heat-free, but we have to be honest about the process. It uses electrical pulses, and for some, that can feel like a series of uncomfortable muscle spasms. In fact, some doctors almost walked away from the tech early on because it was simply too much for patients to handle under local anesthesia alone.

In our latest episode, Dr. Emad Kandil explains why he chose to lead with a "patient-first" approach by offering sedation for these procedures.

The Power of the "Complete Treatment"

Why does sedation matter beyond just avoiding discomfort? According to Dr. Kandil, it’s the key to clinical success:

👉Quality over Speed: When a patient is anxious or in pain, a doctor may feel pressured to rush or stop the procedure early.

👉Optimal Settings: Sedation allows Dr. Kandil to use the full, default power settings needed for the best results, rather than settled for a "partial" or "shorter" treatment.

👉The "Wake Up" Factor: Patients don't have to brace themselves for the pulses. They simply sleep through the treatment and wake up refreshed.

The Takeaway

You shouldn't have to choose between a "complete" treatment and a comfortable one. Dr. Kandil’s milestone of 100 cases proves that when you prioritize the patient's experience, the clinical results follow.

👉 "You provide the best complete treatment for these patients while they are sedated and they wake up and they just leave." — Dr. Emad Kandil

Curious about the patient experience? Listen to the full deep dive on your favorite platform!

🎧 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/26/2026

The 100% Cure Rate: A New Standard for Parathyroid Care

In one of the most exciting segments of our latest episode, Dr. Kandil shares the results from a cohort of patients who chose ablation over the operating table. The results are nothing short of incredible:

đź‘Ť100% Success: Every patient in this group achieved completely normal calcium levels following the procedure.

đź‘Ť Minutes, Not Hours: The treatment takes just a few minutes to complete.

đź‘Ť No Anesthesia, No Scalpel: This is a needle-stick procedure performed without general anesthesia or surgical incisions.

đź‘Ť The 50% Prediction: Dr. Kandil believes that, when done correctly, ablation technology will eventually replace at least half of all parathyroid surgeries.

Why This Matters

For patients who have been told that surgery is their only option for normalizing calcium, this data changes the conversation. It’s about more than just avoiding a scar; it’s about a safer, faster path to health with a "safety-first" technique that protects your nerves while fixing the problem.

👉 "Calcium is completely normal. They did not need any general anesthesia, no cutting, nothing... I think at least 50% of parathyroid surgeries will be replaced by the ablation technology when it's done right." — Dr. Emad Kandil

The future of endocrine health is here.

🎧 Catch the full interview and learn how this technology is impacting the field on your favorite platform!

👉 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

03/26/2026

When it comes to cutting-edge tech like nPulse (nsPFA), the path to coverage isn't always a straight line. But as my guest Dr. Emad Kandil explains, the doors are starting to open.
Navigating the Insurance Maze

While nsPFA is a newer, non-thermal alternative to traditional ablation, it’s not yet a "guaranteed" approval across all private plans. However, there is real progress:

🤜Pre-Authorization is Key: Companies are working directly with providers to help patients navigate the paperwork before the procedure.

🤜The Medicare Advantage: In a surprising win for patients, Medicare has been leading the way in covering these innovative ablation technologies.

🤜Building the Data: Every one of the 100 cases Dr. Kandil has completed adds to the clinical evidence that insurance companies need to see to grant broader access.

The Takeaway for You

Don't assume a "no" just because the technology is new. As Dr. Kandil notes, they have already seen a "good number" of successful approvals.

👉 "We just try to submit and figure it out... we have a good number of patients that were able to get approved." — Dr. Emad Kandil

Ready to learn how to navigate your own thyroid journey? Listen to the full episode on your favorite platform!

🎧 saveyourthyroidwithjen.com

👉 Episode: 100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
👉 Podcast: Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

Address

Madison, AL

Website

http://saveyourthyroid.org/, https://linktr.ee/saveyourthyroidwithjen

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Save Your Thyroid with Jen posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Save Your Thyroid with Jen:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category