Nurses Spot Thyroid Condition on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ and Help Save Star

Images sources: secretlivesonhulu / _justjessiiii

Jessi Ngatikaura, known for her candid presence on the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, recently underwent partial thyroid removal after nurse viewers noticed an abnormality while watching the show. This remarkable story highlights the critical role nurses play, not just in clinical settings, but as vigilant health advocates (and TV watchers!) within our community.

How Nurses Made a Difference

After the first season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives aired in 2024, Jessi told People that she “had a few nurses actually reach out to me on social media. They all told me that I looked like I had an enlarged thyroid and I should get it checked.”

This prompted her to consult her doctor, who ordered blood tests and an ultrasound. The tests revealed seven thyroid nodules, including one larger nodule that required further investigation, and eventually a biopsy. Unfortunately, the biopsy was inconclusive regarding malignancy, and she started experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing issues, and a persistent tension in her neck, which also affected her voice. Her medical team eventually recommended partial thyroid removal.

Surgery and Outcome

Jessi underwent surgery to remove half of her thyroid gland. She shared with her castmate Mayci Neeley: “And then the sucky thing is, they said they can’t tell me if it’s cancer or not ’til after the surgery. Like they won’t know ’til they take it out. But if I don’t get it removed and it is cancer, it could spread to my lymph nodes”.

Post-surgery, Jessi received good news: “The biopsy was benign, which is such great news,” she announced. Reflecting on the experience, she stated, “Life is so short and it’s so precious, and what’s not important is us all yelling at each other as a group of friends”.

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A post shared by Jessi (@_justjessiiii)

A Message to Nurses

Jessi has been vocal in her gratitude: “I wanted to share my story for anyone facing a similar situation,” she posted on social media, emphasizing the importance of listening to health professionals—even when advice comes in unexpected ways. She credits the nurses who reached out for potentially saving her life by urging her to seek medical attention.

Jessi Ngatikaura’s story really shows just how much of a difference nurses can make, no matter where they are. Whether they’re on the job at the hospital or just chilling at home watching TV, nurses’ sharp eyes and caring instincts can truly save lives.

 

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