Moms and Dads

Still Smiling, Still Kumikinang: Nicole Hyala on Her Cancer Recovery

by Alexa Villano
July 21, 2025

The beloved DJ opens up about her thyroid surgery, her faith, and why her voice is still her superpower

Love Radio DJ Nicole Hyala is upbeat and energized, confirming that she is recovering after undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer.

Nicole shared on Monday, July 21, that she has been discharged from the hospital after the surgery.

“Papagaling at papalakas na lang sa bahay, and I will be back at work before we all know it, in time sa paglabas ni Jose Mari Chan at Mariah Carey,” she joked, referring to the singers known as the King and Queen of Christmas songs.

“Thank you for all your prayers! Tuloy ang raket sa August 9!”

In her caption, she wrote: “Di lang ako nagtry pa ng Nicolehyala laugh kasi baka mawakwak ang tahi.“

Nicole Hyala on her surgery

Before she was discharged, Nicole shared a reel about her surgery, explaining the thyroidectomy she underwent on July 18.

“Nakakatawa kasi sabi ng asawa ko, after the surgery operation, ang una ko pong sinabi ay mic test,” she shared.

Nicole continued that her husband was initially nervous because he thought it was someone else. But she said that it was just in her subconscious mind that she always says it, since she does it before going on air.

She is grateful that despite the surgery, her voice is in good condition.

“God is so faithful dahil ang galing po ng team of doctors,” she shared. “They were able to preserve my voice. Magpapagaling lang po ako ng bonggang bongga, magpapalakas and all and will be back on radio soon.”

Nicole also shared a photo after surgery, thanking the doctors who attended to her.

Remaining positive despite the diagnosis

When she first announced the diagnosis in June, Nicole said that she remained positive, having gone through a lot worse situations, including her daughter’s sickness.

“ I am calm. But before you panic, ayon sa mga eksperto, thyroid cancer is often called the ‘friendliest’ cancer. And that’s good, because I’ve already been through worse.”

“I’ve faced battles that broke me, seasons that nearly crushed me. But here I am still standing, still smiling, still kumikinang. I’ve survived storms that could’ve drowned me, and this is just another wave I know I can ride, with God beside me.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of thyroid cancer include swelling in your neck, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing.

Speaking to ABS-CBN last June after sharing her diagnosis, Nicole credits her daughter Princess as one of her sources of strength. She admitted she was anxious about what could happen, but trusts her faith that things will go well.

And well it did, as she is now recovering and taking time off for the time being. Get well soon, DJ Nicole. We can’t wait for you to be back on the air this August!