Good morning all,
I don’t know why this has taken me so long to do but I think I was in denial. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer early last year . Whilst on holiday with my daughter who is nurse I mentioned my ‘ glands ‘ were up as you do , she immediately went into nurse mode and physically gave me a check over on the beach in Cape Verde and said ‘ Mum somethings not right ‘ as soon as I got home got gp appt , scan , consultant phone call and was in theatre in May . I had a total thyroidectomy plus some muscle taken away as tumour had begin to grown there. Wow fantastic service . But I still did not think myself as having cancer just an op. It was lockdown and the hospital was not the usual bustling place it was , everyone masked up , arrows where to walk and having no one with me for my sessions . With this in mind everyone was different and had concerns , I was not anything special . Another reason it didn’t register. Everyone was wonderful .
My surgery went without a hitch , muscle near voice box , I may not be able to sing !!! I couldn’t anyway . Shouting was a strain but was assured the strength of my voice would return and had speech therapy for this pleased to say that It has returned although still have a terrible singing voice .
I am writing this nearly a year after to say that it’s alright to deal with this your own way and take as much time to come to terms with the diagnosis, everyone is different . I took my time went back to work as soon as I could , had the ‘radioactive ‘ pill . I was so lucky as did not have to have radio or chemo therapy as surgery removed it all and have to have blood testes and body scans regularly .
Looking out of my lounge window now it’s a beautiful bright day out there .
Maxine
Hi Maxine and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you needed to find us and I am especially sorry to hear about your cancer journey.
A cancer diagnosis indeed brings many questions, lots of confusion and stress and I am sure that your experience could help others embarking on the same journey.
The Community is organised into dedicated support groups and I see you have joined our supportive Thyroid cancer group, this is a good place to connect with others navigating the same type of cancer journey both as patient and family.
To go to the group just click on the link above then you can introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones) you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
((hugs))
