Hello Folks, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in July 2019 and had both removed within five weeks of each other as the right one was cancerous with the cancer going down into the wall of my chest, it also wrapped itself round my vocal chords so the surgeon had to sacrifice a nerve to remove the cancer and consequently it has affected my voice. Initially I could hardly be heard but it has improved but still isn’t 100% and I have been told that it won’t ever be right. Some days it is difficult to be understood and other days I sound fine. I seem to have a lot of catarrh which stays in my throat and I seem to cough a lot during the morning. My throat is always dry, especially at night so bought myself a throat spray from the pharmacist which has helped. My skin in very dry and I have this annoying itch on my back around the shoulders area. The doctor has prescribed various creams and emollients over the past few months but as you cannot get into see a doctor, no one has said what it could be. My biggest problem to date is trying to get my Levothyroxine dose right. I have my bloods taken every six weeks and the dose gets altered afterwards. The specialist at the cancer hospital told me that it can take many months to get it right and I am really struggling with the tiredness. It is an effort to get up in the morning although I sleep well during the night and after lunch I have a nap for an hour and sometimes need another between 6-7 pm but still feel tired most of the time. It was a shock to discover that I had cancer and have come through it well with the help of my supportive husband, son, relatives and friends. I am quite a positive person and feel well in myself. I am looking forward to reading the comments from people who may have had the same kind of problem. Bella D
Hi BellaD and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your cancer journey.
A cancer diagnosis brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
The Community is organised into support groups and I see you have joined our supportive Thyroid cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To go to the group just click on the link above then 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.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best
