Hi there. I'm due to go in for a microlaryngoscopy tomorrow morning, as I have a mass on both vocal chords. I have been unable to quit smoking. I am all of a panic and I know the risks. I have cut down from around 30 per day to around 10 over the last 3 weeks and also cut down on drinking by 2 thirds. I suffer with extreme anxiety and for the last 20 years this is how I've self medicated. I've struggled so much, had lots of counselling but always turned to the dreaded drink and cigarettes and this is probably why I'm writing in this forum now. I don't plan on having any cigarettes today and certainly no alcohol, but I can't stop thinking I'm going to have all of the postoperative complications that come with surgery. I guess I just need a little reassurance from someone who may have been in the same situation as myself. I'm 48 years old.
Hi Sashamay and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the challenges you are facing.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)……. and I do see that you have already joined our dedicated…..
……. support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
I suggest that you copy and paste the text from this post into a new post in the group….. click on the link above then once the group page opens you you can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi again...... I see that you tried to copy and paste the text from this post into the Head and Neck group but it landed back in the New to Community...... I have asked the Macmillan Community Team to move the post to the H&N group for you.
Hi Sashamay,
Welcome to the Online Community! As our lovely Community Champion Thehighlander says, the best place to introduce yourself is over on our Head and neck cancer forum. To that end, I have now fixed your previous post and moved it to the Head and neck cancer forum. You can visit your new discussion thread at the link below:
If you need any further help using the Online Community, please don't hesitate to drop us an email at community@macmillan.org!
All the best,
Matthew
Macmillan Online Community Team
Thanks Matthew 
