Hi there, I’m 22 & recently I had a MRI scan for a completely unrelated issue through NHS. They found swollen lymph nodes in my neck instead and sent me a letter explaining that. Given that I had to have a biopsy & scan and was ultimately diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This has come as a shock in many different ways. I’m autistic and my processing is very complicated, I've found balancing this all very hard.
which everyone after a diagnosis must feel. It’s just the small things for me that are making me feel overwhelmed. Because of my autism hospitals are a big fear due to sensory issues and of course a hospital is busy and loud. Which is a struggle and of course change and the uncertainty. The uncertainty is a big part as this is something I never expected or thought I would handle. I feel strong in myself that I can get through this however it’s the small parts that play on my mind. My doctor said I’ll be in hospital for 4 days for removing my thyroid, and neck dissection on the side and middle I believe. The thought of staying in hospital for a few hours let alone days has sent me down a rabbit hole of anxiety.
id really appreciate some advice on the overwhelming side of it, with the uncertainty and if anyone else is neurodivergent and has been diagnosed I would highly appreciate suggestions on how to cope with the situation. As of now I’ve been told I will have some reasonable adjustments because of my autism which I’m thankful for. However I’m still very much panicking. That was a lot of writing and I hope I haven’t rambled. But thank you if you take the time to read & respond.
My name is Steph and I’m part of the team who look after the Online Community here at Macmillan. May I wish you another warm welcome to the site, I hope you will find it to be a safe place of comfort and support.
I was sorry to read about your thyroid cancer diagnosis and the additional challenges you’re facing due to your neurodiversity.
We do have other members of the Community with a neurodiversity who are facing cancer. There may not be anyone with your exact experience in this forum this week, but I hope that your message here will help you connect with others who can support you through this truly difficult time.
Whilst you’re waiting for other members to reply, you might find it helpful to have a read through some Macmillan advice and information:
On both pages you can find suggestions of how to speak to your healthcare team so they can support you better. They may be able to adapt appointments or communication to meet your needs. You can ask your healthcare team whether they have received neurodiversity training.
In the articles, we also include links to other organisations who can help.
We also have a Macmillan Support Line if you have questions or would like to talk things through with someone who is there to listen. Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.
As you’re a young person, you might also want to access some support from the following organisations:
In your other post on the site, you mentioned having trouble sleeping. Macmillan has some tips here for improving your sleep. If someone to talk to in the night might be helpful, please do join the conversation here in our 'Awake and up all night' thread. Although the conversation can continue into the daytime, it's there specifically for anyone who wants to talk through the night.
Please do let us know if you have any questions or need further support with anything at all. I hope this helps to show you that there’s a lot of support available to you and you don’t have to go through this alone.
