Awaiting surgery date, don't know how to feel

Hey there HiFly, 

Sorry to hear you're going through a tough time at the moment. 

I'm afraid that this sort of wait, and longer, is perfectly normal when it comes to thyroid cancer. There is almost never any rush for tests, ops, results, appointments, etc. So you very quickly learn to have a lot of patience, relax, and just let it happen when it happens.

Distraction is key though. Find things to do with yourself to take your mind off health related issues. So clean out a cupboard - the one under the stairs is usually a good and unloved one - sort the garden, go out with friends, meditate, try some mindfulness exercises, etc, etc.

After surgery is a lot more waiting for the results and then also for an appointment with your consultant. Beyond that, there are too many variables to say what might happen next. But please do ask any questions you might have and we'll do our best to answer them!

Lass

Xx

Hey Lass,

To know it’s considered ‘normal’ for this type of cancer has really helped. It feels so odd to just wait and let it be for the time being. I do hope university lectures help to distract though (but in all honesty some of them I’d rather fall asleep in ), I do now see how easy it is for the mind to wonder back to thinking of the surgery and the issue itself. I will try some of your suggestions! They sound really calming and perfect to try - thank you! 

I think I expected that about waiting after the surgery, I guess we’ll see how it goes and then reassess what happens. 

Thank you for your answer back️ it’s very appreciated x 

Update on surgery date now, 29th October so not too long to wait at all. Knowing the date feels so much better though, now I can start to plan and see how events and such around it can go.

I’m expecting a full thyroidectomy and the removal of some lymph nodes, how have people generally found this type of surgery?  

- HiFly

HiFly

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, October was a mental month for me and if I wasn't doing something then I was sleeping or vegged out in front of the TV to recover from whatever I had done. 

So, there's no point in saying how others have found the surgery, as looking at dates you've had it done? How did the thyroidectomy and neck dissection go? How are you feeling and recovering so far? Did you find some tips on site on how to recover the best, with a slope in the bed, regular painkillers and anti-inflammatories, plenty of fluids, etc?

I hope you're well! 

Lass

Xx