Thyroid Cancer

Heya,

Welcome to the forum, though I'm sorry you find yourself here.

I'm presuming your parent has been diagnosed after an FNA of a lump in their neck? So the CT scan will be to see if there is any lymph node involvement so that they know that when they operate if they're just doing a hemi thyroidectomy, a total thyroidectomy, or a neck dissection.

Yes, thyroid cancer has a very high survival rate of over 99%. So at this point it's really not worth getting yourself into a state over. It's easier said than done though, because the word cancer conjures up so many different images and thoughts. As for how to proceed, practically. After the operation to remove at least half of the thyroid they're going to be really tired for a week or two, I don't know what their living situation is, but if there's not another parent there to look after them, then it would be helpful if you could cook for them. Even if it's batch cooking so that all they need to do is defrost and reheat. Basically, anything that  they normally do around the house, will need to be done by someone else for a couple of weeks. So arranging that would be helpful.

But don't get into a flap, certainly not around your parent, because they need to focus on themselves and the thoughts in their head at the moment. Trying to parent you, look after you, and make sure you're ok with what's going on with them will be exhausting. So think about it practically and logically and take each step as it comes. You've found us here now, so if there's anything you don't understand, or any questions you or your parent might have and forgot to ask the specialists, give us a shout. Chances are, someone here will know the answer and will be able to help you out and hopefully settle your mind.

Shout up anytime, and best of wishes to your parent.

Lass

xx