What can I expect?

Hi EmmG and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I have a different type of cancer to you but I can agree when it comes to asking questions my mind goes completely blank and it's all so impersonal what with the masks and having to attend everything alone is so stressful. I did remember to take a notebook along to jot down notes but then couldn't read my own writing.

I see you’ve joined our Thyroid cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with others making the same type of cancer journey. I'm sure someone will be along soon to answer. and offer suggestions.

To find more information covering diagnosis and treatments there are pages covering most types of cancers which can be found on our Online Information and Support Section. 

The Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team.

Good luck with your pre-op assessment tomorrow.

Sending you welcoming hugs B xx

Hi Emma, 

I didnt have any questions throughout my process other than ok so what's next? Until I saw him on Thursday and that was after both operations sounds very silly but felt so much more relaxed with him maybe it was because all the news was out the way and it was just going through there findings from the last op and to advise if I was going to have the RAI, I had a few questions but they were based on what they found and said to speak to my new consultant about any questions to do with the RAI treatment, it is a daunting process your going through and there is no right or wrong way to deal with it or process it, what I did this time was when a question came to mind I wrote it down and then took the paper with me and said I had some questions I wanted to go through but I will ask them at the end, he answered 3 of them within the info he was giving to me so only left 1 or 2 to ask, to be honest some of my questions were things people were asking me and I was like I dont know I didnt ask so I asked so I could answer their questions when in reality I didn't care, In my head I was diagnosed with cancer and this is the plan to get rid of it, I didnt think of anything else.

On the day of the surgery, the anesthesia came to see me, a nurse to take observations and the consultant also came to see me, lots of visitors lol, then when they were ready they gave me some sexy stocking to put on and then wheeled me down to surgery, once in the operation room, they put a tiny camera up my nose and fed it down to my throat to check my vocal cords dont worry it didn't hurt just felt slightly weird, then they put the iv in to administer the anesthetic and the next thing I new I was waking up in recovery, I was really thirsty when I woke on both lots of surgery but I knew this after the first one so on the second one I took a small cool bag in with 4 ice packs in to keep things cold and took 6 cans of pop and some yogurts and a metal straw it was by far the best decision I made lol.

Does any if this help or do you have anything else you would like to know?

Dawn xx

Good luck with your surgery this week xx

Hi Dawn.

Thank you for the cold drinks recommendation. I've added it to the packing list (which is what I'll be doing tomorrow).

I finished work today which I've been super greatful for to distract me and stop me worrying.

I had my pre op yesterday, all seemed to go OK.

They haven't mentioned the camera but sounds sensible so that's good to be prepared for that.

Thanks. Em. 

Hi Em, 

Haha you sound like me, I worked right up to it to keep myself distracted.

Hope you've managed to keep yourself busy today and not thought about tomorrow too much, don't forget your ice packs tomorrow morning to keep your drinks cold you will be glad to have a nice refreshing cold drink, the hospital I was in was so warm and the cold drinks were room temperature so didn't really do it lol.

I wasn't told about the camera either its just to check your voice box nevers, honestly nothing to worry about felt a bit weird but didn't hurt and lasted about 30 seconds.

Have a massive feast tonight lol

Wishing you all the best for tomorrow 

Dawn xx

Hi Dawn.

I was discharged yesterday and now recovering at home. 2nights in, its crazy how quickly the body can start to get better. 

To their credit all drinks came with a good amount of crushed ice (but having the blueberry Fanta I'd took in really hit the spot so thank you.)

Uncomfortable is the best way to describe it. My lymph nodes were tangled, thyroid relatively easy. 3hr op total. So at the moment I have lots of numbness on my right hand side and limited movement of my shoulder. Keeping moving and hopeful nerves all recover back to normal. I didn't know about the nerve complications that can happen from the neck dissection so that's come as a bit of a shock.

Em

Glad you are now home and feeling relatively well, yeah its mental isn't it but you will heal and recovery better at home in your own home comforts, make sure you rest as much as you can.

Oh gosh no I didnt know that either, have they given you exercises or anything to do when you feel up to it to help?

Did they do the camera?

Haha you did well to get crushed ice im well jealous haha.

Sending love and hugs xx