New to the journey

Jnap, one thing, never feel stupid over this as you have history over this horrible disease and not good history so everything you have said would have anyone worried.

Have you not had a FNAC done? Seems strange if not as it could actually tell them what it is before you have surgery... Sometimes it's inconclusive though depending on the type etc... 

Big hugs, we are all at some stage here in this awful journey so keep us updated x

Yeah I’ve had two FNAs but they have come back inconclusive so am to have half my thyroid out 2 weeks tomorrow. 
Thanks for your reply. This has just sent me into a bit of a tailspin. Hence sitting up at 3am when I have work tomorrow. Not long started a new job too! Cancer always has such great timing! Lol! Just need to get op done and then go from the results once they do histology. Just feeling overwhelmed and can’t believe this is happening less than 12 months after watching my mum die. Thanks again x  

Hi Jnap82, sorry you find yourself on this forum but welcome anyway. I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum and Dad too. You've had such a lot to deal with already. Don't feel a fraud, we would all be so happy for you if it turns out not to be cancer, so don't worry about that and just let us know how you're getting on.

It does make me cross when people tell you thyroid cancer is a “good cancer”. Even the consultants say it! No cancer is good. It belittles what we have to go through mentally as well as physically. My family were told that and now don't understand why I'm still struggling 9 months on! I wish they'd phrase it instead that it's one of the more successfully treated cancers, because it is and I think that's what we hold onto as we go through these appts/procedures. Staying realistic is the approach I took too and that's how I got through it. I know you said the FNA came back inconclusive but have you had a biopsy or are they going straight for the hemi?

As for work, I ended up speaking to my manager to let him know what I was going through and he was really supportive, so when I rang (usually in tears!) after each appt/test he allowed me to take the rest of the day off or not if I wanted to keep busy. I also had the option to work from home if I didn't want to face anyone, can you do that? Do you have a manager you could talk to discreetly? Although I have worked there a very long time, every company now has a duty of care and you should be supported through this. Although in reality I'm aware this doesn't always happen.

It's no good me saying try not to worry because I know that's not possible but just try and take one day at a time, remember how treatable this cancer usually is and distract yourself any way you can. Oh and stay off google! Post any questions/worries on here, there will always be someone around with real, honest experience to reply x

It’s understandable to be anxious about your diagnosis under any circumstances but with your experience withyou Mum and Dad even more so. Also, you’re absolutely in the right place in this support forum.

what you have described regarding the MDT meeting and the booking of the surgery is standard practice so nothing to worry about there. Again after the surgery they will do a biopsy and you’ll probably get the results a couple of weeks after that and a clearer idea about the treatment plan. I had a total thyroidectomy in November and I was anxious about the whole thing but felt much better mentally once I knew what the plan was. 

I found that the MacMillan nurses at the hospital were a great source of information and support. Not sure if it is standard nationally for the surgical team to be partnered with MacMillan but if not there is probably a nurse specialist who will be able to give you more information. This forum is also a great place and don’t be afraid to call MacMillan, they have been brilliant and personally I found the counselling service they offer (up to six sessions free) very helpful with trying to come to terms with my diagnosis. 

Beat of luck and don’t be shy about asking for help.

Aww ok yeah that's what happened to me X2 FNACs and came back a Thy3a and a Thy3f so decided on full thyroidectomy with surgeon as I also had Graves disease, histology came back Follicular Variant Papillary thyroid carcinoma which is also why the FNA's weren't conclusive as FV seems to be similar to other cells I believe. 

As you have already said timing on cancer sucks ass literally and it's cruel you have gone through what you have such a short time ago to be greeted with it maybe again but keep positive.

Yeah it is awful when someone says that thyroid cancer is the best type etc etc because we are going through it and dealing with side effects from meds etc etc just shite.

Let us know how things go x