I’m still understanding that I’ve got cancer

Hi violegin

Welcome to the Online community.

I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of metastatic papillary cancer. My own cancer was different to yours but I do remember the initial shock of the diagnosis and needing time to process and work through it all. A cancer diagnosis can knock you sideways. 

It is good that you have your sister for support but sometimes it can also help to reach out to others and hopefully someone who has a similar cancer will see your post and be able to offer some more support. Like you, when I had my won diagnosis I did try to focus to begin with on the practical things- organising finances, preparing for surgery and what I would need during my recovery. I found trying to keep up with some normal routines helped. For me, once I had a treatment plan and knew what was going to happen and when, things felt a bit more in control. 

if it would help to speak to someone, we do have the Macmillan Support Line available from 8am-8pm everyday and they would also be able to have a look and see what other support may be available in your local area. 

I wish you well for your surgery and if there is anything you need in the meantime, then please do ask. 

Jane

Thank you Jane for your message. In fact ive just returned from collecting my car from service and MOT. It  did pass! Small victory is a big motive of celebration. Now, à siesta (nap) will help.  Hope you are doing well. 

Hi. 

I've had (maybe still have - will know in October) Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

After 3 surgeries starting at diagnosis in 2022 my voice changed a lot. I was a keen singer all my life, at early teenage years was a solist in church choir, and then moved to sing in a proper band!

My voice was not the same after surgeries,much lower and weak, recovered to some extend, but now after radiotherapy I can barely speak.

It doesn't have to be the same with you, of course. And early onset changes can settle down with time.

But I wouldn't worry until you know for sure there is a problem.

If you already recognised you will need mental health support it's best to ask for it asap, as sometimes in some areas it can take weeks or months to get the help.

All the best, 

Izzy. 

Hi Izzy

i swear I replied yesterday to your kind and honest message and today I realised it didn’t send and worse, i dont know where it went. Foggy brain and confusion are à constant now. It scares me as I ve always been proud of my good memory, not now though. 
once again Thank you for sharing your journey. It has not been easy for you and still you have a front band leader in you. 
I will go under total thyroidectomy and neck dissection on the 10th September and the ENT specialist included a compulsory RAI afterwards. 
Will see how it goes. Thank you also for the advice regarding teaching to mental health help in advance. So many things i don’t know. 

I hope October brings a bunch of great news for you. 
best wishes,

violegin