Sharing thyroid cancer experience

[Katherine]

Hi all. I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2020 at the age of 25. I had a complete thyroidectomy with 19 lymphnodes removed, major parathyroid issues and radioactive iodine treatment. 

I was wondering if there is anyone that would like to connect with me, to chat about their experience and how it has affected them mentally and physically since their diagnosis. I haven't met anyone that has had thyroid cancer and often feel like it would be helpful for me to talk to someone that really understands. I am a good listener too! 

[sch]

Hi @Katherine 

I'm very sorry to hear about your cancer. I hope you are recovering ok.

I'm not aware of any groups, but maybe if your called the cancer council, they may have some contacts for you?

How are you feeling now?

-s

[Katherine]

Hi S,

Thank you so much for  your reply, it is so appreciated. Physically, doing better. The specialist is super happy with my progress. But in general, it's been tough since diagnosis. Especially as lots of people tend to remind me I had the "good cancer". My anxiety got to its worst, I fell into depression and started taking some helpful serotonin tablets at the end of last year. It was the best decision I made. I just wonder if anyone else has had the same mental experience? 

The scar on my neck isn't the problem, the scar it's left in my mind is what's the worst. 

Sorry for the word vomit!! 

Thanks for the advice for calling cancer council. I'll definitely do that. 

[Li22y]

would love to chat .... 
I’ve been recently diagnosed with Papillary thyroid cancer back in April this year.  It spread to a few of  my lymph nodes and waiting for Radiation iodine treatment.

im currently off from work ( I work in child care plus I have my own children one with additional needs) which is making this cancer diagnosis more stressful for me. 
 I am struggling at times with the diagnosis and I have contacted cancer council they have arrange me to talk to someone with a similar diagnosis and I will be receiving some counseling sessions.

I am starting to except the diagnosis but still very emotional. I’m trying to also get healthy and focus on a more healthier lifestyle as a way for me to cope.

one thing I have learnt is not to read diagnosis over the internet as this makes it more scarier and to trust my doctor.

my doctor believes that I will be ok . 
My pathological stage is 2 A but  clinically stage 1 with moderate risk as I’m only 33

[Katherine]

Hi there, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I truly do understand how scary it is. My counsellor (also via cancer council) told me very early on to never google anything! She was so right, it's the worst thing you can do. Google doesn't know your situation, the specifics of your diagnosis etc. 

I am happy to connect with you over social media if that would be better? 

[Li22y]

Yes that would be great my FB is Lizzy Klees… 

I have so many questions 

[Katherine]

Hey Lizzy, I have added and messaged you on Facebook 😃

[David1]

I had the thyroid cancer and did the surgery around 2 years ago, removing half of my thyroid and 5 lymph nodes. Still feel fear the recurrence when finding any uncomfortable of my body.

[Eddiej77]

Hi Katherine,  I had a thyroidectomy 5 years ago, also my voice box was damaged. Still have cancer cells there that are monitored regularly and I've had to learn to speak again , I'm 77.  I also have 3 different cancers and back in March had Whipple surgery.

Apart from all of that I'm feeling great!

I find that staying positive, thinking about others and enjoying each day works for me!

Regards, Eddie. 

[Sam19]

Thank you for sharing.

This is my first time in this thread and my first time even googling anything that has the word “cancer” in it. It’s very confronting.  Please excuse my lack of knowledge.
Our beautiful daughter (in her 20s) has diagnosed with thyroid cancer with spread to lymph nodes only 2 weeks ago. It’s very new and raw and we are a bit overwhelmed. She is having a lot of chest pain and feels that the doctors are less concerned about the pain and focussing on her thyroid. Is this anyone else’s experience.? She is very fatigued all the time, her hair has all died and broken over the last 18 months which has had a huge impact on her self esteem. Ii would love to hear if anyone else has had major hair issues and if there has been any thing helpful.  She has a complete thyroidectomy with node clearance booked for 3 weeks time. Sue is very frightened and unsure where to reach out to. Thanks for listening and for any advice. We are in the Newcastle/Port Stephens area NSW.