Exactly right Katherine, it's not a helpful thing to say to someone going through it! I'm glad to hear you have come out the other side of your depression and congratulations on your pregnancy! I found going through this in the covid era stopped me from planning ahead as I had no way of predicting how things would turn out. I recently went overseas with my family and felt much more positive about having goals again but also gained perspective that I need to put myself first more. Unfortunately my workplace was not very supportive of my experience and I felt the pressure to go back to work WAY too soon after surgery.   I'm wondering how much time you (or others) gave yourself to recover before going back to work? And did you have huge neck/back problems following treatment? I have had constant migraines and back/neck pain ever since. It feels like the last couple of years of trying to push through have caught up with me and my body is not coping with my work demands (my work is very active and full on). I am now considering trying to move to part time work so that I can put more time into my rehab which has included finding spaces like these on the Cancer Council! ... View more

Hi Sam, I'm so sorry about your current struggles with your daughter's diagnosis. I have experienced hair loss (although not from my thyroid cancer). I lost my hair when I was in year 12 due to heavy medication for my autoimmune condition that I still have. It was hugely distressing and traumatic to happen at that age and leading into my HSC. I felt very alone in this experience and was adamant that it had to remain a secret which I would not recommend - hiding it was exhausting and stressful which resulted in me withdrawing from activities I loved like swimming and dancing, as well as socially. Unfortunately for me my hair loss lasted a lot longer than expected (many years).   I feel like nowadays there is a lot more out there in terms of advice and positive role models (the positive side of social media!). I really wish I had that as a young girl! I would recommend looking into hair extensions, partial or full wigs for your daughter.  I started wearing a partial wig and then various types of wigs and just told people I straightened my hair (I have curly hair). I went to Suzanne's wigs in Sydney CBD but I'm sure there are many other places with really good quality wigs out there now! There are also some great people on instagram who try to normalise having no hair or wearing wigs. I'd recommend @hairlossboss , @abbywrenartistry , @goldylosthair and @shannondooley84 on instagram.    People may think it is a bit vain to worry about when you have big health issues to worry about, but it's impossible to understand the profound impact on self esteem and confidence without experiencing it, so I really feel for you!    Gaby x ... View more

Hi Katherine, I was also diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2021 when I was 28 and underwent 2 surgeries to remove my thyroid and some lymph nodes as well. I am now clear but I feel like I have only just begun to process all that I went through and I am struggling with my physical recovery ad maintaining my work! I also have people tell me I had the 'good cancer' which makes me feel like a bit of a fraud and that I don't deserve as much support as others. I would love to connect and chat about our experiences if you are still looking for more people to connect with 🙂 Gaby ... View more