Omg, this is amaaaaazing.... Someone's finally done it. And before me! Well done Harker - Well, well, done and congratulations :) I haven't had a good look yet, but I surely will. All the very best. Sarah xox ... View more

Omg, this is amaaaaazing.... Someone's finally done it. And before me! Well done Harker - Well, well, done and congratulations :) I haven't had a good look yes, but I surely will. All the very best. Sarah xox ... View more

Hi there, I've been there but the lump bits sound different. I had lumps but it was scar tissue really. The medics did not want to do needle aspirations. Good luck with it all. Sarah. ... View more

Ps, I was pushed around for years too (6 years). Doctors kept putting me on antidepressants even though I was saying I wasn't depressed. I tried to win compensation afterwards, but it was complicated and it didn't go to court. It's a common story about diagnosis. Some people sue and get compensation, some don't. Sarah. ... View more

Oh... hi Nigel, that's sad news, again, I'm sorry for you. Really. Because we've all been through it around here we feel it deeply because we know what it's like. It's the emotional stuff that's really hard. The other stuff is still really hard too. I went through a horrible time, 6 months of Chemo, lost my hair (female), and lost friends too. I didn't grow up with a lot of close friends though having moved a lot in my youth. I have heard a lot though, of how close friends can be very supportive. It struck me at this time how people judge women by their looks. I was abused in the street at that time. People thought I was a punk or a lesbian. So.. this insight into society and people was the biggest shock, and happened way too young for my development and left me scarred. Additionally, I was living out of home so had little family support. I hope that you have at least that sorted 😉 Sounding like you do. I suppose what did come out of it was a deep understanding of myself - I only had me. And, after treatment I found a new certainty about my life and a new gusto for achieving my dreams. I became relentless and unstoppable and have achieved much since that time. It meant a return to study and I followed my passion for photography. I also read a lot at that time, deciding I wanted to learn about a lot of things - philosophy, art and sociology. I wanted to know why I got it too, so there was a lot of self-enquiry. So, I guess, if that didn't happen I would've probably had a mediocre life, perhaps only 1/2 lived? As far as treatment goes I'm not sure what to tell you because it differs depending on what type you have. Also, treatment since my time (so I've heard) has improved in that it's not as toxic. From what I've learned since, and I have again made a return to studying as mature age in health/medicine, attention to your immune system at this time is important. Crucial in fact. You want to do what you can to support your immune system. If you can afford it, see a naturopath for this support would be my advice. Take time of work too. Just to read, chill and sort it out. you owe that to yourself (IMO). I know, it's a hard place hey. You feel embarrassed like you're the weakest link or something and, thing is, you're so fragile at the moment that you can't bear the idea that anyone might have a less than supportive response, so you keep it hidden. But, at the same time you desperately want to tell people. In my case it was like that anyhow. And that's all the weird emotional/head stuff that's hard to deal with. The foundations that our society are built on are "funny" to say the least is what I found 😉 Hang on to your family, keep them close. Take all the support you can get. Talk therapy is good too - get counselling/therapy or find a support group of similar age. Apologies, I don't know about your specific case so I cannot be specific. can share a bit about my journey and by doing so I hope I can fill some gaps. Others here too will add their bits and it will help to guide you along the path. Sarah. ... View more

Hey Nigel, Sorry to hear about this, it's frightening I (we) know. You didn't mention if they were benign or malignant - do you know? I've had a lot, but, couple of years ago had one benign one removed from my lung. It was fairly basic operation, painful though (sorry). Think the hardest thing for me when I was young my first "experience" was at 23 and it derailed my social life and career prospects. That time being crucial for such things. If yours is benign however, this wont happen to you and you'll breeze through it. Sarah. ... View more

Hi India, yes, I've had it. What do you want yo know? You'r only 18?? So young, I'm so sorry.. It's not painful, but you will be in isolation for a few days, maybe a week so take a book and lots of good food. Hydrating food, because you in a hospital with no fresh air and not a lot to do, you may as well eat. In order for the iodine to "take", a patient must not have thyroxine in the system. In my day some years ago, I would have to come off my thyroxine for about 5 weeks prior to radioactive iodine. That was the worst bit. Really bad. Now though I think there are drugs that can block the thyroxine so you don't have to come off it. After a thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine is a breeze, and kind of a holiday in the hospital. The whole experience though, I understand very well, is very traumatic. Anything else, just ask! Sarah. ... View more

Very Good :) It's not easy. ... View more

Good to see we can crack a joke around here once in a while. Even if not a very funny one :( Oh Pamela, your journey sounds awful I'm so sorry. Yet, you are managing a smile in your photo. Ever so brave we (all of us) are. I hope you have kind people around you that are supporting you with love and kindness. Goes for all of us. ... View more

Hey Pamela, are you spamming? Trying to flog your craft work here? Joking 🙂 ... View more