Hi Sarah, It has been a hectic past week. Aside from being fairly fatigued, would you believe the washing machine decided to blow a part.. which meant a few days of reminding myself how lucky I am to have working white goods. Nothing like a few days of hand washing clothes to remind you to not take electronics for granted ;). Because I don't let on how I am truely feeling every 'normal malfunctioning' day, when I do finally let things be known to my immediate cirlce of people they find it hard to comprehend, let alone believe. In just the past week I've had people ask how I am and after hearing, they respond with a knowing laugh suggesting that it is just a mere form of aging or that it is a normal response to doing so much every day. It is very disheartening, but not worth the constant battle to correct the misconception. I've gone from a quick witted, intelligent spoken and energetic bubbly person to this now..a snail brain the majority of the time, and I don't need to fill you in on the rest.. our bodies speak for themselves. What original cancer did you have? I can't comprehend what that would be like to have had one form of cancer, and than have to work through another cancer form. My prognosis is based on evidence and I was fortunate enough to have a highly regarded surgeon who specialises in thyroidectomies etc. Here is his website and more information if you wanted further information http://drstansidhu.com/Papillary_thyroid-44.html . I'm sorry to hear you don't care much for this world anymore. When it all gets too much for me, I like to put myself amongst nature, away from the rat race and human population and just listen. Something I need to do more of at the moment. As for my ex-boyfriend, it wasn't meant to be clearly. His loss and his guilt to carry in the end, I don't envy him for that! I have not written for a few plus days as I haven't had the brain power to sit and write decently to you. So, please forgive me if this has gone around in circles from time to time. I hope you're doing well and looking forward to some form of a Christmas celebration xx Fiona ... View more

Hi Sarah, Well done for getting your body shape back, I understand how hard that would have been and still would be to maintain it. The years leading up to my diagnosis, my weight fluctuated up and down at big rates. And yes, like you, it was an odd sort of weight and shape. My weight now is not decreasing, but increasing, and yes to the low dose of thyroxine. I had an emotional afternoon Friday just gone as my GP is still sorting out a dose that meets the surgeons requirements (to hope to stop the cancer from returning). I am pushing myself too hard, and that has been out of shear distest for my body gaining weight. It's days like today that remind me that I'm not as energetic as I was before my thyroid malfunctioned. I have dusted and vacuumed my bedroom and helped out (sitting alot and handing things out) at a Camp Quality family Christmas Fun day today and I'm utterly exhausted. I'm not a complainer in the least, i'm quite the positive soul. But, having someone respond (such as yourself) with so much understanding of how our bodies fail us is such a relief. My friends are either in denial and push the fact that it's all diet, or simply get cross or quiet about the prognosis and in disbelief. You've certainly lost a lot! It is ludicrus how the world reacts over something that is mostly non-preventable. My boyfriend after surgery slept with my than best friend. Having no contact with my immediate family, it hit hard. I bounce back well, and come back stronger in life. My belief is, everything happens for a reason, and I believe I am so much better off with any of them. The hard part is caring for my children on days like today when I am utterly exhausted. They are more the carers than I am, and as a devoted mother, that brings tears. Thank you again for taking the time to respond Sarah xx ... View more

Hi Struggling mummy, How did you cope being locked away whilst the RAI did its thing? I was bored and went a tad hyperactive when I got out. I took myself to the appointment (5hrs away), and took myself home again. The conversations I had with my GPS were priceless and I still giggle at them today. I had papillary thyroid cancer - stage 3, (diagnosed in early Sept 2010 and successfully removed later in Sept 2010). It is a scary time and being a mum, we worry more as we have the love and responsibility of our babies. How old are your children? I have a 12 and 9 year old. If you have any questions, or would like to chat, don't hesitate. I have just joined this, as I am in need of like minded people to understand the day to day struggles we face. A lot of my friends and family shun it off or sweep it under the carpet, rather than allow for healthy discussion in order to get the worries out in the open and off my chest. Have a good day and do something that makes you smile. Fi ... View more

Hi Sarah, thanks for your reply. I'm sorry to hear you have had it too, but it's comforting to know of someone else. How do you manage your weight? Have you had issues with gaining unnecessary weight from it all? I have loads more questions, but these are good for a start :). ... View more