Thyroid Cancer Support Group
Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland. There are four forms: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. If you or anyone you know and love is affected by thyroid cancer, join this community to lean on the support and experiences of others.
Hi everyone- It's been just shy of 3 months since my thyroidectomy for papillary cancer, and just over a month since the radioactive iodine treatment. I have been reading many postings of people not feeling better post-op, and I'm sad to hear that :-( . I hope you are feeling better soon. I would like to know who is feeling better, and what your trick to feeling better is? Me personally I am feeling better than I have in over a year :-) . At first, I didn't feel physically or emotionally well post-op, but then I started to think differently and things got better. Here is what has helped me, maybe it will help you too:
Keep being the "squeaky wheel" if something with your treatment doesn't feel right. My endocrine doc may think that I'm a pest that won't go away, but I do feel better after repeatedly bugging him for answers, telling him when something's wrong, etc. If you don't feel well enough to argue with doctors, bring your most vocal friend/family member with you :-) Also, write questions or concerns down to discuss during the appointment, as this is a very confusing time.
Try not to keep dwelling on the cancer. Of course, it's understandable in the beginning and/or if you don't feel well. I even started telling friends "we are only going to talk about cancer for 5 minutes today", or "I need to talk about my treatment for 15 minutes, then let's move on". I have seen the pain in my family/friends faces when I discuss my cancer, remember they are hurting too. I also try not to silently obsess about it. I tell myself "Hey, I'm here and I feel good today, stay in the moment". It helps :-)
Keep BUSY BUSY BUSY, hopefully doing something you enjoy :-)
Of course I have my bad days and pity parties sometimes. If anyone else has some tips as to how to cope with ThyCa, please share. hugs, cherry
Keep being the "squeaky wheel" if something with your treatment doesn't feel right. My endocrine doc may think that I'm a pest that won't go away, but I do feel better after repeatedly bugging him for answers, telling him when something's wrong, etc. If you don't feel well enough to argue with doctors, bring your most vocal friend/family member with you :-) Also, write questions or concerns down to discuss during the appointment, as this is a very confusing time.
Try not to keep dwelling on the cancer. Of course, it's understandable in the beginning and/or if you don't feel well. I even started telling friends "we are only going to talk about cancer for 5 minutes today", or "I need to talk about my treatment for 15 minutes, then let's move on". I have seen the pain in my family/friends faces when I discuss my cancer, remember they are hurting too. I also try not to silently obsess about it. I tell myself "Hey, I'm here and I feel good today, stay in the moment". It helps :-)
Keep BUSY BUSY BUSY, hopefully doing something you enjoy :-)
Of course I have my bad days and pity parties sometimes. If anyone else has some tips as to how to cope with ThyCa, please share. hugs, cherry
deleted_user
Try each day to find the hidden beauty, pay attention to the messages sent from above. It amazes me how when i am feeling at my lowest, something extra is sent my way to keep me pushing forward....(the colors of the sunrise, a hawk on a wire, a rainbow. It makes all the difference when you are feeling low. Lots of prayers and thoughts to you cherrycheesecake!!!!
deleted_user
You're so right CSH!!! :-) I draw inspiratin from the beauty of my son- his laugh, his dancing eyes when he's being silly, watching him progress into a young man, and mostly his love for me. Funny how we don't notice things or appreciate our loved one's qualities until rough times arrive. Hugs, cherry
deleted_user
Thank you for your uplifting message. I read it the evening before I went to the Dr. to find out I have follicular variant papillary carcinoma. I go in for my completion on 1-3-08 and then RAI. Your message really did help. It was raining like crazy and I had to drive for 2 hours to get to my Dr. and I remember thinking what a gloomy day, and thinking I already knew what he would say. After I got the news and asked him questions, as I drove home I looked at the clouds and rain and thought of your post. I prayed for the accidents I passed on the highway and decided God and his angels were crying for all those who suffer and they know the sorrow. I saw beauty in the drive if that makes sense. :)
deleted_user
I agree with changing your thinking. Natasha Vermak once said "change your mind, change your world". I am 5 weeks post-op and going to the endocrin tomorrow to make a date for RAI. I have felt pretty great this whole time... but from the beginning I knew two things: this will be conquered quickly, and I am never alone- God and my family/friends have been there every step of the way. Once I realized these two things, I got almost excited to get started. I may sound naive by saying this but, I never gave this much weight in my mind or my life. It is only something to be overcome!
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
