Paphos People

About 9 weeks ago I noticed a swelling in my neck that I hadn't felt before. It was very large and situated to the side and I thought it was my thyroid swelling up, which it was.
Saw my Gp who referred me to a head and neck specialist (formerly ent). Thyroxine blood test came back normal. Then had a needle aspiration under ultrasound which came back inconclusive which means they could not tell if it was malignant or benign.

Three weeks ago I went into hospital to have a partial thyroidectomy (half removed). Started recovering ok but then 13 days post-op developed an abcess behind my wound. Re-admitted urgently and had the wound opened up and abcess drained. As you can imagine was feeling very sorry for myself by then. But was just so glad not to have the pain and although my throat had been cut again I felt that this had to be the end of it all.

However, still had not had my results of the thyroid histology so whilst I was on the ward they came and gave me my results and was gobsmacked to be told that they had found cancer.

I always knew it was a possiblilty and had not worried about it too much because I felt I would worry when I needed to.

But the bad news became good bad news. It appears that the swelling I had was not cancer but a benign l tumour. It was only when they disected it that they found a cancerous area of only 2.5 mm.

Today I attended the hospital to see the multi-disiplinary team of cancer specialists who have looked over my case and have told me that my cancer has been removed completely, fully encapsulated and I will therefore need no chemo or radiotherapy.
They have put me on drugs to supress any further cancer and will continue to screen the right side of my thyroid.

It appears that I have been very lucky. Thyroid cancer is one of the better cancers to get because it has an excellent prognosis. Also the type of cancer I had was the least aggressive so that was a double helping of good luck.

I still can't believe I am saying the words cancer...... but I am. I know that I will live with some fear for the rest of my life. But I am 52 and have a lot of living to do yet .

There was a time when I thought I would not get over to Cyprus in September because of all this but we are keeping to our plans even more so now cos I really need the sun to warm my bones and give me energy.

Just wanted to share this with you all.

Gilly

Hi Gilly

Thanks for sharing your news with us, at least you had the sense to go to your doctor and not put it off.

I wish you a very speedy recovery and I'm sure you will enoy the sunshine of Cyprus. Not long to wait until your holiday......

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Very glad to hear your Good news. It's such a worry. Now is the time to relax and enjoy life to the full after a scare.
Take care
Martin

So glad you finally got good news but you must have been through hell and back. As you say it is onwards and upwards now. Try not to worry too much about the future just live for today. This is a case of do as I say not as I do as am the world's worst worrier!!!

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Lyn

Tough times dont last long but tough people do

Congratulations Gilly, as you say you are only 52 and have plenty of living left to do, so there is only one thing to do now and that is get ready for the sun and enjoy your holiday - you deserve it after all you've been through.

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Sarah & Phil

Well done Gilly, youve faced one hurdle and tackled it full on, so nows the time to take the opportunity to face the future with a positive frame of mind.

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Straight talking, no Gimmicks.

Live your dreams.

Great news Gilly and enjoy your September holiday.

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"Your dog is your friend, your partner, your defender. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true until the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion"

What excellent news - after all you've been through. Look forward to finally meeting you when you get over here in September.

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Jean

Retirement - harder work than working - But much more fun

Gilly our best friend had this over 6 yrs ago. She has made a full recovery, with no sign of it returning, even though she still has checks.
Gilly i know it hard to do this but please try and not to worry about it returning, as i am sure it won't . Just get on with life now and have FUN FUN FUN.

Thank you for putting this up for us to read, as it shows how some of us are so lucky not to go through anything like this.

Well done Gilly

A happy ending of what must have been a nightmare for you and your family.

I hope you continue to make good progress.

Jackie

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If it has tyres or testicals you are going to have problems with it!

Congratulations Gilly, that is fantastic news! Good luck for the start of the rest of your life! your made of strong stuff Gilly! Make everyday count now and have a great and well earned holiday in Cyprus in sept.xx

Emma

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I smile cos i don't know whats going on!!!!

Hi Gilly.

Good news, hope you have a speedy recovery and have your lovely holiday.

Jill.

Hi Gilly

That great news you now get on with rest of your life and enjoy it to the full

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Take Care
Ann

Thank you all for your good wishes.

It felt strange to share such private stuff with people I really don't know. But it still felt good and I am glad that I did it.

Perhaps it will also make people think about any lumps or bumps that they may have but have put to the back of their mind. Go get it sorted !!!!!

Hopefully when we come over at the end of September we will get to meet some of you.

Love to you all and hope you all have a great weekend !

Gilly

Gilly there will be forums for folk who have suffered like you and gone through treatment, therapy, recovery etc, and can share common issues , see early signs of future probs and work together positively .

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Straight talking, no Gimmicks.

Live your dreams.