Thyroid Cancer ― From Fear to Fulfilment

If you or someone close to you has just found a neck lump, it might be thyroid cancer. How do you feel? What lies ahead? How will you cope? How will your family cope? What next? What if…? I’m a hospital doctor who specializes in endocrinology and general medicine, and I care for people with thyroid problems. In fact, I’ve spent most of the last 10 years focusing on thyroid diseases. My Ph.D. research degree looked at thyroid eye disease and my current clinical work includes thyroid out-patient clinics and dedicated thyroid cancer clinics. Then my own bombshell. At forty years of age I was found to have a form of congenital heart disease that had severely damaged my heart and was now a potentially fatal diagnosis. I lay on the hospital bed prior to risky open-heart surgery with my previous hopes of how my life would likely play-out totally shattered. If I survived, life would never be like it was. From this unusual perspective of being both a doctor and someone trying to cope with a frightening diagnosis, I have gained huge insight into the emotional devastation that thyroid cancer patients can face when dealing with this life-changing diagnosis. And that’s even before they start navigating the medical system. Crucially, a thyroid cancer diagnosis will most likely force you to confront some of the bigger questions in life. Up until now you may have conveniently avoided them (I certainly had!). Having lived through such an experience, I initially found it to be hugely unpleasant. However, having also been able to emerge out of it (with help) to live a much more fulfilling and positive existence, I have written this to try to help make the experience for others be less painful than mine. This book is a practical and emotional support that will help you get through and beyond your diagnosis of thyroid cancer. It aims to provide comfort and calm, knowledge and wisdom, and help you and your family live a better life. For more information and further support please visit: www.thyroidcancer.support