u/freakinovernada

It’s been not even a week since I found out I have papillary thyroid cancer. Initially, I was told it would be a hemithyroidectomy. Then, because I sought out a second opinion at Memorial Sloan Kettering, I found out that my lymph nodes were affected and positive for cancer. They are now expecting a total thyroidectomy plus neck dissection.

I feel broken. I went from thinking I was okay a week and half ago to thinking I would need only the left side of the thyroid removed to finding out that the cancer spread to surrounding lymph nodes.

I’m a baby when it comes to pain. Yes I’m 31, but I’m also so pain adverse and always have been low tolerant of pain. For those who have had this same procedure, can you tell me what the pain compares to?

I just got diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer on Friday. I was devastated (obviously). I went from thinking nothing is going on a week ago to now knowing I have cancer.

Two days in and I’m still processing, and crying in random emotional waves that hit me. Other times I feel thankful because, as those with this illness know, this is the “best cancer to have”.

My main fears are coming from the uncertainty. I have a surgery scheduled in a few weeks but they’re not 100% sure how many surgeries will be needed. I’ve never had surgery before and have had a phobia of surgery for my entire life. I feel so unsettled. My skin crawls thinking about being cut open. I’m worried I’ll never be able to have kids. I’m scared about the radioactive iodine as a possible treatment.

Im also very alone. I’ve lost contact with most of my friends so I’m taking this on with my significant other and it’s a lonely journey.

I’m desperately seeking some escape and would love to hear about the books/movies/etc. that helped you navigate your emotions and feel validation/comfort in a distressful time.