In March 1992, when I was sixty-two years of age, my thyroid gland was totally removed. While the operation was in progress a frozen section was taken which gave the surgeon the correct diagnosis. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the variety of cancer I had, nor have I kept any notes on my blood levels etc. Perhaps it was and is selective amnesia? Both the surgeon and my G.P. have always kept me fully informed about all of my tests. Due to my complete confidence in these two men I do not give the results a second thought after they have told me. On two occasions the replacement thyroxine has been adjusted downwards, now I take only one tablet each morning. I feel well, apart from fatigue caused from both age and being my husband’s sole carer. I am mentally alert, still drive, run the household and continue with my main hobby which is painting.

It was in early October 1991 when I had the first indication of a problem with my throat. I felt a sharp short pain as I applied cream onto the front of my neck. Two weeks later it still hurt, but only when I touched it. My GP sent me for an ultra sound which showed an enlarged thyroid gland, said to be non-malignant. He also sent me to a specialist surgeon for a second opinion.

By December I was feeling unwell and becoming very lethargic. I was placed on the surgery list for March, at my request because I am a hayfever sufferer from approximately August to March each year. The thought of sneezing post-op did not appeal. The week prior to my admission to hospital I found swallowing more difficult and by the end of that same week any exertion made me short of breath. As an ex operating theatre sister, I knew what was happening, so I put my self to bed, fully expecting an early admission. Luck was with me, as it has remained.

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