A bit overwhelmed!

16 months ago I had a PET scan which showed concerns in my lungs and my thyroid. This happened following a CT scan to diagnose gallbladder issues.

November 2024 I had surgery for Neuroendocrine lung cancer. The top lobe of my left lung was removed - no further treatment, ongoing surveillance – CT scans.

2 months ago I had surgery to remove the right half of my thyroid – there was a nodule they couldn’t get a biopsy result from. On New Year’s Eve I was told it was cancer, it’s been removed - no requirement for any further treatment - ongoing surveillance.

I also had surgery and radiotherapy 14 years ago for a Meningioma (they couldn't get it all) – I have annual MRI, endocrinology blood tests and eye health check appointments.

I’ve also had 3 minor procedures for BCC removal.

Most of the tests, scans etc and follow ups happen in November/December/January and it feels like I need a Personal Assistant to manage the appointments.

I’ve been knocked a bit sideways by my recent diagnosis, I wasn’t expecting it. I’ve already had cancer! I was obviously naive to think I wouldn’t have another sort!

Overall I’m really healthy! I also feel very lucky – my issues have been dealt with and I’m very well monitored! But the overwhelm is real. All my consultants are wonderful but no one seems to be looking at me as a whole person, they're all very focused on their own speciality.  When I ask about possible connections to the other things I have going on they get a bit vague. So now I have an appointment next week with Genetics to try and see if there are any connections to be made.

Thank you for the opportunity to offload my worries.

Wishing you all a peaceful 2026.

  • Hi AJoyB and I am wishing you a very happy new year 2026! 

    You've been through a lot in your life! From surgery and radiotherapy for meningioma, the BCC removal, surgery for neuroendocrine lung cancer and more recently surgery to remove the right half of your thyroid and finding out on New Year's Eve that it was cancer and thankfully it has been removed with no need for further treatment. It's good though that they will be doing surveillance and keeping a close eye on things. I can completely understand why the news as a bit upsetting and it is a lot to have to take in and as you said also having to keep track of all these different medical appointments for multiple conditions. 

    But it's great that despite all this, you are very healthy and it does indeed sound like the medical experts are on top of things, the issues have been dealt with and you are closely monitored. I think it's normal to feel overwhelmed though in your position and it's amazing that you have such brilliant consultants but it's true there is a tendency for them to focus on what they know and not really understand the other issues you have. You can rest assured though that they are looking after you very well and it's great that they have referred you to genetics to try and establish possible links or understand the causes. So you seem to be in very capable hands and I just wanted you to know that the forum is always here for you to offload and talk to others who have been through a similar experience.

    I hope that you will get the insights of other members of our community who have had a similar journey to yours. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator