PATIENT STORIES

Hi,  I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when I was in my 30s I thought I was too young. Even though cancer is talked about more than it used to be, people still don’t want to talk about it -  but attending the group meetings after my surgery and treatment at Velindre, I soon realised  that there were a few members older than me, but also a few that were  younger than me too!
Having cancer at any age is not something that you think about until it’s you that’s affected.

Never once did I ask the question “Why me”?  because “Why not me”?

My partner Alan has been a great support to me and really kept my spirits up -  often laughing at me, as well as with me.
After we had been together for 13 years, Alan phoned me to say he had booked our wedding ……. just 8 weeks away, time to get organising!  With the help of my daughter - who was a fantastic wedding planner, and the support of my parents and our other 3 grown up children and their partners, plus all of our family, it was just a bit crazy but we had a fantastic day!  

Having had cancer has given me more confidence than I had before.   When I decide to do things now, I look forward to planning, instead of worrying what others may say or think about me - even simple things like hair colour !!!

I have always had dark hair and thought about going blonde so that’s exactly what I did and it’s very blonde. ☺

Even clothes!  If I like something then I buy it ! I don’t stop to think will people say  it is too young or too old for me?  That’s not an issue anymore.  I didn’t think I would be where I am today when I was first diagnosed but because of the cancer I think I have achieved more than I ever would have imagined.

I had a few thoughts on things that I would like to do and  so  I wrote a list and I’m ticking them off as I achieve them.

Here are just a few:-

• Getting married
• Sponsored walk
• Sign language course
• Going on a cruise
• Paragliding    
• Climbing a wall and abseiling back down (not that it was that high - maybe 20 foot - but it was on my list)
• Fundraising
• Travelling

I am a very active mum of 2 and step mum to 2. I’m also a grandparent to 6 children under 6 years of age, 5 lively boys and 1 lovely little lady and I’m not even  50 yet !  I work full time and I’m still adding to my list.  I have a fab social life -  meeting a group of friends every Saturday night in our local and going to quiz night every Sunday with a different group of friends with whom we holiday  every year.   We are off to Luxembourg soon - I can’t wait!

I still have annual check-ups at Velindre and I’m thankful that they are still looking after me.

Mmmmmmm now what else can I add to that list……………..???????????    

Gillian xx