Gill Carnell
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……………..???????????