My husband found a large mass on his neck one weekend and when he went in for it to be looked at he was simply handed a prescription for steroids. We both felt like this was something more serious so he called his doctor first thing on Monday and by the end of the week, he had a biopsy appointment. A couple of weeks later we were told it was Papillary Thyroid cancer. It wouldn't be until after surgery that it had already spread into his lymph nodes and could not be cured.
What is the biggest piece of advice you have for newly diagnosed patients or supporters of newly diagnosed patients?
For supporters, my advice would be... understand what you are saying yes to when you become your loved one's caregiver. Acknowledging your life has changed along with theirs is the key to not losing yourself in the process.
What is the most important thing you learned from your cancer experience?
Finding a way to enjoy your life in spite of it all is worth the effort.
What was the most difficult aspect of organizing care / community?
People want to help the way they think helping is supposed to look. I realized quickly that if I was strategic about seeking support and called on a person's strengths it made them feel good about helping and gave them a reason to really show up.
What are three words you would use to describe your cancer experience?
INFURIATING - it quickly becomes clear that cancer is not fair and it's infuriating to watch a loved one have to fight it. LONELY - being a supporter of my husband threw me into a world I felt I was living in alone. Everyone wanted to be supportive but couldn't really handle the realness of my role. Full-filling - My relationship with my husband was great before cancer. When he was diagnosed we banded together as a tight team. Our relationship became stronger than it already had.
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Instagram: @loveyourcaregivinglife
