These pages are an attempt to clarify some things about the treatment of thyroid cancer.  They are not intended to replace or correct any information given to you by your doctor or consultant.  If you are confused or unclear about any aspect of your treatment, these are the people to ask.  They are used to patients asking ‘stupid’ questions, and are more than happy to explain things.  They realise that cancer is a very emotive subject, and that information often needs repeating.

 

The information here is that which I have used during my own treatment for thyroid cancer earlier this year.  A lot of it is based on the advice of Ian Adam at Imperial Cancer Research UK.  I hope you find it as useful as I did.

 

 I also found the booklet ‘Guidelines for the Management of Thyroid Cancer’ (by the British Thyroid Association and the Royal College of Physicians) helpful.  You can download a copy of the from the British Thyroid Association website.

 

There are many organisations that can offer help and advice through this difficult time.  Some of these are listed in the Links and Addresses section.

 

NEW BOOK!

 

'The Purple Butterfly'  publication date 3rd April 2006.

This book, written in the form of a diary, cameos a year in the life of a thyroid cancer patient. Restrained and sparsely written, it gives the reader a deep insight into the mind of someone who is balancing on the edge of hysteria, but still feels an obligation to ‘put on a brave face’ for friends and family. A 'must-read' for anyone supporting a friend or relative through a serious illness- this book tells you what they never will.