More big virtual hugs from Australia. I am so sorry you are having to experience this when far from home. Penny

Tanya, more hugs and wishes on their way. Take care and call on friends when you need to. Xx Debra

Tanya, So sorry to hear this. What a bad time, perhaps, to be furloughed from work just when that routine might help you. You have all my sympathies. Please come here whenever you want. Add to this thread or start another.....I'll be thinking of you!

I'm so sorry you're going through this, Tanya. I hope the treatments work smoothly and you'll be back to full health as soon as possible! Please don't hesitate to rely on your friends...your true friends will be there for you whenever you need them. Another acquaintance of mine (not even 30 years old) is going through cancer right now, and one of my friends has flown across the country to be with her this weekend. So reach out...

Tanya, I'm so sorry to hear that you have cancer. Wishing you a full and complete recovery. Big hugs!

Tanya,
I am so sorry to hear this- you are so strong, I am certain you will get through this and as others have encouraged- reach out.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry that you are going through this but am glad that you shared. Sharing a burden often makes the load a little lighter. Sending you all good thoughts. ((hugs))

I am one of the friends who knew about Tanya's health problems from the start, and have been checking in regularly. She has been absolutely incredible. No complaints and no bitterness. Very courageous and proactive. Staying positive and doing what has to be done with strength and stamina. She is a role model and I couldn't be prouder of her as she ventures through this extremely difficult and brutal journey on her own - with busloads of inner style.

My hat off to you, Tanya. You are one in a billion.

I know you feel very alone and that this is the worse time of your time. How can it not be. Good grief. I'm thrilled that you were ready to share your story with this community though. Now, more than ever, we can support you and help you. Troubles that are shared are halved. And it was cathartic for you to share your situation too.

There are YLF'ers who live close by who I am sure will lend a helping hand when you need it. Know that we are always here for you sweet girl. That we adore you and are always wishing the best for you. xo

Oh Tanya, I am so heart broken to hear this. I know how it feels when you dont' have your immediate family around you in difficult times. I have been through some really excruciating times (re my son's health) all on my own with zero friends and family support. They all live at the other end of the world.
I am keeping you in my thoughts and sending healing vibes your way.

So sorry you have to go through this, very difficult always but even more so when feeling alone. Glad you found support from the people around you. Sounds like you have a big dose of the other "C" word. Courage.

My thoughts and best wishes are with you.

Tanya, so sorry you're going though this. Virtual hugs and good vibes coming your way. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

What an ordeal. I am so sorry. Remember to take it one day at a time. I am sending positive, healing wishes your way.

Dear Tanya, sending you warm hugs and strength.

Sending hugs and birthday wishes your way. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Tanya, firstly happy birthday to you and sending you a big virtual hug. I am so sorry you are facing this challenge. And to be facing it as you are, away from family is difficult. I am so pleased to hear that your friends and work colleagues are coming along side you and you know that we are here for you also. Share as much or as little as you want with us and know that there are many prayers and positive thoughts being sent out on your behalf. Lots of love. x Deborah

I'm taking a break from the forum. But I wanted to log in to give you my support and well wishes. Wishing you the best.

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

:::BIG hugs::: I am really sorry you are going through this, even more so that you feel alone and so far from family. Know that we are here for you.

Angie took words out of my mouth "a trouble shared is a trouble halved". Please bear that in mind. You're in my thoughts ever since I read the news.

So sorry you are going through this. Two thoughts that helped me and that may (or may not) be helpful to you:
1.It really sucks, and you're allowed to be angry or scared or sad or whatever it is that gets you through the night.
2.You will get through the night.

I have a book of poetry by an Australian poet called Geoff Goodfellow. He also underwent a neck dissection for cancer, and I found his writing about it very moving. Not sure if you enjoy poetry but: http://walleahpress.com.au/FR41Goodfellow.html This links to the poem that describes his diagnosis and surgery. Let me know if you like it and I will send you a copy of the book.
My thoughts are with you.

I'm so sorry Tanya, but please know YLF is here for you any time, if that helps a bit. Maybe we can make you not feel so alone-and maybe we can take your weighty thoughts away for some hours iof checking in to see what's new. Hope your BF is also nearby and supporting you. Nothing heals quicklier than true love:-) My heart goes out to you, hugs.

More warm hugs!

Tanya, I'm so sorry to hear that you're having to go through this.
I'm sending you all my best wishes for the strength to get through this ordeal.

I'm so sorry to hear you are facing this challenge. I hope that you are healing well from the surgery and that you are taking good care of yourself. Please don't hesitate to reach out to those good friends you have; people truly do want to help. And please feel free to come here to share your concerns. This is such a supportive community; know that we care and that we're all thinking of you and keeping positive thoughts for you.

Oh, poor dear! What a terrible blow, and you being so young and invincible! I'm not surprised to hear you are beating this disease with a stick and winning. Please give yourself permission to be needy though, and call on us anytime. I understand you wanting to keep it private, but sometimes the benefits of sharing outweigh the benefits of privacy. We love you and care about you Tanya. xoxox

Warm thoughts and prayers for you, Tanya!

Tanya, I am thinking of you and wishing you a fast recovery.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have a very supportive community here at YLF.

I'm out of touch with YLF lately, but wanted to log in and let you know you're in my thoughts, and that I'm sorry that you're having to deal with such a scary situation.

Sending along lots of strength and healing thoughts your way.

Are you feeling confident that the radiation treatments will get the last of whatever they didn't get during surgery? I'm no expert, but if the doctors and specialists are saying you don't want/need chemo - that's a good thing to hear. It sounds like the surgery removed things and that the radiation is just to clear up any little bits that might be hanging around.

From what I know, radiation is not nearly as bad as chemo treatments. Not sure if it helps at all, but my cousin was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour (this is on top of my Mom's breast cancer diagnosis) - and his recommended treatment plan is surgery and then radiation after to get any niggling leftover bits that might not have been totally removed with the surgery.

I get the impression that radiation is almost like "insurance" to get rid of any stray cells that might be hanging around after surgery has removed all of a tumour that had developed. The fact that your doctors and specialists are recommending radiation has me thinking that they "got it all" during surgery.

To me, this is a good sign. It might even be that you are now technically 'cancer free' and that the radiation is just the last bit of treatment to make sure it's all gone and won't come back. At least, this is my understanding so far.

This means you might have gone through the worst of the treatments (surgery) already. It means you're almost there - in the clear, and will get your health back very soon!

In the meantime, let us know if there is anything we YLF'ers can do to help - while I'm not in your area and happen to be out of town right now, there's nothing stopping us from ordering up some chicken soup or green tea or chocolate cake even - whatever it is you might like.

Again - you're in our thoughts, and very much cared about.