My name is Nicola, I am 30 years old and last December I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

I was always busy, studying full time, working part time, a husband and two young boys, 3 year old Louis and 2 year old Mason. I was devastated and struggling with so many emotions, but I had to put on a brave face and get through the Christmas for my boys.

In January I was taken in for surgery and radiotherapy. That was a really hard time and I went through a mixture of emotions. Sometimes I didn’t even want to be here and thought that it would be easier for my family if I was gone. I didn’t feel like me anymore.

If it hadn’t been for the support I received from a Cancer Support Scotland counsellor I dread to think what might have happened. I struggled on my own for a long while and late one night I went online to see if I could find some help and discovered that there was a cancer signposting service at my local library, so I went along. I will never forget the lady who spoke to me that morning as I just started crying – I felt so alone.

She referred me to Cancer Support Scotland for counselling, but of course lockdown meant sessions had to stop. Thankfully, I was still able to speak with my counsellor on the phone. It was so much easier talking to someone outside the family about my worries and emotions and I started to feel like me again. I started to feel more hopeful. These sessions have been a lifeline for me.

Things are so much better now. I still get muscle cramps and get very tired, but I am back to my studies and training to become a counsellor myself. It’s amazing to feel excited about the future again. And to top it all I got the all-clear last week! This Christmas will be very different for all of us but for me it will be truly magical! Your support has made such a positive impact on me and my family.

Help change someone’s life.

The support I received in my darkest moments really made a difference and I dread to think what would have happened without my wonderful counsellor. This service is lifechanging and I will be forever grateful for the support I received. I would hate to think of others struggling on their own so please will you help Cancer Support Scotland to be there for them during this challenge time?

Thank You

Nicola Flanagan