It's about me.

The one thing that I have become increasingly annoyed at throughout this journey so far is the stories people tell me about the person they know who had thyroid cancer and has turned out just fine. I know, it is uplifting and reassuring to hear these stories of triumph, but they really go in one ear and out the other. I am glad your Aunt Hilda survived a total thyroidectomy and is doing great. But in MY life, for ME, this is a big deal. I am not Aunt Hilda!
I am not sure how I am supposed to react when people tell me these stories. It seems as if everyone knows someone who had their thyroid removed and is doing great, and they have to tell me about it. But what I don't get, is how am I supposed to respond? Am I supposed to say "Oh really! Then I am going to be fine too! Yipee!!!" or "That is great! I fell all better now!!".
I hate to be sarcastic or put a raincloud on a happy story, but I would rather not hear about other people right now, because it dosen't matter.
I am still getting used to the fact that I need this surgery on Monday. A story about your Mother In Law is not going to take away my anxiety or fears. Your Mother In Law was afraid too. She may be ok now, but when she was being wheeled into that room, she was afraid, very afraid. So was Aunt Hilda for that matter. Aunt Hilda may be happy and healthy now, years after her surgery, but that moment of checking into the hospital was scary for her too.
That is what I am trying to get at. I appreciate all the stories with happy endings, but let's just get the surgery over with, then tell me all the stories you possibly can. Maybe Aunt Hilda and I can sit down and have a low iodine lunch together at the bistro in town. Maybe then she can tell me how she feels like a million bucks and we can be thyroid support buddies. But right now, I need to talk about me, and focus on getting through this. I am scared. I am very, very scared at what I am about to face and nothing can ease that right now. Thank you for the story, but it didn't take away my fear.
It is going to be ok, I know, but I need a little time to digest it all. That's all.