Breast cancer newly diagnosed but hyperthyroidism problem

Hi

My best guess is that they will get your thyroid function under control and then allow you to have surgery. I used to be hyperthyroid and the carbimazole took 1 to 2 months to kick in.

If you have a low grade slow growing early breast cancer the delay in surgery shouldn’t be a problem but the surgeon and endocrinologist should be working out a plan between them.

Fingers crossed you get everything sorted out soon. Please keep us posted as I would be interested to know what happens.

Take care

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I was originally on carbimazole 20mg and was tested after about a month/6 weeks & levels were found to have dramatically dropped so my dosage was decreased to 10mg. I stopped taking the tablets of my own volition about 3 weeks ago and endocrinologist has said to start on 10mg a day again, which I have today. Hopefully won’t take too long to kick in. Don’t know what grade or treatment is going to be offered until Tuesday (smallish lump & a spludge on other side of breast)  but do know that not in lymph glands under arm. Breast cancer nurse said that my appt is to discuss surgery. All endocrinologist said was “well you won’t be able to have surgery”. No mention of liaising with cancer docs. I was coping with the diagnosis ok until I saw endocrinologist! I ll keep posting but now frantically googling thyroid storm etc & surgery/chemo/radiotherapy/immunotherapy. Think I ve reverted to panic mode

Don’t panic…. There is always a solution even if it requires a bit of lateral thinking!

If your tumour is hormone receptive they may put you on anti oestrogen meds to keep the tumour stable until you are fit for surgery.

As your meds kicked in quite quickly last time you shouldn’t have too long to wait.

As I understand it thyroid storm is rare and generally occurs in patients where their hyperthyroidism is undiagnosed and uncontrolled so as soon as you are stable you should be good to go.

Take care

I think that people who work in the health service sometimes forget that it is all new and scary for those of us who don't.  Your endocrinologist saying 'won't be able to have surgery' was probably shorthand for 'you won't be able to have surgery until we've come up with a plan and got xyz under control'.  Best wishes

I knew that there was a good reason for me joining this site! Very reassuring - thank you.

Thank you. Not quite panicking so much now!

You are welcome x