Hemi or total thyroidectomy?

Hi Danni,  I am sorry to hear you are going through this, especially at a time of joy with having a baby.

All your feelings are valid and I can understand your worry, it is never easy hearing the cancer word no matter how treatable it is.

My journey started with nodules found on thyroid including being diagnosed with Graves’ disease.  I was told it may or may not be cancer and I could choose a hemi or full thyroidectomy.

what made me decide on full thyroidectomy- I asked the likely hood of needing the other half removed in the future. Consultant said this was very likely. So i decided on one surgery.  I am glad I did because it did turn out to be cancer. Papillary thyroid carcinoma and micro cancer cells in lymph nodes.

I am 35 with a 4 year old and 10 year old so I know how scary it can feel. My surgery went really well to be honest. I think the hardest thing has been getting my body used to not having a thyroid. My moods and depression have been up and down but it does get better.

it’s definitely a good idea to ask questions before deciding. Definitely find out what type cancer you have. And ask what the likelihood of a second surgery in future would be if you only removed half? Most people that have had a hemi end up having to have a second surgery later on.

sorry for long rambling message 

Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it. That's a good point I guess and I'll make sure to ask what they think the likelihood of me needing a 2nd surgery is.

In my head I just think if I can spare the removal of the whole gland then that would be good. But obviously I want to make sure they get all the cancer out.

That's interesting to hear about your mood. Does it make you feel low? I'm aware of what having too much thyroid hormone can do but not too little.

How long ago did you have your op and how long did it take to recover and get back to work etc..?

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

I had mine at end of March last year. My levels have been too high and too low since, it’s a regular adjustment until you get the right balance. 

I am my sons carer who is disabled but I think I was well enough maybe 3 weeks after surgery.  I think give yourself 2-3 weeks if your circumstances allow for it but you won’t know how you will feel until after.

when is your next appointment?

My next appointment is next Tuesday to ask anymore questions and give my decision on which surgery option I'd like.

Oh can it be as long as 3 weeks? I was naively hoping it would only be a week or so.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Good morning,

I hope next Tuesdays wait isn’t too torturous.  In regards to my recovery time it is different for everyone and I honestly had a great experience with the surgery and recovery of the scar.

I struggled the most with finding a comfortable position to sleep. I found having pillows raised helped a lot. Also when they do the surgery they usually take s couple of lymph nodes out to test also.

in regards to you going back to work it will depend on what you do. You won’t be able lift too much and strain yourself but walking around and moving your head is very important. 

Hi, I have multifocal papillary cancer. I had a hemithyrectomy in November and went through a complete thyroidectomy last Friday. I would have rather have had the lot out in November but was not given the option. 

The first operation in November I was 5 days in hospital, this operation I got home on day 3. Lots of blood work and have been told it will be several weeks before the levels settle and they can go up and down.

I have 4 week wait for more pathology to see if I need radioiodine treatment.

As for recovery I slept a lot for the first few days and still tire easily, I have muscle and joint pain and sore head every other day. 

My vit D was low and can contribute to the aches and pains but the thyroidectomy can do this till levels are stable

I would definitely get help with the baby for a few weeks and anything less is a bonus. Everyone is different but even lifting after surgery is not advised. 

I hope this has helped? Anything else you want to ask..ask away.

Thank you. That's the other issue for me is that I'm still breastfeeding my daughter overnight and we bed share, but that probably isn't going to be possible so I think I need to start weaning her off and go back to my bed.

I work as a Veterinary Nurse so not just a sit down job and I talk all day to clients. Im also due to start teaching dog training as a sideline later this month so no doubt that will be affected.

Hope you're doing ok in your road to recovery and thanks again for the advice.

Thanks for your reply. That's interesting because I'm sure the consultant told me I should be in hospital for 1 night. Perhaps that's best case scenario and of course every case is different.

Did either operation affect your voice much? Assuming your nerves were ok and there were no breathing problems as that's a risk I've been told about with total removal.

Hi, I was also told over night stay, the first OP when I had the hemi I was 5 nights due to swelling. The second OP the total I was home on my 3rd day. The swelling was fine this time but you have a drain in and the volume needs to be less than 25ml before it is removed and took till day 3. 

I do have some voice change.. First OP for around 6 weeks it was weak and hoarseness. I am only on week 1 from second OP and still weak and hoarseness but nothing permanent. I have no nerve damage.

Ah I see. Makes sense. 

Hope you're doing well after your op last week and thanks again for replying to me.