Thyroid cancer diagnosis and options

Hi,

I'm so sorry that you are both having to go through this. I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer by FNA in December, 3 months after a breast cancer diagnosis. The waiting is the worst part - not knowing what will be, but once there is a plan it's easier.

It's a scary time and very hard not to start consulting Google, but this doesn't really help without the facts. It's also hard to pre-empt a plan as this will depend on the results and type of cancer, if it is. I am also aware the the FNA doesn't always give clear results and know someone who wasn't properly diagnosed until after surgery, which I believe is quite common.

I can tell you my experience and hope it helps.

My thyroid treatment was delayed due to BC treatment and being unwell when the surgery was first planned. I had the right side removed 5 weeks ago (planned just over 4 weeks from my clinic appointment) and will be having a completion thyroidectomy tomorrow. I will have radio active iodine at some point. If asked, I might not have chosen this hospital, however, I have confidence in the surgeon, which is the main thing and they have been very efficient.

The thyroid forum is quieter than the BC forum, but if there is a Maggies center near you, they are very helpful and will probably have a thyroid cancer support group. Macmillan will also have a booklet to answer some of your other questions - I was given mine at the appointment to receive my results - but you can download it from the website, I think. HTH

Wishing you all the best moveing forward.

Hi I had a 11mm nodule I had a total thyroidectomy. My margins were clear by 1mm so did not need any further treatment. But on levothyroxine for rest of life. And on calcium supplements as parathyroid still damaged.  

Mine was papillary carcinoma thyroid cancer

Both my FNA's didn't show what my cancer was just the features were very suspicious! 1.8 mm nodule, THY3A then a THY3F. Opted for full Thyroidectomy as I had Graves disease anyway.

They found out it was Follicular Variant of Papillary thyroid cancer with positive margins and seen near vascular after removal. I've had one RIA so far, about to have risk stratification done in December and find out in January if I need more treatment etc. 

As said above, FNA's sometimes can't tell you what cancer it is as some cells are too similar! Hopefully you guys have good news and as you said it's small means it's been found fast.

Hi, sorry to hear about this. How did you feel physically after total thyroidectomy. What changes have you seen? Why do you need calcium supplements? 

I am going in for a second thyroid removal after the left one was taken out 2 months ago. I want to understand more about what life looks like without a thyroid. 

Hi my thyroid levels went to high so had to reduce dosage. Calcium supplements are because your parathyroid glands get damaged in surgery parathyroid glands control you Calcium, it takes time to mend. I am managing to get on with life as usual but get a bit more tired and a bit achy sometimes.

Thanks Miss Mole, that's really helpful.

Sorry to hear about what you've gone through. Hope your recovery has gone well. Thanks for reply, How did you find the RAI? Any side effects to be aware of? 

I've heard RAI can impacts healthy cells too, ever heard of the risk of mutating them into future cancer cells?