Cancerous nodes left after 2 thyroid surgeries, but not offered a 3rd?

  • 2 replies
  • 27 subscribers
  • 136 views

Hi everyone 

I thought it was all done two operations and a bumpy ride with T4 levels still ongoing but early days so quite optimistic. 

I cannot think why but the surgeon for whatever reason has made what appears to be a this stage a massive mistake. First surgery hemithyroidectomy lower lateral level 4 lymph nodes removed plus isthmic and part thyroid papillary thyroid with oncocytic variant so as suggested I had a total thyroidectomy cancer fortunately had not spread to that side I did genuinely mourn losing a non cancerous side but I understood why. 

Today a very painful conversation the surgeon did not remove other question mark cancerous lymph nodes in the cancerous side.  Apparently if I understand right in came up in the MDT meeting when the error if you could call it that came to light.

So while I've had a non cancerous side removed I have a cancerous side still remaining.

My question please has anyone had three surgeries in basically three months?

The surgeon obviously not happy it seems at all to reopen so suggested other options right now another iodine CT , thyrogloblin is that correct blood test to check my cancer marker / level . Obviously I'm devastated to have gone through this then realise what has happened. I desperately wanted to keep the non cancerous side and give it time presumably these markers could have been used but I lost that chance and I've ultimately kept the cancerous side lymph nodes. 

Anyone out there with any suggestions . Wishing you well as always .

Kind regards,

Flukka66

  • Hi Flukka. 

    That is shocking! 

    I didn't get 3 surgeries in 3 moths. Only got 3 in 3 years. 

    I am not surprised you are devastated, it seems like a major error on their (don't really know who's to blame) part.

    I hope someone with similar path will give you some advice, apologies I cannot. 

    Izzy. 

  • Thanks Izzy.

    What should have been is now not!!! 

    I stand corrected but during my first surgery the hemi  they should I understand have taken nodes from II, III, IV, V ,VI cancer was already suspected this would have confirmed it (which it was) and the extent of its spread.

    The second surgery then having the clear results meant again as I understand it the clearance of further lymph nodes from those areas plus removal of remaining thyroid ( ironically that didn't have cancer )

    I've a round of further tests next week ultrasound, CT with iodine I've had my first blood cancer marker done.

    What with my T4 shooting up to 30 and rising fingers crossed I can feel it coming down i found myself last night waking trembling almost delirious to be honest from shock. 

    You know how much Izzy that your support has meant to me and obviously to others and I know your journey has been with your blessing documented in these pages for others to stay positive. I am at a loss how during two surgeries which must have been undertaken hundreds of times that this has come about. If anyone else reads this please be assured that my scenario well just seems totally amiss. 

    Thanks Izzy for your reply . I hope today has been okay for you and tomorrow too. Take care

    Kind regards

    Flukka66