Thyroidectomy and left and central neck dissection

Hey there Mparmar, 

Welcome to the forum, though I'm sorry you've had to find us. 

Regarding the mood changes, there are a few reasons those might be occurring. Firstly, her dose of thyroxine will probably not be right. Her blood results should be back by now, so I'd def recommend chasing up those results. They'll show where her dose is at regarding the TSH suppression she needs, and the consultant will advise if she needs to change the dose and to what. Once the correct level is found, then everything - including moods - will stabilise.

On the other hand, I'd say the second most common cause of mood swings is the cancer diagnosis itself. That word cancer holds many scary images and ideas in people's heads, as well as thoughts of pain and death. It's a lot to work through and it takes time and understanding of what's going on in your head to sort through it. But it does often result in moods fllip flopping all over the place with no control. 

Regarding the tightness, that's most likely stitches dissolving and scar tissue rubbing. It's a very weird, and sometimes scary feeling, but it does get better. If she speaks to her GP, then they should be able to give her some stretching and physio exercises to do to help, as well as some massage techniques. A neck dissection usually takes an average of 6 months to recover from, so it's still early and things are still healing.

As for the RAI, hmmmm. Honestly, at her age, I'd be tempted not to force the issue. Thyroid cancer is usually a really slow growing one. So it could be that it won't have time to cause her any issues. Really, it depends on the blood tests and her thyroglobulin result. If it's low, then it means they've got most of it. RAI is used just to mop up anything left over. She could choose, as many do, to just be monitored instead. So a blood test every 6 months to keep an eye on the TG. Then, if it's seen to be increasing then you could revisit the idea of RAI.

The important thing to take away is that everything she's feeling is perfectly normal and expected in a situation like the one she finds herself in. There's no right or wrong way to feel or act or deal, you've just got to do you and get through the best you can. 

Hope that's of some help. 

Lass

Xx

Hi Lass

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. what you say makes a lot of sense and you are right the word cancer itself brings with it a whole host of emotions 

one thing I didn’t mention was the cancer had paralysed her right vocal chord - which is how it got diagnosed since her voice became hoarse. 

Since the operation her voice has completely changed and she struggles to speak because the cancer had spread to her vocal chords so in the operation the doctor did some magic and joined some nerves together to allow some speech sound. Not sure if anyone else has experience this either. 

You are right about the blood tests - I have asked her to chase but part of it she just doesn’t want to as she is just tired of everything 

it helps knowing there are people to speak to and I  will try and get her to join This group. 

Thank you again xx 

Not a problem at all. That's what we're here for. 

The voice changes won't help her mood either, as it's a piece of her that she's lost, or that the cancer has taken if you look at it that way. You may find that she could have a sort of reactive depression that's come on from this. Which would also add to the feelings of just having had enough.

However, if the Dr has joined some nerves together to help her make sounds, then I'd expect them to have referred her to a speech therapist. They can help her to relearn how to talk and use whatever she has, as well as strengthen it and make it better. Again, that's something that she may have to ask for or chase up though. I'm afraid there is a lot of advocating for yourself when it comes to the NHS these days.

And of course she's more than welcome here. One thing you can tell her is that online, her voice is as loud and strong as it was before her cancer. And here, she will be listened to, heard, and understood. 

Lass

Xx

Thank you that’s really kind words. Helps to know there are people to talk to 

Xx