Papillary Thyroid Cancer - Possible lymph node involvement.

Thanks Lass, I was hoping to have a chat about shared experiences with someone nice.

Nick

Greetings from across the pond,

           I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post.   I had my surgery on the 13th of August.    The surgery was a long one and the cancer was somewhat extensive.    By extensive, I mean that it had grown onto my right vocal cord nerve (laryngeal nerve) and they had to struggle to save the nerve.    When speaking with the surgeon afterwards I asked her if there was ever a time where saving the nerve was in doubt, and she matter of factly told me YES.    She said there was a time when saving the nerve was in question.    She then looked at me and said, "But we saved it, and we got everything out" ...

             Sooooooo, where do I stand now??     The surgery/anesthesia were easier than I thought.     There was certainly some pain, but now, at 8 days out, I would rate my pain at a 2 out of 10.    I have no issues with my voice, I have no issues with my shoulder, and I have no issues with my calcium. 

              I have not yet received my pathology, but I imagine that will be coming within a few days.    I am waiting with baited breath on the pathology, and I am really waiting with baited breath on the WBS to see if we have any distant metastases.    I am trying not to let my mind get the better of me, but it's just how I roll.    If there is distant spread, we'll deal with it.  

              I will be sure to keep everybody in the loop as I receive my information.    Hoping for "Classic Papillary Carcinoma" with no distant spread.    I wish everybody on this forum good health and good fortune.  

"EFF CANCER" 

Hey Nick, 

Plenty of us to chat with about all sorts! Just drop a post or a thread and see who pops up. We're all happy to help and chat where and when we can!

Hey Greg,

Sounds like you had an excellent surgeon then, and I'm really glad you've not got any nerve issues - voice or shoulder!

Are they just giving you a WBS? Or are they giving you RAI treatment, ending with a WBS? I've noticed that the former is common over in the US, while not really done here at all until 9 - 12 months after initial treatment, if then at all.

As you say, spread or not, you'll deal with it as and when and take it from there. Just remember, in roughly 8 weeks from the 13th, book yourself in fot a TFT, thyroid function test. Don't do it much earlier than that as it'll give you incomplete readings, and I've noticed that a lot of US docs like to opt for a 4 week test, then mess about with dosages a lot more than is necessary if bloods were taken at the right times. 

Fingers crossed it's smooth sailing though for you from here on out! 

Lass

Xx

Hi Greg

I really think you struck gold with your Dr. I understand he is one of the best and the fact you have no issues with your vocal cords is probably because he was your surgeon. He is an expert in one of the other cancers MTC. So being in excellent hands, you will be sure to have the best after care also.

Sending you best wishes for a good outcome.

Lis

Ay up Greg,

I remember waiting to find out what mine was, it was a long two weeks being stuck in the house. I even found myself cleaning to take my mind off it. My brother came over and we watched Deadpool which didn't help. I hope your results arrive quickly and put your mind at rest. 

Your surgeons clearly have a steady hand and deservedly good reputation too, so to echo the message from another member I hope your after care is also excellent. Low pain and no palsy is also certainly a bonus given the size of that scar, it looks like they really had their work cut out.

Good health and good fortune to you too.

Good luck.