Second FNA is still T3a

This sounds very difficult for you - waiting for results really is the worst and definitely causes so much anxiety. I also had inconclusive results from the FNB but went on to have a core biopsy which is a much bigger sample so finally got a diagnosis. It turned out to be medullary thyroid cancer which is one of the rare ones. I had a total thyroidectomy and neck dissection nearly 6 months ago - it hasn't been easy but I am feeling well, back at work. 

I really hope you get some answers soon. xx

Sorry to hear you have had so long to wait, I can only assume that they are not worried, or at least not as worried as you are, especially having had Cancer previously it must be a nightmare for you.  Have you had your core biopsy yet, or are you still waiting for that, but have had 2 FNAs?  I think that it may be that if your FNA is inconclusive then that is a positive and may not warrant them taking out your Thyroid unless they are absolutely sure it is necessary, but fully understand your fears that you are being left and no action is being taken.  Is it possible for you to talk to someone at the hospital that may be able to allay your fears and put your mind at rest.  I hope so because worrying can make you feel ill and you don't need that as well.

It’s so difficult. My tumour is 4cm x 2cm abs is becoming uncomfortable now - it really is like swallowing with a lump in the throat! I can’t believe I’m still being asked to wait with no date in sight. May I ask how long you waited following your FNA? And were you Thy3, THy3a or Thy3f? I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope you continue to feel well. I really appreciate your reply. 

Once it becomes uncomfortable, it's time to push for removal - cancer or no cancer, that lump is getting in the way. My FNA was inconclusive but my surgeon told me the lump had to go as I really couldn't go through life with something the size of a tangerine sticking out of my neck. There was also a risk that it would restrict my windpipe.

Regarding inconclusive FNAs, the second most common type of thyroid cancer is never diagnosable with FNA - the whole lump needs to be taken out, sliced and diced and examined with a microscope to confirm. So they can test you from now to the end of the world and not get a conclusive answer.

Thank you for your reply. I don’t know whether they are worried or not. I actually feel they are indifferent to it all. I get the sense that thyroid cancer is treated a bit flippantly but maybe that’s just me. The situation seems exasperated by the fact that in my hospital, the thyroid consultants are also breast consultants. Breast seems to trump thyroid. I haven’t had a core biopsy - just two FNAs. A Thy4 result trumps my THy3a and so I’m just pushed further down the queue. I get it but it’s still very sad and upsetting. I have spoken to my consultant and he has said firstly, it’s highly unlikely that it’s secondary breast. But apart from that he can’t say what it is until he operates and does a core biopsy and his final words were, ‘I have a lot of patients waiting for a lot of operations!’ So I need half my thyroid out. I might have cancer. And I’ve been left hanging after the now 4cm lump was found at the beginning of April. Sorry to off load, when you’ve been so kind and replied. I just feel so lonely as unless someone has been through this they find it hard to comprehend the turmoil. Thank you for listening x

It was at my Ultrasound scan where they decided to do the FNA on both my nodule which was 2.5 cm (I wasn't given any other dimensions) and a lymph node which was quite enlarged.  From there I had a CT scan with contrast dye where they found it to have spread to my lung but only 2 very tiny nodules.  That was worrying enough as I thought I had lung cancer for quite a while, until I found out otherwise that it was Thyroid cancer.  I also felt uncomfortable in my throat and as it turned out the cancer was wrapped around my vocal cord, one side is now permanently damaged, and since the operation my voice is poor (I have an appointment with a Voice Specialist beginning Nov).    I have not been given any of the Thy diagnosis, not even sure if I understand what they mean.  So from my initial doctor's appointment at the end of April, my operation was end of July.  They did say it needed doing urgently though, and said it would be within a month, it turned out a bit longer than that, but I was referred to a different hospital for the operation.

Please don't say 'sorry'. You have nothing to apologise for. And we're all here because we want to help if we can.

I suspect you are right that breasts trump thyroid and generally that's appropriate. A lot more people have worse prognoses with breast cancer. Our cancer is treated as 'the good one', and that is flippant.

Just a thought, if they keep delaying, do you have access to the money to go private to speed things up? I hate to even ask that as we shouldn't be put in this position but there's suffering patiently and then there's paying to speed things up.

I had medical insurance through work and all my treatment was fast and private. Of course, this was 12 years ago and we didn't have a Covid backlog to deal with.

Don't apologise at all, of course you are upset and need some answers, and I do think that saying they have lots of people waiting for operations is very insensitive.  I was never made to feel rushed or to be in front of anyone in a queue and I can only think that the person who said this to you was not very nice.  You are of course entitled to a second opinion or to choose a different hospital if possible I believe and that might be something you could consider under the circumstances.  If you are struggling with swallowing etc, then it needs sorting out.  If you are anything like me then I feel the need to talk things out, it helps me personally a lot, so don't worry about reaching out whenever you feel the need @Cstu.

Barbara. I absolutely agree with everything you say. The only problem I have is getting my consultant to hear me. I’m on first babe terms now with his poor secretary. I phone. I email. I feel I now I‘ve no alternative other than to take out a loan and pay for an operation and core biopsy privately. Having now had two indeterminate FNAs that both found atypical follicular cells, I’m now more inclined to think this is indeed the kind that can’t be diagnosed via FNA. Such a bonkers state of affairs. I wish you were my consultant! It would be bish bash bosh - job done!!