Hello – first post here 
I had a hemi-thyroidectomy at the beginning of January due to a colloid thyroid cyst that was causing me problems with swallowing and voice.
I saw my consultant / surgeon today for follow up. The cyst was benign as expected but he (casually) mentioned that they found a small cancerous nodule. I've had several ultrasound scans in the past on my thyroid and have nodules of various sizes and types in both halves but have always been told everything looks totally benign. My thyroid bloods have also always been within normal range.
My consultant just said not to worry, it's very common and no further action.
I'm worried now that I also have cancer in my remaining thyroid half that's been missed. Do I just need to chill out and not think about it?
It's just a bit alarming to be told out of the blue that you 'had' cancer but no need to worry and cheerio!
Thanks for listening.
Luka
Hi Luka
Welcome to the Online Community and the Thyroid group.
I am sorry to hear that your appointment with your consultant has left you feeling worried. I can imagine it would have felt a relief to have the original cyst confirmed as benign but a shock to be told there was a small cancerous nodule.
Although it is reassuring that the consultant feels that this is not something to be concerned about, I do understand your concerns. Are you able to contact your consultant or GP for some further clarification and reassurance?
When I had my cancer appointments every time I had a consultation my notes were sent electronically to my GP. Your GP may well already have received them- so it may be worth asking if they can talk you through them. If there is any follow up monitoring etc needed then the GP should be able to contact the hospital directly. Mine was able to do this for me.
Jane
It can happen with early stage cancer. I normally am in the Womb group and their are ladies on there who have very early stage and grade cancers who get discharged to patient initiated follow up. The idea is that they are not given regular checks but that they know the symptoms to look out for and if they have any worries they then contact the hospital and are normally bought in for an appointment.
I spent 2 years having check ups and then moved to PIFU.
Its a shame you do not feel able to mention it in real life- its not attention seeking- you have been through surgery and had a scary diagnosis. Although the outcome was positive in that they feel they have totally removed the cancer- it doesn't take away the shock of going in to have a cyst removed and then a cancer being found.
Why not give the Support Line a call and talk things through- sometimes it can help to speak to someone. One of the nurses would be able to talk through the normal follow up for thyroid cancer.
Jane
