Newly Diagnosed Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Hi I've just been  told I have papillary carcinoma thyroid cancer. I have been having treatment for melanoma to stop it coming back but stopped now as to many side effects and fortunately it's low risk of coming back. Now I've got to deal with thyroid cancer. Got to see surgeon once blood tests are back to normal. Having a ebus on Tuesday as swollen lymph node in chest hopefully it's just caused by infection as medication was causing a cough. I was not expecting it to be thyroid cancer. Two cancers in a row.

Awwww I'm sorry to hear that Miss Mole.

Hopefully it is just of the infection

Let us know how you get on x

I found out I had cancer last week it was growing slowly I had a biopsy but it was inconclusive so they took it out to check it was cancer I am now scared I will get cancer again 

Hi there,

I just wanted to reach out and share my experience with you, as I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate a situation like this. Last year, I found myself in a similar place. I’m a 34-year-old mom to a wonderful boy, and I had a few nodules discovered in my thyroid during a routine ultrasound. After eight FNACs, the results came back indeterminate, which was incredibly stressful. Eventually, my doctors decided to go ahead with surgery to remove the nodules, and it felt like a long journey filled with uncertainty.

After the surgery, I had a full biopsy done, and it turned out to be stage 1 papillary thyroid cancer. The whole process took about 15 months, and I can honestly say it was one of the most challenging times for both me and my family. There were moments of fear and anxiety, but we held on to hope and believed that everything would turn out okay. I completely understand how you’re feeling right now.

With thyroid issues, it's common to experience fluctuations in hormones, which can heighten emotional stress. It’s really important to remember that your family might also be feeling uncertain and worried, which can make it hard for them to provide the support you need. They might not fully understand what you’re going through or how to help.

In my doctor’s words, papillary thyroid cancer is considered one of the "best" cancers to have. It’s slow-growing, and recurrence is rare. So, I encourage you to focus on the positives: your situation was caught early, and a surgical intervention is often enough to manage it effectively. You’re still young, and the cancer likely hasn’t had enough time to grow significantly.

During my journey, I found it helpful to stay busy. I worked full-time right up until my surgery, even managing a half-day on the day of the operation. Keeping my mind occupied helped me to stop overthinking and worrying excessively. You mentioned that you feel healthy and fit, and that’s a strong sign! Your body is resilient, and if it were a complicated case, you would likely be experiencing symptoms.

I also turned to my spirituality for comfort—reading the Bible, meditating, and praying helped me find peace during those tough moments. I encourage you to do whatever brings you joy and relaxation, whether that's spending time with loved ones, engaging in a hobby, or simply taking a moment for yourself.

Out of curiosity, how did they confirm it was papillary thyroid cancer? Did they use FNAC? And what’s the size of your nodule? Are there more nodules present that have been deemed benign? Remember, you’re not alone in this. It’s okay to have fears and uncertainties, but try to embrace the hope and positivity that can guide you through this. You’ve got this!

Take care, and I’m here if you need someone to talk to.