Hi sorry it's a long one.
First time on a forum and not feeling great that it's this one, but hoping for some advice and positivity. As the title says, Ive had a thyroid nodule for 23 years. Over the first 10 years it was scanned a few times with FNA's the last being in 2011 and the last scan 2015. Scan was regarded as no change so no FNA carried out. I was discharged and advised to have annual blood tests and all fine.
The last year or so I've had terrible health anxiety and amongst other things I just had a nagging feeling that I should get my thyroid checked again. GP agreed to it and following an ultrasound in May, I was told the long standing nodule is a U3 and I have several U2 nodules now aswell. Report stated as it was previously tested and fine then no further radiology input required?! Luckily (or unluckily in her case) the ANP at my GP surgery has had thyroid cancer and decided to write back for advice, this led to a referral to ENT and a FNA 2 weeks ago. Results within 2-3 weeks from appointment. I got quite upset as I fully expected to be sent on my way as I always had been, also given the fact I'd asked for the check up, I assumed I was wasting everyone's time. The consultant must've mentioned cancer around 5 times in the conversation so by the time I got to the xray department for the fna I was a mess. The guy was fantastic and calmed me right down, explaining that the U grading wasn't around in 2011 when I last had a test. It could be that it's always been a U3 benign type nodule. At least im hoping that's the case.
But im so worried that it's going to come back as cancer and then I'm left wondering how long it's been there and if it's spread. Even coming back indeterminate and needing surgery, is terrifying me. I feel like I'm starting on a journey that could've been prevented years ago had they carried out an FNA in 2015. I have a 9 year old daughter now, if I need any treatment it will terrify her, she's such a worrier.
I'm also upset as the report states I was offered surgery in 2005 but I decided to watch and wait. Surgery was mentioned but it was a case of the consultant saying they wouldn't operate on a benign nodule they would monitor, so I said great ok.
If this is cancer and it's been there years is it as bad as I'm fearing? I know there are different types of thyroid cancer and my nodule doesn't appear to be much bigger than it ever was so I would think if it was cancer it would be a more common slow growing type? For reference I'm 43. I've read under the age of 55 it'll only ever be classed as stage 1 or 2 ?
I don't really have anyone to talk to. My husband is a great man but given my health anxiety the last 12 months I'm afraid it's a bit of a cry wolf situation when I mention anything now, similar situation with my parents and I dont want to worry them unnecessarily.
If you've stayed this far thank you! It's been building up for 2 weeks whilst I've been waiting on results, so I'm sorry it's so long !
