Diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and I dont know what to expect

These are completely normal feelings to have! ️ I’ve actually had both surgeries, so I completely understand how worrying it can feel.

I had half of my thyroid removed in March. I only had to stay in hospital for one night afterwards and took around two weeks off work. Honestly, the tiredness was probably the biggest thing for me afterwards, but I think that’s quite normal after any surgery, and it did gradually get better.

Usually, they try to remove just half of the thyroid where possible, as this can mean you don’t need to be on thyroid medication afterwards, which is a really positive thing.

My scar was also really minimal, and you can barely see it now. I was really surprised at how well it healed.

Unfortunately, after my biopsy I did end up needing to have the other half removed too, but that isn’t always the case, so try not to worry that you’ll automatically need both sides done. Everyone’s situation is different, and they’ll only recommend what they feel is necessary for you.

I know it’s much easier said than done, but try to take it one step at a time. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about it all, but you will get through it, and the surgery itself was honestly nowhere near as bad as I had imagined it would be. ️

Thank you so much, this was very reassuring 

Hi. 

I'm 2022 I was 37 years old when diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. 

My cancer had spread into lymph nodes in neck so my first surgery was tt and central and left side neck dissection. 

It was an extensive surgery due to the dissection rather than tt. I was in hospital for 2 night as my calcium was playing up. When it stabilised I was told I can go home. I've had large drain in front of my neck and staples from my left ear to front of neck. 

My mum came to stay with us (me my husband and our than 11 years old daughter). 

For 2 weeks I was just sleeping almost all day every day, surgery floored me. 

I have read loads of stories from people who only had tt and they were ok much quicker than I was. Some of them only have a small scar that they use glue for, rather than staples. 

It's best to have someone who can take care of your boy in short notice, if you will be feeling not well enough. 

There is shedding after general anesthesia, but that will pass, you should not loose hair from thyroid removal/part removal.

Thyroxine dose (if needed) can be sometimes tricky to set up at first, and it can cause minor hair and nail problems, but should settle when dose is correct or if your reminding thyroid produces enough without tablets.

I didn't gain weight due to cancer, I did due to stress and over indulging when stressed.

Depends how you react to stress really. Some don't eat at all when stressed, I'm the other way round.

I will not give you the rest of my story as there's no point, it's not relevant to your diagnosis.

When in hospital and in pain please be vocal about it, we need to be our own advocates sometimes.

I hope your recovery will go without much hiccups.

All the best

Izzy.