THYROID CANCER

[Kazbar-70]

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism with Graves disease back in April 2017. That February I had just got over having pnemonia. December 2017 had been getting a real hoarsy voice sometimes I would lose it. My endcrologist referred me for a scan. I went for a scan and during the scan he went quiet. He said could we do a biospy now just can't tell about a lump. About 5 days later and myself stressing saw my consultant. He advised my that the suspicious lump looks like it could be cancerous and may need my whole thyroid removed. I was in total shock. Never got upset. Just took it in my stride. The Wednesday after I went to a specialist in ENT. The consultant was brilliant. She used a camera that went up my nostrils and down my throat as they thought the lump was obstructing my vocal chords which had become lazy. 2 days later and I had my operation. A full thyroidectomy. I got my results this week and clarified it was cancer. They decided not to have RAI as they think it all been caught. Does this mean it won't come back. Now to get levels right and be hypothyroid. Any advice or know what happens next as am awaiting to go bk to Endrocologist.

[437jd]

Wow! What a year you’ve had! I was diagnosed with graves at exactly the same time. I’m no expert so can’t really give you any answers but I wanted you to know someone is always listening ❤️

[Nanaedake]

Well, it's good you don't need RAI. As you've lost your thyroid, you will now take levothyroxine for life. Usually, you are given a suppressive dose to keep TSH low which helps prevent any return of cancer but everyone is different so you will need the advice of the endocrinologist to help decide the next steps. I don't know how old you are but if at menopausal age, ask your endocrinologist how they will keep an eye on your bone density from now on. Thyroid cancer if it's a well differentiated type, generally develops very slowly and is usually indolent so that even if people get a recurrance it's likely to be many, many years later if initial treatment was successful. You could ask your endocrinologist what the percentage chance of recurrance is, if you want to know.

[Kazbar-70 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks I'm 48 years old. Thanks. It helps me to ask the right questions if I write these down. I can't believe that it's not show much on medical programmes or tv as I think alot people need to be educated with this. It's hard to wrap your head around. x

[Kazbar-70 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you for your advice and helpnx

[Hidden]

Don't panic you will be ok.

I had thyroid cancer over 50 years ago and I am still going strong!

The knowledge around this illness is obviously much better now.

Your consultants will look after you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and request their help. They will soon have you feeling well again.

All good wishes.

[Corny67]

Hi I went through the same thing at the end of 2016. I just have to have a blood test each year to make sure it hasn't returned. I take a calcium tablet every day because of calcium deficiency. It does worry me as I had a full hysterectomy when I was 29 yet I've never been offered a bone scan and I'm now 50 x

[Hidden in reply to Corny67]

They should offer you a bone scan, especially as you had a hysterectomy so young. Go and request one.

[Kazbar-70 in reply to Hidden]

I haven't had a hysterectomy yet. I'm on hrt

[Kazbar-70]

Thanks. Take care hun xxxx

[Nerg57]

You must get an ultrasound every 6 months to be sure they got all of it for 5 years. Keep going until your thyroid levels are normal with daily med. Take your med first thing in morning no eating until 30 mins after. Remember that you will likely not produce hormones as before. Protect your throat. Take care of your Teeth floss and use mouthwash

[Nerg57]

Also vitamin D3 prevents cancer if you are low

[Hidden]

Make sure they test your Tg level each year.

[Espisnowwoman]

Wow sorry to hear that. I have hyper /graves disease. I have more than 10 nodules in my thyroid but none r cancer. Hope u get better.

[rachjo27]

Hi

Your story sounds similar to mine however mine took a little longer due to them thinking that the lump wasn't cancerous.

I did have radioiodine treatment twice - the first time three months after the second surgery then the second the year after. For me they said it was due to the size of the tumour and how quickly it had grown.

Everyone is right on here you will need an ultrasound at least once a year, have to keep a check on your thyroid levels. Also I've had trouble with my vitamin levels especially vitamin D because of my age they have said there are dangers with osteoporosis later on in life if I don't keep an eye on them.

I've found everyone really helpful on here especially when you don't seem to get anywhere with professionals.

[Kazbar-70 in reply to rachjo27]

Thank you so much. It keep me going at the moment. Just so much to learn xxxx

[Espisnowwoman]

Did u have thyroid nodules or just the lump?sorry to hear that it was cancer. Hopefully it wont come back. I will keep u in my prayers!!

[Kazbar-70 in reply to Espisnowwoman]

Thyroid nodules

[Kazbar-70 in reply to Espisnowwoman]

yes on my left it was benign but the Cancer was hidden in the right

[Espisnowwoman]

Wow! Are you okay? I have more then ten nodules .