Worried! 😩

[jennyleex]

So last week I had a hemithyroidectomy and a Isthmectomy due to having follicular lesions from a FNAS and told that a follow up would be in 6 weeks! Today I received a call from hospital saying my consultant wants to see me on Wednesday! I literally have the worst thoughts flying round in my head now! Anyone else been through this?

[Nanaedake]

Please Try not to worry. Remember that thyroid conditions are generally very treatable. The consultant probably will explain your pathology results. What is it that you are most worried about?

[jennyleex in reply to Nanaedake]

The dreaded ‘C’ word!

I’m at a 15-20% chance it could be, that’s why they removed it and being called back so soon after surgery has only made me think the worse! 😓

[Nanaedake in reply to jennyleex]

Remember that thyroid cancer is very treatable. I had thyroid cancer over 10 years ago and no recurrence since. It's also very survivable.

Most people are given suppressive doses of Levothyroxine if any cancer cells were found and some people have follow up treatment called RAI although it sounds unlikely in your case as you only had partial thyroidectomy.

The good thing is that your treatment has commenced and the doctor is following things up and not just leaving you hanging.

I think 6 weeks to wait in the first place was too long so good that he's come back to you more quickly.

Stay in touch and let us know what happens.

[jennyleex in reply to Nanaedake]

It’s not good news, Ive got papillary thyroid cancer, I’m just heart broken, as u say it’s treatable tho, I’ve gota have a ct scan and see what’s going on, prob need to remove the other thyroid gland and possible neck nodes, which they took one out during my op and it came back positive with cancer cells, they have cleared the worst of the cancer so just going a clean up basically, just very overwhelming atm 😔

[Nanaedake in reply to jennyleex]

Try not to be too upset. I had papillary and a folicular variant too. It's treatable and one thing about thyroid cancer is that if it has travelled to lymph glands then unlike other cancers it doesn't give you a worse prognosis. You've got a good chance of having no more problems once the surgery and any follow-up treatment is over and you've balanced your dose of levothyroxine.

The worse thing about this is the impact on hormonal balance while all the treatment is going on. You've got to be really kind to yourself. Are you still working? Have you got time off work?

Do get your GP to check your vitamin D levels if no-one has done this. Did you check whether you lost any parathyroid glands with previous surgery? Ensure that the surgeon is able to protect your parathyroid glands so you don't lose them and make sure you've got good vitamin D levels or correct any deficiency.

Make sure you eat a good diet even when not feeling like it. Lots of yoghurt, cheese, calcium rich foods and lots of fresh veg and fruit. If you can buy and drink some kefir and eat fish, that will help too. If you need RAI as a follow-up treatment you will need a special diet beforehand but you'll be given all the information you need from the doctors or a specialist nurse.

Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust can give you more detailed help but stay on this forum for chat and support.

butterfly.org.uk/

[silverfox7]

Please try not to worry. He may have had a cancellation or they may have found a possible problem but if that's the case it's better to know and get it dealt with. It may be a change in medication and he doesn't want you to wait that long. So keep positive and I hope it goes well.

[jennyleex in reply to silverfox7]

I’m not on any medication yet as this is my first surgery & never had problems with my thyroid before.....just a naughty nodule that isn’t being nice to me! Thank u 😏

[silverfox7 in reply to jennyleex]

Thank you for clarifying. May be results say you need medication. Let us know how you get on.

[jennyleex in reply to silverfox7]

It’s not good news, Ive got papillary thyroid cancer, I’m just heart broken, it’s treatable tho, I’ve gota have a ct scan and see what’s going on, prob need to remove the other thyroid gland and possible neck nodes, which they took one out during my op and it came back positive with cancer cells, they have cleared the worst of the cancer so just going a clean up basically, just very overwhelming atm!

[silverfox7 in reply to jennyleex]

Thank you for letting me know. I was treated for breast cancer so I have been through the cancer shock diagnosis myself and immediately told myself the huge positive that it's been found and will be sorted. We can't undo what has happened but we can move on with the knowledge that we are in good hands and this can be and will be sorted. For peace of mind though you need to ask questions so you aren't worrying unnecessarily. I told myself I had to do what I was told! They are the experts but keep strong and positive and trust them to get you well again.

[LAHs]

If you have just had surgery then they determined after the FNA that it was "worth" taking out that amount of thyroid. An analysis is done after surgery to VERIFY if it was cancer or not, they don't do the surgery to find out. Think of it this way, if the doc is going to tell you it was cancerous, well, it's gone now. I agree with Silver Fox I think the doc is shuffling his appointments due to either a cancellation or his vacation. You could call his receptionist and ask, tell them how this has made you worry - and should you be?