Thyroid Cancer diagnosis

[jessica6]

HI

this is my first time here. I was hoping someone could give me positive feedback on my condition. I had breast cancer 10 years ago and am now facing Thyroid Cancer. Everything I read about it gives me the chills. I feel I will never be the same again after the total thyroid removal. Can anyone give me positive feedback PLEASE!

[cjrsquared]

Hi Jessica6,

Sounds like you have had a very rough time. From a thyroid cancer point of view I had a total thyroidectomy 4.5 years ago followed by radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer. Initially I felt tired, I was on Levothyroxine only for approx 18 months then started liothyronine with a lower dose of levothyroxine. ( I had to source the liothyronine myself). I now work full time in a stressful job, socialise and am no more tired than my contemporaries who all have good health. I am a stone heavier than before but I have also gone through the menopause so it could be that. Do I feel as I did before? Hard to say, but I enjoy my life, manage my job and look forward to the future.

Please also remember that there are many people who are hypothyroid getting on with life, it is often only those struggling or with problems who post on the forums so it can give a slightly skewed view.

Good luck

[jessica6 in reply to cjrsquared]

Thank you so much for your reply. I am a positive person and intend to get back to 'normal' as soon as possible. so many scare stories on the net so I am happy you are doing so well. All the best for the future

[Nanaedake in reply to jessica6]

Everyone reacts differently to treatment for thyroid cancer and there can be other factors that influence your recovery. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels as there is some research that indicates good vitamin D levels support recovery from thyroidectomy. It took me 10 years to get back to full health and energy after thyroidectomy but I now have a full time job and enjoy my life.

My GP's knew nothing about thyroid cancer and were not very helpful. If you can, get treated in a specialist thyroid cancer unit rather than a regional hospital as there will be better expertise and a team who can give you knowledgeable advice.

If you need a thyroidectomy then check that you have a high volume surgeon, which I understand is someone who does at least 40 thyroidectomies a year, for best outcomes.

You could contact the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust for further information.

butterfly.org.uk/

[jessica6 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you for your reply I have just had the full thyroid removal now and so far feeling well. awaiting Iodine therapy in 6 weeks . I have a specialised thyroid clinic waiting to take care of me and work with me to hopefully get me back to full health. Thanks for the advise on the Vitamin D I will ask the question on my first appointment. All the best to you

[Nanaedake in reply to jessica6]

glad you are feeling well so far, i hope you sail through but we are here if you need support,