thyroid cancer

Hi l have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and need and operation to remove it l also have just completed some radiotherapy for non hodkins lymphoma and l am scared what will happen after treatment and is there a cure

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I am out at the moment so this is just a quick response to wish you well.

Rod

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to helvella]

I know that there are many thyroid cancer survivors "out there". I don't know any personally, but from what I have read, a lot do fine.

You might find this link of use:

thyca.org/

Please do come back - although I feel very ignorant, I am sure people will try to help if they can.

Rod

[Hidden]

Hi there loza123

It must be a very worrying time for you, I'm sorry I know nothing of non hodgkins lymphoma - is this connected? I can only give you my experience of having a single 'suspected' nodule removed (partial Thyroidectomy). The operation was not as scary as I thought it would be, I was in overnight. I imagine you will have a total Thyroidectomy then radiotherapy, but of course it depends what type it is? Perhaps this link may help?

endocrinesurgeon.co.uk/inde...

with best wishes Jane x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm sorry if that link had too much detail or a bit technical.

An explanation from patient.co.uk my be better

patient.co.uk/health/Cancer...

[Hidden]

Please dont be frightened, you are amongst very knowledgble people here, They can give you help and suport, I think the lovely weather we are having today as meant everyone is out in the sun,are there any support groups near you ?

xxxxx

[leighma81]

I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through. My uncle had thyroid cancer and had his thyroid removed before undergoing radio and chemo. He is now on medication for life but I'm pleased to say he is responding well and hopefully you will too. Keep strong and keep positive, once you are cancer free you will adjust to life on medication and your levels will return to normal once they get the correct dose for you x

[Hidden]

I am so sorry and I wish you get well soon. Lots of hugs. E xxx

[Hidden]

Generally we don't link to them, but the BTF have some helpful information on Thyroid Cancer:

btf-thyroid.org/index.php/t...

They also have dedicated cancer support lines:

btf-thyroid.org/index.php/s...

Louise

xx

[ChemicalAngel]

((((Hugs)))) hope you recover quickly, and the cancer goes into responds to treatment

Ann xx

[o258]

Hello.I'm 35 and I've got a thyroid cancer. I've just had an operation and my thyroid gland was removed. I had Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2003 and had chemio and radiotherapy. Now I have 4th stage of thyroid cancer. My mistake was postponing an opeartion for the long time. (about 5 years). And when I finally had it, it was very long - more than 9 hours and difficult. Doctors say people with thyroid cancer have a good survival rate. and even in my case I have a good chance to stop or control cancer. Don't hesitate and don't wait. If it is an early stage the opeartion is very short and safe. And of course you will have to take hormons for the rest of your life (but it is just one tablet per day). Good luck

[Hidden in reply to o258]

thank you 0258

I too was told Thyroid cancer was 'one of the best to have' but to be honest I didn't find that very re-assuring, but yes the op was quick and recovery good, however I was lucky and it was benign (I waited 6 weeks to know this) so I can't say , except only to agree not to delay any treatment offered.

Can I ask if they suppressed any thyroid function with T3 to start before RAI? J x

[Schenks]

Hi, Loza,

I had a subtotal thyroidectomy in 1984. Since then I gained a degree, a postgraduate degree, moved to Scotland and then to Kent and then to Lancashire (god help me!). In other words, I still was alive and kicking.

I was diagnosed with non Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2001. I had radiotherapy too. Since then I have been studying towards a masters degree - yep, STILL alive and kicking. Even if non-Hodgkin's lymphoma isn't cured it is mostly classed as chronic disorder, a bit like diabetes, that can be managed very well, and usually by not doing anything at all but monitoring it, so try to put this into perspective.

First of all, you are understandably in shock and very frightened - cancer is still a bloody big word. However, even though you have got this scary thing, you've still been 'lucky' to some extent. The cancers you have are very, very treatable. It's not the death sentence that you feel you've been handed out when you are told you've got this awful disorder that you think it is. Yours are treatable and manageable.

What you have got to get hold of, however, is the fear. That is what will do you more harm than either of the illnesses you have. So let's try to put a brake on it.

You ask if there's a cure? Yep. But the cures still leave problems that have to be managed - they won't leave you as you were before you got ill. For example, once some or all of your thyroid is removed you will have to take thyroid supplements - like everyone on here, so no worries there, because there is a huge amount of help on this site, with many, many wonderful people who have huge amounts of knowledge. At any time you will always find an answer to your questions here - you aren't alone.

Secondly, you will have to be careful of the radiation sites in the sun. No more sunbathing, if that's your bag.

Thirdly, your body is now demanding that you listen to it. It wants good food, as much rest as you can give it and a life detox of stressful things and people. In other words, it is time to start working towards being kind to yourself and putting your needs further up the list. Go gently, honey - you will come through this.

And lastly, the fear will ease with time - and there's no shortcut from this. But the fear does pass - take heart.

Steph xx

[Heloise in reply to Schenks]

What an encouraging reply, Schenks. I would love to know how many cancer survivors had a deficiency of vitamin D which seems to be linked to cancer. I wish everyone would be checked.

[hblower]

Hi I was diagnosed last year with breast cancer, following a partial thyroid removal, prior to this 30 years ago a benign tumour removed from thyroid, I had a mastectomy with lymph node removal and radiotherapy for the cancer, and am now taking oestrogen suppressors, of course I live in fear of it coming back, I am always feeling for any lumps, but going back to this time last year I had no idea of what was coming, this is the same for everyone.

Thyroid cancer is one of the easier to treat normally removal followed up with radioactive iodine, non hodgkins lymphoma now has very good treatment success, you may not have any problems there, as it can go into remission, and that is common. I understand your fears and say life is a gamble, just go fighting and look to win.

Good luck I am sure you will survive the battle.

Helen

[Mumtoboy]

Sorry I don't know anything about non hodgkins lymphoma or thyroid cancer, but I had my thyroid out six weeks ago and it wasn't half as bad as I expected. I wish you luck with your operation and treatment and feel free to ask me any questions about the operation. Take care

[Ladywell]

A really fine reply, Steph, especially the comments about fear. Well done.

[Hidden in reply to Ladywell]

How very trueLadywell, fear is the one thing that that tips us over the edge if we dont get a good hold of it

brilliant blog

xxxxx

[charlotte11]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 2 years ago. The op to remove it was ok, no complications. The radiotherapy was ok, but the battle to get my meds right is still ongoing. My advice is also to listen to your body and fight for the right to feel well. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and don't let the doctors fob you off with medication that might not be right for you. I hope all goes well for you and be positive x

[LinDonaldson]

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism some 20 years ago and recently my daughter's half sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She started treatment last October and since then has gone through the process of operation and radiotherapy. She was very worried about her vocal chords but six months down the line they are recovering very well. Mind you her voice was improved in some ways by the huskiness.

Again the bigger problem is getting the balance of thyroxine (T4) right. She is going to see a specialist in one of the London teaching hospitals who will consider prescribing triiodothyronine (T3).

I wish you every luck with your operation etc and I know that one of our biggest worries was that the cancer would spread. Take reassurance in the fact that the risks of that happening are very very low as the thyroid gland is contained.

In my case, I managed OK on T4 for a number of years but then I became very ill for lots of different reasons. Treatment no longer seemed effective so I have changed to T3 and do feel much better.

Keep reading the very valuable information that appears hear and keep posting. We are here to help each other. I know from personal experience how frightening the whole process can be. Just keep in touch.

Lots of love

[nickym1]

Hey there,

I'm afraid I don't know anything about non hodgkins lymphoma, but I have recently had two op's to remove my thyroid because of cancer. The operation is nothing to worry about. (I was advised to ensure that my surgeon had performed lots of thyroidectomys as the parathyroids and larangeal nerves need to be preserved which can be tricky if you're not accustomed to this type of surgery.)

Often you only remain in hospital overnight, so they can check for swelling and that calcium levels are ok. Often the surgeon uses equipment which quarterizes as he goes which means there's very little blood. (Blood loss was something that worried me!) I had a slightly sore throat and tender neck afterwards, but I could talk in recovery, and drink tea and eat toast. My follow up treatment is Radioiodine, which I start in two weeks time.

Is your thyroid cancer directly related to the non hodgkins lymphoma, or a separate cancer? (sorry if it's a stupid question, but I'm quite new to all this too). I remember being panic stricken at the start of this - but I'm now glad to have surgery done and treatment lined up. It's a journey. There's lots to be learnt here, and support and answers when you ask. I am finding this site invaluable.

If you wish to respond to anybody's comment, click the reply to this at the bottom of their comment. The person is then notified of a response.

Take care of yourself, and if you want to ask me anything please feel free.

Nicky x

[youngs]

First i'm sorry that you are dealing with this , but take comfort in knowing that there is so many knowledge today on how to beat this and the dr's know exactly what to do.If you wouldn't mind could you tell me the symptoms you were experiencing before your diagnoses because im dealing with a multi nodule goiter and waiting to get to see the Endo Thanks and wishing you the best , try not to worry

[Hidden]

Oh dear it says loza123 is no longer a member I hope she is ok

[mags1909]

Hi, Just the mention of cancer and people fear the worse, but treatment has come a long long way now. My brother was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma at the very young age of 71, he and my cousin aged 73 both had the same cancer at the same time and I am very happy to tell you they are both doing very well after their treatment. Keep positive and make plans for something you have always wanted to do for when you too are well again. Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Mjainn]

HI ALL

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