Thyroid Cancer

hi, 
 I have been going through a tough time and would like to chat to those of you who are going through similar.

I have just had an operation for thyroid cancer, awaiting results and what is next?
I May need another operation and radiation therapy 
Had my operation on the 10th June 2020 after a very long wait due to this terrible Covid pandemic many operations and treatments have been delayed sadly!

A lump was found in my Thyroid after a routine scan of my ongoing lung problems and was told on the 2nd March at hospital appointment, which was a bit of a shock when CANCER was mentioned! On the 27th April I had a scan and 5 Biopsies done and the results came back as 2 lumps and T3 which means it could be Cancer, so then I had a very long wait for my operation which was on the 10th June to remove 1/2 my Thyriod and also the middle part(can't remember name of it) post operation was quite painful, but it is settling down now
Would like to talk to people who are going through similar, maybe we can help each other through this x

  • Hello Missymay, 

    I hope you are recovering well from your operation and that you won't have to wait too long for your results. It must have been really frustrating for you to have had to wait so long for your operation due to Covid but it's good that they have managed to do it in the end and I am pleased to hear the pain is settling down now. 

    Hopefully you will hear from others here who have been through something similar and they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. If you use our 'search' function which is located on the blue banner at the top and type in keywords such as 'thyroid cancer' or 'thyroid surgery', you will be able to find past threads on this topic. Feel free to respond to the ones you feel are most relevant to you and you would like to connect with. 

    Fingers crossed that you won't need to wait too long for your results and that you find out soon what the next treatment steps might be. Our nurses are only a free phone call away so don't hesitate to get in touch with them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Missymay

    I hope all went well. I am about to go through the same thing. 

    I noticed a lump in October, had a biopsy and it came back as thy2, which is benign. There was a plan to have another one done in half a year which is May. Then corona hit and all went on hold, but the lump seemed to have increased and started to hurt on regular basis. Not lump itself hurts but annoying ache into jaw and ear, with sometimes needle like pains. Gp scheduled me for emergency biopsy. By the time the day came, I noticed enlarged lymph nod on the same side, which sonographer didn't think much of.

     

    Anyway my lump grew 7mm since November and doctor called 4 days later to tell me they found changes in the cells and half of my thyroid needs to be removed for further testing. The letter arrived today saying its gone from thy2 to thy3

     

    I am *** myself as I am from Ukraine originally and not far from Chernobyl (was 9 at the time of explosion).

    Google doesn't help much - scary stuff seems to pop up

     

    Please let me know how operation went and how you feel after. And what the tests say... 

  • Hi they so sorry to hear you going through this . I have been through similar situation which I like to share . I had half my thyroid removed on right side on the 19 th of December it was 7. 9 centimetres in size and it came hi as follicular cancer  I was due to have left removed in January but developed a blood clot on lung so it hade to but no 3  months while I was on blood thinners . I received surgery on left side the 1st of June and and was over the moon results came hi on that side clear I'm awaiting appointment to see if I need RAI , my lyphm nodes are swollen in neck and get tingling in feet hands and face which is caused with calcium . I have also been told that I may need to go to speech therapy because voice is still very hoarse , but apart from all of that I'm doing well if you need to talk just drop me a line I'm happy to help if I can xxx

    Debbie 

  • Hi Lucie,

    Thank you so much for answering me, I have this morning had my appointment for results

    I've been so very nervous waiting almost a month from operation, but so happy to say that the results are Great, I was told I am cancer free!!! Yay!!

    They did find a Cancer Tumour in my right Thyroid

    They took out all of right side of my Thyroid, plus also the middle part across my throat (not sure what that is called?) So I now only have 40% of my Thyroid left.

    There were 2 lumps, one was calcified, one was a cancer tumour, so I am so happy it has at last all gone after waiting so long due to Covid-19. 
     I have to have follow ups for regular bloods ect, to see if my much reduced Thyroid can cope, if not I will need medication, plus regular checks to make sure I don't get the cancer back I guess?

    He said it was a good job they got it out when they did (he did say why but I was a bit mind blown to be honest) I think it was something like it was about to cause problems!!?? 
    But Most importantly they got it all!!.......

    So I don't need the 2nd operation to remove the remaining part of my Thyroid or  Radiation Treatment he said I may need afterwards.

    The scar is healing well, but the right side of my scar is still very painful, plus I have some odeama that side too.

    It's like an electric burning pain especially when I touch it, even gently, so I asked my surgeon in the appointment if this is normal? He then told me in the operation they accidentally cut a nerve on that side so he could understand the pain I am getting. (Not sure he would of told me if I hadn't asked hIm, but I am not worried, just glad it's all over with)

    He then said it would take quite a while for the nerve to grow back, so I will get this burning pain, tingling and numbness until it regrows! I also have tightness on vocal cords, voice is ok but I get tired talking, it's like having slight laryngitis. But that is to be expected I guess.

    I can't tell you how much I feel SO very blessed and  relieved!
    But I have a couple of questions if I may please?

    My main question is....can the cancer come back elsewhere later on or can I feel safe that I am forever free of it?

    Next Question is......what do you think he meant by "it's a good job that they found it a got it out as it was changing"?

    Also I forgot to ask what kind of Cancer it was, would you know by all I have told you please?

    Why do some lumps calcify and is this also potentially a danger?

    Last question is.....how long does it usually take to grow the damaged nerve back?
    Many Thanks For Everything, and Hopefully answering my Questions

    I am happily Healing now, with a Brand New Zest for Life

    Best Wishes
    Missymay 

     

  • Thank you for the update. 

    It is great news they got it on time and you do not need to have another operation.

    Hopefully you won't need hormones and nerve heals quickly too. 

    I go for my op on Mon 13th (thanks god its not Friday hehe) 

  • Hi, 

    hope your operation goes well on the 13th, wishing a really good outcome, I am so relieved it's all over, but please remember that drs say, if you have to have Cancer it's the best place to have it as it is the easiest Cancer to cure ok x

    Take all the time you need to recover from it, be kind to yourself, I know just how worrying it is going through this, but hoping you have the same out come as I have had.

    Let me know how you get on

    best wishes Missy

  • Hello, I'm glad you are doing well after your operation. Im in a similar situation i have a 5cm nodule on my thyroid and having a biopsy tomorrow.  Did you have a biopsy and have to wait long for your results. Im quite dreading this and the wait. It would be good to chat to someone who has been through this. Wishing you all the best X

  • Hi there. I've come across this post and just wondering what everyone's symptoms were. ? My daughter is waiting an urgent ultra sound  she has a very big neck which has always been put down to her "make up" as she has cerebral palsy and lots of distonic movement. Anyway we notice a swollen gland just about mid neck just right of her throat (photos prove it was there last August)  however she also has a few other enlarged glands when you feel around her neck.  Dr briefly mentioned thyroid, but EVERYTHING I've read says that if lymph glands are enlarged then that would indicate cancer   she has no infections as all blood have come back fine ?  We are all so desperately worried. she also complains of something in her throat and is constantly fatigued. She is 22 yrs old. Any answers much appreciated 

  • Hi Missy 

    I hope you are doing well 

     

    Just had a phone call from doctor. He confirmed i have papillary cancer. The operation will be in the end of Sep, followed by RAI.

    There is no signs of invasion but capsule disruption on the edge.

    The tumour is 4.5cm

     

    Now need to digest it. I am sure it will kick in hard lol

    Xx

  • Hi all

    I have recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer as I found a lump on my nodule, I have an appointment with the surgeon on Thursday but I got a phone call from the hospital that I have to go for a ct scan and I'm wondering dose every thyroid cancer treatment start with a ct scan or did something show up in the blood sample showing that there is cancer somewhere else.

     

    Regards 

    Darren