Advice after partial Thyroid Removal

I've had my results back tody after a partial removal of my thyroid. I've been told that they did remove 28mm of cancerous cells and that it was Papillary Thyroid Cancer. It has been completely removed but they have given me two options: observe every six months or remove the rest of my thyroid. 

I just don't know what to do. The fact they have given me the option means that there must be some benefit to getting the rest out? Anyone had anything similar? 

 

  • Hi jontybfc,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand this is a difficult dilemma. My reply here will boost your post, meaning a few more people should see it - so hopefully you'll receive some more replies soon, particularly from others with similar experience.

    You can also search the forum (using the button in the blue bar above) for other potentially relevant discussions on here.

    If you feel you'd like to talk things through with someone, you are always welcome to give our nurses a call. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, 

    I am in exactly the same boat. I've had the right hand side removed but now my results are in and I too have been given the choice. And for the life of me I cannot decide what to do! 
     

    I hope more people see this thread who have been in the same position to offer their perspective.

    All the best to you

    Sophie 

  • Thanks Sophie.
     

    I've provisionally said that I'd like to go ahead with full removal but have a follow up appointment at the end of January, it's a pre op but I would also like to ask a few questions before I 100% commit. 

    The main question is like to ask is if they'd have taken it all out if they knew what they know now. 
     

    I really don't like the idea of having follow ups every six months and 'hoping I'm ok'. If this eliminates that worry then I will go ahead. 

    Thanks for responding to my post, I keep finding myself lost in google searches and not knowing what to do. And it's so hard to speak to anyone who can give me any advice. 
     

    All the best to you as well.

    Jon

     

  • Hi Jon,

    I think I am erring to that solution too. I nearly said to take the whole bloody thing out in the first place. But hindsight is a wonderful thing, I chose to have the hemi in the hopes that it would come back as benign and I could function on half a thyroid.
     

    And I too am on Google rabbit holes searching to find others who have experienced this, and there is practically nothing. What a way to begin 2023!

     

    Sophie

  • Hi jonty did you have a thy4 results prior to surgery?

  • Hi,

    Yes I did. It was a 4. I had my pre-op yesterday for the next op and it felt like they were talking me out of having it all done. I'm still unsure what the best course of action is. 

  • Yes I had u4 then thy4 - highly suggestive of PTC. Had hemi now just waiting for histology. Bless you - make the right decision for you and if in doubt you can get second op.