Hello Delilah1,

I am sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with Hurthle Cell Thyf3 and keep everything crossed that it turns out to be benign. I hope you don't have to wait too long for the surgery. Perhaps you could try and give your doctor or hospital a call to get an estimate of how long you will have to wait before surgery? It might help you psychologically to have an approximate date in your mind to aim for.

Those heachaches and chest pains sound awful poor you and it may indeed be related to anxiety as you are understandably very frightened at the moment. Do mention these pains to your GP if they don't get better.  I have managed to find some information on our website on Hurthle cell which you can access here. You are also welcome to ring our nurses if you live in the UK on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you have any specific questions about it - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

I hope you will hear from others who have been in a similar position to you and have had this type of surgery and that they will be along soon to share their experience.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Delilah1 

I am in exactly the same position as you. May I ask how your surgery went and what was your experience? 

Thanks,

Steph

Hello Steph,

I had surgery on November 7th for a partial thyroidectemy. I believe half of my thyroid was removed. The operation went well and I stayed overnight. The following morning, the drain was removed and I was discharged.  However, it turned out the drain was removed too soon and my throat began to swell with fluid over the following days. I returned to hospital 3 times in agony and fear.  They tried to drain fluid with syringes but it wasn't successful and took about 6 weeks and 3 different antibiotics to eventually clear. 

I know now it's quite a routine procedure/operation and it was just unfortunate that happened to me. My advice is don't let them push you out of hospital if you don't feel ready. I really did feel rushed out and not well enough and wouldn't want you to go through that.

8 months on and the scar is unnoticeable to most people until I point it out. I don't need or take any medication whatsoever as the other half of thyroid gland can function well enough without thyroxine.

Happy to talk anytime... Lots of love xx