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Waiting for thyroid biopsy results

magdalen7
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My partner noticed that my thyroid looked more prominent than usual back in August. Since then I've had a GP appointment, referral for blood work and an ultrasound with a sonographer and then, because the ultrasound showed multiple nodules, some of them pretty large, and some classified as U3 (indeterminate), on a 2 week urgent referral to investigate for cancer. I had an appointment with a thyroid consultant on Mon 2 Oct, and a biopsy on Mon 9 Oct. Before the biopsy, I saw that I was being scheduled for a follow-up appointment on 15 December (the notification dropped into my digital patient record system). But on Friday 13 Oct (4 days after the biopsy), I got a call notifying me that the follow-up appointment had been moved to 18 Oct (this coming Wed). 

I'm aware that this might mean all sorts of things, but I'm wondering if people have any similar experiences. Is it likely that the biopsy results came back very fast, or might the shift in appointment have been made before all the results are even back? I can't help feeling apprehensive that the follow-up appointment has been moved up from mid-Dec to mid-Oct -- trying not to overthink things but am worried that this might be bad news.

Also, do people have any experience of what happens in a follow-up (post biopsy/additional blood work) appointment? It looks as though I've been given a 15 min appointment so I'm trying to think through how to prepare myself and good questions to ask depending on what I'm told. 

I've already gained a lot from reading posts in this forum. It's such a great resource. Many thanks for any replies, 

Magdalen7 

  • Hi Magdalen and welcome to the forum.

    I noticed you have your follow up appointment today so I just wanted to wish you good luck and reassure you that your post has been seen.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar situation will be along soon to share their experiences and advice but if you'd like to discuss any of this with one of nurses before you go, you can contact them on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They will do all they can to answer your questions and help you get ready for your appointment. 

    We're thinking of you Magdalen and will have our fingers crossed for good news.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thanks so much for this response Steph, I appreciate it. A quick update on my appointment -- in case it is of help to others in similar situations. 

    The consultant communicated that the biopsy I had last week had graded one of the concerning nodules at Th3a, and that the MDT had discussed it (not least because a 3a category often poses difficult questions of what, if anything, to do). They have decided to recommend another biopsy in 3 months of both nodules -- and then, depending on if the biopsy shifts to a 3f (or stays at 3a) to make further recommendations of potential interventions (including hemithyroidectomy which would allow a histological diagnosis). 

    So, now I've had the appointment, I would say that the moving up of my appointment didn't seem to point to the giving of very bad news, given that nothing urgent needs to be done now (maybe they had a cancellation etc.). I hope this is reassuring for anyone else who has an appointment moved up! I was also brought into the consultation room by a nurse, who stayed throughout the appointment. When I saw her coming to get me, I wondered if this was a preface to my being told (very) bad news, but she was present at the giving of inconclusive news (I'm guessing people have varied reactions to being told a th3a biopsy result, hence her presence?). 

    I'll report back after the next biopsy in late Jan. Thanks for this forum -- an amazing resource.

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