Hi Emmalou,

I've had a lobectomy for papillary thyroid cancer two and a half weeks ago. I'm back at work, no problems.

It really isn't anything to be concerned about and in fact for small, contained papillary carcinomas they are actually thinking of stopping calling it 'cancer'. My nodule was 1.8cm.

What I'm saying is that even if cancerous, in the majority of cases, thyroid cancer is easily treated and almost always curable.

If you do have only the one nodule and below 4cm in size the current guidelines are that only that lobe of the thyroid is removed, not the full gland. From research the majority of ongoing issues relate to the full removal of the gland when uneccessary leaving the patient dependent upon hormone replacement for life. If your surgeon ever did recommend full removal please raiswe this point.

I had Hodgkins lymphoma 11 years ago and this was a breeze compared to that! :-) (Hopefully).

All the best.

Hello,

I wonder how you are getting on a year and a half after your lobectomy? 
I'm asking because my 24 year old son has been told the small nodule on his right thyroid is papillary cancer and he will need to have part or all of his thyroid removed. We are awaiting results of his second biopsy. we haven't had the results yet.
As a mother I'm extremely worried and anxious about my son being diagnosed with cancer and the prospect of an operation in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic.

Your post was extremely reassuring and positive. I would love to hear how you are getting on now. 

Best wishes 

Hi Anna, 

Superbly. I recovered well from the surgery. The disease hadn't spread to the other side and touch wood I'm still completely cancer free.

My half a thyroid is producing all the hormones I need, no medication required. I'm set to see the consultant next near the end of April (hopefully!) then one last scan and I'll be discharged.

All the best. 

Hi Anna,

I am in the same boat as sab275uk. It's nice to hear good stories.

Had 1 x 2.5cm cancerous nodule on left lobe (papillary type). Recovery was ok for me. Just uncomfortable as couldn't move neck much and had to be careful swallowing food and drinks, not painful though thankfully. Was hoarse for 4-6 weeks post op which is normal. Can be longer for some people. Half a thyroid remaining (doing its job) and on no meds. No evidence of recurrence.

Left lobe was removed in October 2018. Keeping an eye with scans and monitoring through bloods every 6 months.

I'm so pleased to hear this...Thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply.

I wish you continued good health!

I'm so pleased to hear this...Thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply.

I wish you continued good health!