Even with neg biopsy, would you just have thyroidectomy?

[Sick&Tiredofsick&tired]

As most of you know, my biopsy isn't until the end of July, but I'm wondering--seeing on some of the posts that even after nodules come back benign there is still cancer showing up in the thyroid tissue, would it be such a bad idea to just ask the surgeon if he'll go ahead and just do thyroidectomy to prevent problems in the future?  Do you think the surgeon would even consider it?  Have any of you actually done this? (I understand that depending on the size of nodules they want to go ahead and remove thyroid anyway)  Thank you!

[Sick&Tiredofsick&tired]

Thanks again to everyone!  I am a very active person & I can't imagine going around worrying and stopping every 6 months for more biopsies.  The more I think about it, the more I think I will just want it all out.  Reading what all of you have to say really helps.  The other thing I think about is that I feel so not well right now, I think I'd rather feel "unwell" because my thyroid meds need adjusting instead of not well because I'm sick with diseased thyroid in place.  I'll keep you posted as to what happens...

[forestdweller]

I decided after 4 years of biopsies and scans that it was time to have a TT.  In my case I had about 14 nodules that always came back negative for cancer but were always changing in size.  My decision was based on the fact that as I let it progress the chances that it could be removed safely without increased chance of injury to the vocal cords or surrounding neck tissue helped me in making the final decision.  The only downfall is that it will be 1 year in August since my TT and my synthroid is still not correct.  But the good news is that I do not have the constant worry of "will my thyroid biopsy show cancer this time".  Hope this helps.  Take care.

[Nyxie63]

Now for a different approach.....

I have a large (4.7cm) nodule in my left lobe, as well as several smaller nodules in my right lobe (you can actually see a lump on my neck).  Had an FNA, but it came back non-diagnostic due to the small amount of cells in the samples.  Scheduled surgery back in April, but cancelled it to have another FNA.  It came back benign.  Couldn't see losing half my thyroid just because it's "big".   I'm still on a wait and watch program and scheduled for ultrasounds and FNAs every 6 months.

I'm currently in the process of trying non-invasive treatments to shrink my nodules.  Tried Armour, but due to other health issues (low ferritin, adrenal insufficiency) it didn't work.  I'm now starting up an iodine protocol, which was approved by my dr.  The iodine approach is NOT suggested for everyone!  It requires a great deal of  research and a lot of soul searching.  The vast majority of  thyroid experts advise against this treatment.  It's a treatment only used by those who have given up on western medicine and have gone to an alternative approach.  Nevertheless, I feel the need to try it and will be posting my progress (or lack of it) as it goes.

My approach is not standard.  It's what works for me (with occasional bouts of anxiety about the whole thing, but they pass in a few days).  I hope whichever choice you make in your treatment works for you. :)

[danie17075rm]

I feel the same way.  I have a large multi-nodular goiter.  Due to my age my doc said she doesn't think it's cancer and just to get a biopsy, but my endo seemed like surgery was the only way of knowing for sure.  It's a hard decision, but I dont think i can deal with that 10 percent chance it could be cancer year after year.  This may sound stupid, but I heard when you have things sitting in your body like nodules they can attract cancer even if you dont have it.

[ChitChatNine]

And, keep in mind if you have a partial there is no guarantee you won't be on meds the rest of your life ... like me ... the other half is not working ... so that may be the answer you are looking for in that area of the decision ..I wouldn't be too concerned about the meds making the decision for you ?

C~

[Sick&Tiredofsick&tired]

Thanks for responding.  I feel as you do--I have at least 4 nodules--I don't think I want to worry the rest of my life if there is cancer.  Thankfully I rarely rarely get ill.  I don't take any medications on a regular basis & don't even like the thought of taking them, so of course you make a good point--I don't necessarily want to be on meds for the rest of my life.  BUT at this point, I pretty much feel I'd rather do the meds than worry & like you, not have to worry about biopsies all the time. I understand how serious it is to have your thyroid removed, but rather than be bummed if everything came back benign I think I would be more thankful for knowing.   I'm giving it a lot of serious thought.  Thanks again.

[shaerich]

my biopsies were benign and I had mine removed anyway.  Now it's different for me b/c I had multiple opinions and they were 50/50 split... some thought even though I had benign biopsies, they'd find cancer, others said to just check it every year.  For me... I couldn't stand the thought of having to have a biopsy every year and every year go through the worry of "what if it's cancer this time?"  B/c I had lots of nodules, they had no problem getting it covered through insurance and having it out.  

I advise you to think long and hard about your decision... will you be bummed if everything comes back benign and now you're on meds for the rest of your life?  I was pretty bummed.  Relieved beyond belief, but bummed.  And I'm still adjusting... but I still don't think any other decision would have allowed me to move on with my life.  It was too overwhelming to wonder if I had cancer.

Just my $.02.