Medication

How long would a person live with thyroid cancer if not treated?  And if you have a thyroid removed, and you couldn't get the medication for one reason or another, how long could you live without the medication?

[pep88]

Check out this thread.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/697308?personal_page_id=334101&post_id=post_3706172
Also this:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/722916?personal_page_id=334101&post_id=post_3821553

[4helen]

Thx so much for these links; very powerful threads and highly moving personal stories that I was unaware were happening, and as a newbie in the waiting room so to speak - poignant!

To Chris - I hope you are able to find the right answers to your questions - best of luck. : )

[Rachel4]

Thyroid hormone is cheap. Generics are available at Target for $4 per month regardless of insurance. I think Walmart has a similar deal.

[bluestarmom187]

It is not a matter of how long you can live with thyroid cancer. Some people (Including Me) think "What the hell" and just want to let the cancer run it's course. The only problem with this is the loaction of the cancer (In my freaking neck) snuggled right up next to my airway. I call my tumor "My Little Buddy". Now..my little buddy decided to keep right on growing, which most tumors do and now my airway is being pressed on.

No matter how you feel or what you think, A cancerous Tumor in your neck must be removed before it starts choking you to death..there is NO other option. Trust me been down that road. If I had to take a guess at the rate that my little buddy is growing, I would say without surgery, I would start having serious problems around 5 months from now. Serious meaning, not getting enough H20 to even think clearly. I think that after my little buddy is removed then I can pick and choose what I want to be done and do not want to be done.

The main focus is "Get the Tumor out Before it Chokes You" this is not a type of cancer that you can say what ever happens, happens.

I also had concerns about them taking a part of my body that will require me to be on meds the rest of my life. That is a lot of power to turn over to our Medical Ind. But I do think that it is the lesser of the two evils.LOL

Me and my little buddy get to go to the Seattle Cancer Center next friday to arrange the terms of our seperation. (LOL) I just have to keep it on the funny side.(smile)

So...why are you asking these questions? Are you facing this or is a family member? Please share....I have been slammed a lot on this forum yet I have been helped a lot as well asking these exact questions and then some. We can offer all kinds of info and experience or maybe just listen if you need.

[chris5666]

I have thyroid cancer and had my thyroid removed a few weeks ago...and I am wondering if it was worth while. I felt good before surgery, and now i just feel terrible every day.  I don't want to go through radiation and i am already tired of taking synthyroid. i hate it.
i want the whole thing out of my life and just thinking about walking away from it.

[4helen]

Hi Chris ---- haven't had the TT like you (still in the waiting room) but am feeling for you and just wanted to post ---don't give up ----you've done the hardest and the best and probably the worst bit ---and got the bad cut out! It will only get better from here and keep posting ----so many good and strong people here who can relate and share and care --- and can help you through what must feel like proverbial free fall, but the landing is very in sight!  Hugs from London.  : )