Thyroid cancer has spread

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in March of 2007, after a thyroidectomy.  I recently went to my endocrinologist and had an ultrasound done and he found some suspicious lymph nodes.  Now when I was diagnosed the doctor said the cancer had spread to one lymph node on the right side of my neck.  The ultrasound revealed that it is now on the left side as well.  I am scheduled to have surgery to remove the suspicious 8 lymph nodes on both sides of my neck.  I was wondering what type of surgery/scars will I have and should I contact an oncologist to see if the cancer has spread anywhere else?

[ChitChatNine]

Hello and Welcome.  Sorry to read your update.  Did you have RAI after your first DX?  Also, I'm sure others will stop by with some helpful advice.  We are here for you and please update us when you hear more.

C~
Partial
Pap micros 1/07

[kanishnish21]

Yes I had the radioactive iodine, worst 4 days of my life!  Nothing like being in a secluded room that is covered in paper/plastic wrap!  I wish I could have the iodine again, but since I have two children under 15 months and the amount of the lymph nodes, it's not an option.  Waiting to hear back from the dr today to see when the surgery is.  Thank you for your post!  

[nissah46]

Have you had Whole Body Scans since your RAI?  Have you had your thyroglobulin (Tg)tested? Usually an increace in Tg, indicates a recurrence.  
Trish

[momz2busy]

Hi, I am sorry to hear about your news. I am no doctor, but I would definitely advise you to become your own health care advocate immediately and go to an oncologist. You will want a PET scan, that is for soft tissue (spread to lungs, organs, etc.) and mri to check your bones. You are way too young not to be pro-active here- there is no such thing as too many test when it comes to metastasized cancer. You have to take care of you, and you may have to fight the insurance companies occasionally to do it. Believe me, they turn you down, call again, and again, until your tests are approved. It is your one life, they will give in, but only to the squeaky wheel. Best of luck to you and your beautiful family, please keep us posted. Much love, Laura

[kanishnish21]

I have an appointment with my surgeon next week to discuss the surgery.  No whole body scans yet but I will be discussing that with the surgeon.  As for the thyroglobulin test, it's void because there are antibodies present.  I'll also be contacting my father and grandmother's oncologist.  Thanks for the help. :)

[whittie918]

I'm really surprised that you have not had an uptake scan and re-occurring tg/tgab tests.  I know the antibodies can cause a fake high low, but it is still a good tool.  My doctor is following the antibody levels . I was diagnosed 11/07 and am working on my 3rd uptake scan.  

Lymph nodes can be swollen and not be cancer.  I sure hope thats what is up with you.  

[kanishnish21]

I've already had a fna on them and that came back positive.  Also i was pregnant until 4/14 so they couldn't do the scan but tested my levels every 4 weeks.

[Smilerdeb]

From what I see...your Endo will want you to have RAI again after surgery and as hard as it is with 2 young babies....I am afraid that this may keep reoccurring if not done :(
Talk to your Endo about this at great length.
I know if I was in your position, I would try and find a close family member to have the babies while RAI is done.
But see what the Endo says first.

[kanishnish21]

Already talked to my endocrinologist and he says that the rai is not an option because of the children and because there are so many little lymph nodes he doesn't think it will matter.  As of right now I'm due to have surgery and then we go on from there.

[nissah46]

RAI is probably the best option for mopping up any remaining thyroid cells. Is there no way you can be out of the house for about a week, or have the children stay with someone for that time.  Please reconsider.
Trish

[kanishnish21]

Unfortunately I have already got a second opinion.  The other doctor also said that surgery is the best option.  Even if I was to have the RAI I'd have to be away from my children for over 2 weeks and that is not possible.  I'm slowly coming to terms with having the surgery, I'm just more scared of what happens after.  Cancer runs in my family, 7 people have had it on both sides, including my father.  Thanks for your concern but I trust my endocrinologist and his partners.