Please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those, along with ranges.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. I had a lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy and 5 years of Tamoxifen. I am still here (2014). I am currently being treated by an endocrinologist for hypothyroidism. I am now experiencing neck pain, pain on my adam's apple and fatigue.
I was diagnosed with Hosimotos Thyroiditis in 1984, have been taking thyroiud medication ever since, and I am 14 years post breast cancer. I just found out that I have 2 nodules and a 1 inch mass on the right side of my thyroid and have a biopsy scheduled for next week. I am upset because I have been to several doctors regarding my hoarse voice, coughing, choking and breathing difficulties. Now I believe that these symptoms were related to what has been growing in my neck region. I too have concerns/questions regarding breast cancer metastasis. Any words of wisdom is appreciated!
Hi, just wanted to say thanks to you who take time to write. I have stage 3 breast cancer with mets to the lymph nodes. Currently I am under going radiation treatments. An oh-by-the-way occured a few days ago when I was told I have an abnormality on my thyroid. Ultrasound reveals a single complex nodule. Of course the thought this could be mets from the breast cancer has entered my mind. I am scheduling a biopsy so we will find out. This whole journey has been something. I have 6 children, 5 still at home with the youngest being 8. I have learned laughter, love and prayer have been my greatest relief during all of this. These I send to all of you.
First of all, welcome to our fun little thyroid group.
Breast cancer can metastasize ANYWHERE as can most cancers. However thyroid isn't as common a site as liver, lungs, bone, brain, lymph nodes, etc.
There is a lot of research that shows the incidence of thyroid cancer and breast cancer (separate cancers) can be related since both are hormone fed. There are a few on this forum who have been through both. In fact, that is why I took myself *OFF* HRT following surgical menopause, I am a thyroid cancer survivor (as are three of my sisters) and my aunt has Stage III breast cancer. I figured fueling anything with hormones was just stupid so I'm just melting away with hot flashes. :-)
As for the TSH being tied to the chances of thyroid cancer - nope. All the research shows that there is no correlation between TSH levels and thyroid cancer. In fact all of us in my family has completely normal thyroid levels and we all either had papillary carcinoma (four of us) or were precancerous (2 of us).
My endocrinologist also explained that, for some of us, once the cancer switch is flipped to "on" the chances are higher for a second cancer. :-(
Sorry to put it like that, it's been a long day and I'm a bit stressed. However, being a cancer survivor, I'm sure you are researching the heck out of this too. I know I did.
Just remember, 85-95% of thyroid nodules are benign. Since you are consulting a surgeon, are you having surgery?
hang in there - thyroid cancer is VERY different from breast cancer. Much easier to treat and much slower growing. I'm not going to tell you thyroid cancer is a "good one" 'cause that drives me crazy. It *is* treatable and you have lots of support, experience, and love here!!
I read someplace that other types of cancer can (rarely) metastisise to the thyroid .. I recall reading it and remembering it vividly as a very remote possibility that nothing is nothing until it is biopsied.
C~
Thank you all for taking the time to post to my questions...you all seem to be very supportive of each other. I am so happy that I found this site and I am sure I will be referring to it often! Thank you again for your kind comments and support. I am going on vacation (was already planned and I need it bad....these Michigan winters are cold) my surgery is scheduled for when I return.
It would most likely be the other way around, with a anaplastic ca/lymphomic ca of the thyroid matastising to the breast, lungs lymph nodes ect. not the other way around...
best of results to you
Lisa
I was diagnoses with Follicular thyroid cancer last
September.
Any diagnosis of cancer is scary as you must know.
The people on this board are very helpful.
Sounds like you are doing the right things , you have a
top thyroid surgeon.
I think not knowing is the hardest.
Just remember no matter what the outcome you can face it and beat it, you have beaten cancer before you can do it again !!
I just finished a book that I found interesting
"Theres no place like hope a guide to beating cancer in mind size bites" by Vickie Girard.
Wish you good luck !
Keep us posted.
Although I'm not a doctor, just a thyroid cancer survivor, I do not understand why your dr would say a low TSH means less likelihood of cancer. My TSH was almost undectable at <.006 and I had 4 cold nodules, one that was 8mm that was papillary carcinoma. So I personally would not go by that correlation. Although having thyroid cancer has not been a walk in the park, compared to what my sister-in-law went thru with ovarian cancer, it hasn't been that bad. My sister-in-law survived only 14 months after diagnosis and was in terrible pain most of the time. With you having survived breast cancer, if indeed you have thyroid cancer, you'll find it to be maybe not a walk in the park but more like a roller coaster ride, with all the ups and downs of going between hyper and hypohell. This website has been a lifeline getting me through. My family and friends are supportive, but there is nothing like the support from those who have btdobtts (been there, done that, bought the t-shirt), which this forum provides in spades!!