hemithyroidectomy

[plf66]

I was diagnosed three weeks ago with papillary thyroid cancer, and two  2 cm nodules.  I was advised to have complete thyroidectomy and partial lymph nodes removed.  I had surgery a week and a half ago.  My doctor advised me that he did a hemithyroidectomy, and that the nodules were benign.  He also advised me that he nicked my voice box.  Since surgery I am unable to swallow properly, speak without squeeking, project my voice, cough--and my left thigh is completely numb.   I am very confused by these complications, as I was told that I would only be in hosp. for a day, but spent four. and although I am thankful for the "benign" report, I am confused as to why at first it was positive for cancer.  Can you give me any insight to these questions? thank you.

[Michelle_P]

I don't have any answers for you- but wanted to say I am sorry you had such a terrible experience.

Hope you are feeling better soon :).

[plf66]

thanks MANmom for the reply.  I had fine needle biopsies done prior to surgery, which were positive for cancer.  I then had the frozen section biopsy done during surgery, which apparently came back milignant.  Again, thanks for your response

[MANmom]

Did they do the biopsy on the nodule they removed?  I don't know how they had a false positive.  I am sooo sorry you have had these complications.  It is so very important to get THE very best surgeon, one who does at least 50 thyroids a year or more.  I would suggest finding a new ENT, one who is very good, maybe there is something else they can do, and then I would sue the other guy.  Good luck. =(