papillary thyroid cancer

I'm 60 yrs old and have been recently diagnosed with papillary thyroid, plus my TSH level is 10.2; what happens if I decide not to take meds or have my thyroid removed?   I have no outward indications\signs of  at this time and therefore would rather do nothing; is that wise?

[stella5349]

No it is not wise.

It's cancer -

granted it is one of the most cureable slow growing of the cancer family - but why would you not fix the problem?

Most cancers do not have "indications" until it is too late.  

[ChitChatNine]

am a survivor of Papillary Microcarniomas and had 1/2 my thyroid removed.  May I ask why you wouldn't want to to take meds and/or have it removed?  Is surgery not being recommended bcz of another health reason?  I'm just trying to help you and to understand you and your condition.

We are here for you and many on this community have been where you are now.

Life after my thyroid diagnose is better than before ... keep all options open and remember that hypo can make one feel down ... Did you have a biopsy done?

WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY!

[maryrose59]

As someone who lost someone to cancer (not thyroid) I would be terribly sad if someone I loved had a very curable cancer and wasn't taking every opportunity to get rid of the cancer.  Everything I have read says that this is a very curable cancer. I am currently waiting to have mine FNA and I feel great comfort knowing that if anything is wrong that I have a wonderful chance of dieing from something else, as my DR said than from thyroid cancer. I  have been taking  medication for my hypothyroid and I feel a world of improvement.:)

[utahmomma]

I have papillary carcinoma (with two recurrences), three of my sisters have papillary carcinoma (one with three recurrences including metastases to her breasts).  This is a very curable cancer but it does spread.  The surgery isn't difficult at all (compared to other surgeries) and the followup treatment consists of taking a dose of radiation.  No chemo, no external beam radiation.  It's actually one of the most treatable (and curable) cancers there is.  

Please, please - life is so precious.  Get your thyroid out and get treated.  It's worth it!