path report suggests pap cancer

[shocknconfused]

I have been reading up on the internet and I have found many places that argue the assumption of pap cancer as a "good cancer ' . They say that the thyroid cancer is curable bu there is a high occurance of other cancers that stem from the original as far as twenty years down the line. Has anyone been able to get some info about this? I feel like I have been given a death sentence.

[utahmomma]

Hang in there.  Yeah, I got lucky.  I didn't get the diagnosis until I woke up.  :-)

If it is papillary carcinoma (big "IF") remember that it is VERY slow growing and VERY curable so waiting a few weeks for surgery isn't a big deal.  

Every time someone tells you they are praying for you, you might suggest that they help you by staying upbeat because their "concern" is stressing you (and your son) out and that you would really appreciate talking about something other than cancer.

People get really weird when they talk to you after hearing "cancer".   Give it a little time, you'll find humor in it - most of us do.  I even had a couple of t-shirts made that I wear to my medical appointments:

"Like cr@p - but thanks for asking"

"That which doesn't kill you gives you huge co payments!"

It usually cuts the tension.   My sisters brought me a pin I still have for my second thyroid surgery.  It says "I survived d@mned near everything"   I like to wear that one to appointments too.

The shock, mourning, sadness, and fear will subside and humor and hope will take its place.  It just takes time.  :-)

Stay strong.    Send me a PM and let me know how things are going (I don't check the forum much)

take care

Utahmomma

[shocknconfused]

Thank you. I am trying to stay positive but everytime someone calls to say they are praying for me I burst into tears. Your story does give me hope. I think the tough part is waiting for surgery to be scheduled. I just want it out now.but I have to be patient.

[utahmomma]

If it helps, of the 5 daughters in my family four of us have papillary carcinoma (the other has precancerous nodules - thyroid was removed).  The youngest (24 years old when diagnosed) had the worst case and the cancer had spread into the lymph nodes.  She had three recurrences and had metastases into her breasts and liver requiring three doses of I-131 (or, as we call it, RAI - short for radioactive iodine).  Six months after her last dose she conceived the most beautiful little girl.  That little girl just turned three a few months ago - just in time to welcome her new little sister!  My sister has been 100% free and clear of thyroid cancer now for 4 years after that battle and has had two beautiful, healthy, smart little girls!

There is life after papillary carcinoma!


Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03, second surgery '04, recurrence and RAI '06
three sisters with papillary carcinoma (one with three recurrences/RAI)
another sister and daughter with precancerous nodules requiring thyroid removal

[shocknconfused]

My path report stated that the sample taken from the right nodule suspicious of pap cancer. I was at the surgeon today and he said most paths don't like using the 'c' word unless it was strong evidence but even so there was no 100 percent until they dissect the thyroid. I just hope they schedule my surgery soon because although he tried to make me feel like it was not a big deal its still cancer . I told him the word is enogh to throw you through loops.

[bostonrach]

Hi there,

I feel your pain and frustration.  i am going through something very similar.  I was just curious what in your report suggested Cancer?  I recently had an US that my doctor said could very well be cancer.  Just curious if our results were similar.  I also have two little boys (2.9 and 17 mths).  I am scared for them.

[shocknconfused]

thank you for your answers ! it made me feel less alone. my surgeon called on sunday he wants to see me on tues
day to "discuss"
everything. i just want to get my thyroid out !  i was dx with hashi when I was two but since then they had only checked blood for th levels. New dr wanted ultrasound and then they found two nodules. Then two paths say inconclusive finally sent the slides out to expert and came back suggestive of pap cancer . I am so frightened . I have a 16 month old son and all I want is to watch him become a man.

[utahmomma]

They say "good cancer" because there is a very, very effective course of treatment for papillary carcinoma:  I-131 (we call it RAI for radioactive iodine).  After surgery instead of chemo and radiation - like "other cancer" patients get, papillary carcinoma patients are usually given the RAI.  The "good" thing about this type of cancer is it arises from thyroid cells and thyroid is the only tissue in the body that absorbs iodine - hence you radiate iodine the cancer is stupid enough to suck it up and kill itself off.  Pretty cool, eh?

The RAI (and there is a health page about it and you can search on this site about all of our experiences with it) is highly effective.  Some of us have been through more than one course of it but it is highly effective at seeking out and destroying papillary carcinoma - even if it has metastasized to other areas of the body.

My youngest sister had metastases to her liver and breasts and her RAI (third course of it) completely killed it all - she has been clean for 4 years now!!!

We also have a very, very effective cancer marker - called thyroglobulin (Tg).  It is very sensitive and after surgery and RAI treatment we have our Tg levels checked every 3-6 months to watch for a recurrence.  

Patients who suffer from "other cancers" wish they had something as effective at determining a recurrence as the simple Tg blood test and really, really wish that they had a treatment as effective as RAI (instead of chemo which destroys *all* healthy, growing tissue - like hair follicles).

You'll be okay, this cancer is *not* a death sentence.  It's not a walk in the park but it is a highly treatable - and CURABLE - cancer!

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03, second surgery '04, recurrence and RAI '06
three sisters with papillary carcinoma (one with three recurrences/RAI)
another sister and daughter with precancerous nodules requiring thyroid removal

[ChitChatNine]

Also in our health pages there's a wealth of great info and websites.  When a person is diagnosed with the Big C, no matter which one it changes your life forever.  And I hear you and agree with you loud and clear --- it's not a consolation to hear it's the "good cancer" ..... Obviously if you line them up in a row, it's low on the list, but the emotional impact and fear is there still and good or bad it's the same word and changes you forever.  I agree, now with the Cancer DX in your charts --- nothing will ever get overlooked --- every word out of your mouth gets respect and never brushed off .. so you are in great care moving foward.

6 mos after my DX of micro pap's that were incidental findings after my partial with benign orig. nodules removed, I had an early melanoma ... I kept asking myself (when I had moments of fear rush through me) that if the thyroid was the "good cancer" then the melanoma must be the "bad cancer" and then I got angy and said the HE)) with that premise altogether ...... and bought imaginary earplugs, have accepted my conditions and the rest is history as I keep on top of all my tests, dr. appts, and do visual mole ck's 1Xmonth and go every 6 mos for mole checkups.

C!
partial 1/07
papillary microcarinomas (2 of them) found

[nissah46]

Were you recently diagnosed?  Try not to read too much on the internet unless it is on an official site.I hate when people refer to it as "a good cancer". Cancer is cancer.  When you get that news you are shocked. I was diagnosed three years ago with papillary cancer with follicular properties. I have read there is a possibility of 30% recurrance.  You will be followed for life, so anything else would be picked up.  Do you have a date for surgery?  If you go to www dot thryvors dot org there is lots of information. Please feel free to ask me more questions. Good luck.
Trish