scared

My endocrinologist didn't call my thyroid growth a "goiter". She said the tissue looked different...no defined edges. Like many others here, she did a needle biopsy and it came back benign. Due to the size of the growth (on the right side, it has grown under the collar bone, turned, and is touching my lung) the fact that there is calcification and cysts on the left side, we agreed that I should have a total thyroidectomy. I didn't realize until reading on the internet that the calcification is an increased risk for cancer. I'm on a waiting list for an available operating room can you believe it? I saw the surgeon Oct 26th and still don't have a surgery date. The waiting is giving me time to be more scared.....

[TamraW]

Most nodules turn out to be benign. However, thyroid cancer has a very high cure rate. Are you outside the US? Is this why you are waiting so long?

In the meantime, have you had your antibodies tested to determine why the goiter and nodules? The TGab and TPOab tests are needed.

Take care...
:) Tamra

[alladdsup]

I'm within the United States...California to be exact. Believe me, it makes no sense to me. The antibodies were normal. They can't find an explanation for the growth...which makes me even more nervous.

[redheadaussie]

Hi there. It is probably more reasonable to expect it is being removed as it is just growing into areas it shouldn't! A goiter is when the thyroid itself is inflamed and grown larger. Nodules tend to be singular off the thyroid and can grow quite independently of the thyroid. Which, I think is happening in your case. Calcifcation is not always a cancer sign. Calcifaction often happens when something has died off. It has become rock hard.
  I had surgery for a pre-cancer and also Hashimoto's disease. I had a singular nodule which was not part of the thyroid itself but dangling away merrily off it. I had numerous nodules and a large goiter. Pretty much a menu of thyroid disorders to choose from! LOL

I seriously don't think it is a cancer. It is very worrisome I am sure for you to go through this. I know the waiting is the worst part! I also know that being on a waiting list is painful too!  I had private health insurance and needed urgent surgery, but still had to wait 2 weeks to know the surgery date. Luckily for me it was only a few days after that I had the surgery. So hang in there! You will not drop dead in the mean time!

[alladdsup]

Thanks so much for replying. It sounds like my thyroid is growing in the same manner yours did.... without the goiter! You're right,the waiting is the worst part. I guess I don't understand today's medical system. I thought they would call me in a few days with a surgery date.

I think the fact that my daughter had to have her thyroid removed at 25 due to a thyroid storm is adding to their concern. Her numbers were off the charts and her resting heart rate was 200. No medications (26 thyroid meds and 5 beta blockers a day) could control it or slow her heart rate.

I also have an uncle that we believe died due to an overactive thyroid. He was extremely thin, ate voraciously, and his eyes bugged out. He never went to the doctor - lived out in the country in South Dakota and didn't believe in them. He died of a heart attack at 38 years old.

[alladdsup]

I have a surgery date....December 2nd. Wish me luck!

[alladdsup]

I am 1 month post thyroidectomy tomorrow. Doing OK...I stiil have some sweeling in the middle of my scar. Did you have this?