How long should I wait to get my thyroid surgery?

[grannyLof9]

I am a 65 year old female that about 8 or 9 months ago had a biopsy done on my thyroid.
I kept telling my PCP for several months something was wrong with me. Couldn't explain.  Tired,
fast heart rate and pulse, flu-like symptoms, etc.  She said all my labs were okay relating to
my thyroid....TSH, T3, T4, but I still insisted something was wrong. After some time, she finally
ordered an ultra sound of my thyroid, by shear luck, and found I have a 2.9 cm nodule on the
right lobe of my thyroid.  I had a biopsy performed, which the doctor felt at that time optimistic, but,
"never say never".  After seeing a general surgeon, he consulted with the doctor that did the biopsy,
plus the pathologist and cytech. It was felt at least part of my thyroid should be removed because
of the uncertainty of the cells.  My surgeon feels somewhat optimistic that it's benign, but no promises
and  encouraged me to have the surgery.

I have questions at this time. I recently went to a new urologist because of chronic UTI's for over
15 years. He immediately ordered a CT of my abdomen, much to my surprise the CT showed
an approximate mass of 2.2 cm on my right kidney. He also ordered a bone scan and chest xray,
which were both negative. This mass has to be removed. My thyroid surgeon said have the kidney
addressed first because it might be possible cancer. I'm so worried and concerned about waiting
to have the thyroid surgery not knowing if it is malignant or not, and also how long have I had
this thyroid nodule. I feel very confused. Should I go by what my surgeon tells me, should I seek
an opinion from an ENT or Endocrinologist.  Who would be the best to perform my thyroid surgery
when the time comes.  I'm concerned of malignancy and survival rate because of my age. I
cannot sleep, loss of appetite and very nervous.  

My husband just 3 months ago was also diagnosed with cancer (prostate) and has to have
surgery in May.  This adds so much pressure and worry.....both of us at the same time.  I'm at
a loss and would appreciate any advice.  I'm sure the kidney will come first, but not knowing
details of thyroid cancer, I'm very scared.  It's so easy to say, "try not to worry", but with both
my husband and I at the same time is alot to worry about.  

What is the percentage of benign thyroid nodules?  And, if malignant, how curable especially at my age
if follicular or papillary?

I apologize for this lengthy question, but I'm beyond knowing what to do.

Thank you.
grannyLof9

[grannyLof9]

Well, here I am with another comment.  I posted a discussion back in April, 2009 regarding my kidney issue.  Last year I had an FNA done on my thyroid, and to this date, have not had the thyroid surgery.  My nodule was 2.9 cm, the biopsy as told to me by the doctor that performed the biopsy, that he was encouraged that it wasn't cancer, but I also said, "never say never".  My surgeon when I asked his opinion, said he didn't think it was, but no promises.  I understand that some cells are hard to differentiate, and that's probably why they recommend surgery.  Sadly, June 5, 2009, I had a "Radiofrequency Ablation" performed on my kidney that I spoke about and it WAS RENAL CELL CARCINOMA".  I'm so upset and worried I can't see straight.  My tumor was very small, confined with no spreading of cancer anywhere, bones, lungs, pancreas and all other organs.  Thank God for that.  It is believed it was Stage 1 found early by coincidence.  Now I have to have follow-up CT's every 3 months, then 6 months then every year.  My thyroid surgery should have been done over a year ago and I'm reluctant to go forward with that now until I feel my kidney issue is stable enough.  

I do a lot of soul searching every day, but can't decide what to do.  I'm now thinking about having a second follow-up on the thyroid.....blood tests, another scan (uptake) and whatever else to see if it has grown and maybe just watch it for a while longer.  Two medical problems at one time, one that can be very lethal (kidney).  This is just too much for me to handle.  I still have to have major back surgery, total knee replacement and 2 eye surgeries.  I know there are a lot of people that are worse off then me, God Bless them, but I do not have a support system at all.  Would I be making a big mistake by waiting on the thyroid surgery, and who would I see for a second opinion for my thyroid.  I know it's slow growing, but I'm 66 yrs. old now. I heard survival rate is lower the older you are.  What is the survival rate at 66?

I'd like to avoid surgery right now for just a while longer to feel better about the kidney cancer before I make a decision on the thyroid.  I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said I wasn't scared, because I am.  I've got my seatbelt fastened and ready to do what I have to do, just don't know which to do first.  

I thank anyone that cares enough to read this comment and reply.  I realize I'm the one that has to make the decision, but I need direction. The responses I received with my first posting were so caring and supportive.  Thank all of you.

Bless all of you that have had thyroid and/or other medical problems and wish you well.  

grannyLof9

[grannyLof9]

I just joined this forum tonight and was so pleased to receive responses so quickly. I
hope you continue to do well.  I can't believe the kindness that people show others on
these forums.  Thank you so much for your kindness.  I will address the kidney issue
first as I have had urinary problems for over 15 years. I'm very interested in knowing what
this DNA test is that you have had done to check for cancer. I've never heard of it before.
I went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for almost three years and they did
nothing for me. They wanted to give me an Interstim Bladder Pacemaker, at least try. They made no promises. My bladder doesn't empty completely and the remaining urine
just sits and colonizes in my bladder and makes me constantly sick.  In and out of the
hospital 4 times in less then 2 years.  I don't know why they didn't do a CT of my abdomen as part of the protocol.  I quit going there because I was very unhappy with the
care. I started a new urologist last month and he found the mass first time.  

I'm thinking I might get a second opinion before kidney surgery.  They say it's the best thing to do.  My thyroid still worries me though.  Did you say you had thyroid surgery?  If so, was it very painful?  I hear waiting for things to change is the worst that you get very, very fatigued, etc.  If a total, they have to regulate your thyroid medication.  Every day I have my "10 minutes" of self-pity, then I move on with my day.  I think of others that are worse off then I am and younger too.  I'm 65.  I kinda feel guilty complaining about being scared and worried.  Is it hard to swollow and eat after thyroid surgery and for how long?

The more I understand, it helps me to relax a little.  Many, many people have gone through this and did well from what I've read.  One person that wrote to me found out she had thyroid cancer right after the birth of her second baby.  As far as I know she's doing well....thank God.  I pray for all people that have gone through any type of cancer.  I think a positive attitude, along with loving caring friends, and a good support system is wonderful.  I laugh alot and kid around when I'm nervous.  I guess you could call me a blabber mouth.  Just nerves!  LOL!  My daughter is a police officer and she's the same way.  It's a good release.

Do you think it hurts to seek a second opinion on any kind of surgery?  I've heard that the Cleveland Clinic is great for kidney problems. From what I read, they pioneered procedures there that were very successful.

Thank you again for your response.
Linda

[nissah46]

Try not to worry too much.  My Mom had kidney cancer and I had thyroid cancer. She had her kidney removed 7 years ago and is doing fine.  I had my thyroid removed almost 3 years ago and I am doing fine. Hopefully your thyroid nodule will be benign and it will be one less thing to worry about.  You should probably discuss with a surgeon which one needs to be dealt with first, probably kidney. Good luck.
Trish

[ChitChatNine]

90% of nodules are benign.  I'm not  a Dr but agree that the kidney issues are much more pressing at this time bcz they can move allong the Urinary tract vs. the thyroid which is usually very slow growing and most stay put and take a long, long time to grow.

Pls know we are HERE FOR YOU!!!!!   I had a melanoma removed 6 mos after my partial thyroid  .. I know how you feel and all the thoughts racing through your mind.  I also have kidney issues and had to have a special urine DNA test done 2X in a year to rule out cancer and 2 cystoscopes and all turned out ok, but it was scary, along with an atypical colon polyp removed.  It's a lot on your plate, but we are here for you.

If you want, PM me ... I know a few friends well from the MSK (Medullary Sponge Kidney community) who know tons about kidney and/or have resources for you to reference.  MSK people make constant kidney stones.

C~