thyroidectomy

[leila295]

Hi,
Please ,please help me.I had gone for a check up almost 3 months ago.I had blood work done and all my tsh,t3,t4,cacitonin,thyroglobolin and pthi tests came back fine,except tpo,tgab they were high but I don't have any symptoms .
I don't want to take up much of your time so I just make it as short as I can.After ultrasound,ct scan of the neck and FNA test,the results showed that  'specimen # A  onthe left side of the neck there is tumor(greater than 4.0x 3.4 x 1.4 cm,) demonstrating:
cellular findings consistant with metastatis papillary carcinoma vs. synchronous primary papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid

Speciman # B  of fna test from left inferior thyroid ,poorly defined hypoechoic anechoic lesion(0.81 x 0.51 x 0.45 cm),demonstrating :
finding consistant with origin in papillary carcinoma of thyroid

My whole life has turned into a total hell since my doctor told me I have to have my thyroid removed.I never had any problem during the last 43 years of my life and I am scared of taking pills for the rest of my life.I can't stop crying and I just keep picturing my life being moody,unhappy and tired .
I would like to know if there is any altenatives and how long can I live if I don't have my thyroid removed.I was thinking I would rather live happy for a short period of time than living a long  unhappy one.
I would really appreciate your response.
(sorry  for not writing in a professional way.I have been here for 7 years and haven't gone to school here!)
Thank you so very much,
With regards,
Leila

[Thypatient]

I know it's scary, overwhelming news to hear that you have to have your thyroid removed.  Thinking what life will be like is scary too, but please know that you are not alone.

As for alternatives:  Even if there were a pool to choose from, removal of the gland and living on a replacement pill is still the best option.

I know what you mean, when I thought of what life was going to be like, all I saw was spending the majority of my time in bed or on the cough.  As you say, I too was "picturing my life being moody, unhappy and tired."  I'm happy to report that's not been the case - and I know I'm not alone on that one.

You will get through all this and we will be here for you all the way.  Keep sharing.

[Totie]

I had thyroid removed due to graves/goiter/hyperthyroidism about 14 yrs ago. I do not get the usp/downs that most get when they leave it in. I take one small pill a day and get my levels checked every year. It was not a problem for me. It so much easier to control you levels of thyroid by medication as opposed to having to control them with a "non-functional, eratic thyroid.

Reminder, you only take ONE small pill a day, at least i do.

[utahmomma]

One more thing.  The treatment for thyroid cancer is VERY different from the treatment for other cancers.  There isn't any chemo, you don't lose your hair, and you don't vomit all the time.  I've had the treatment and didn't even know there was anything going on.

I know that the idea of chemo is frightening and if I had a metastatic tumor of any other type of cancer, I'd feel just like you do.  Thyroid cancer is very, very different.  Thyroid tissue absorbs iodine so it's easy to find it and kill it (and its cancer) with radioactive iodine.

Please don't write off your life - there is no need!!!

[utahmomma]

You will be okay!   Of all the surgeries I've had, the thyroid surgery was the easiest.  I know that knowing you have thyroid cancer is frightening but this is the most controllable cancer there is.  The first step is surgery then, like nissah mentioned, radioiodine treatment.  Taking a pill the rest of your life is really no big deal - and helps ensure that you *do* have a life to enjoy.

There are many, many of us on here (and our friends and family) who have been through what you are experiencing.  We are here for you!

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03
recurrence and RAI '06 and probably '08
three sisters with papillary carcinoma (one with three recurrences and spread to her breasts - she's FINE now).

[nissah46]

TAKE A DEEP BREATH.  You will be fine.  I also had 5 tumors on my thyroid, the largest being 4.8cm.  I had papillary cancer with follicular properties.  I had a total thyroidectomy (TT).  Followed 5 months later by radioactive iodine (RAI). I now take medication (synthroid) every day, and get along fine on it.  Sometimes it takes a while to get the correct dosage, but not too hard.  Please feel free to ask lots of questions and you will feel better about what you are going through.  Let us know how you get along.  Take care,
Trish
ps, You have the same name as my sister-in-law