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548556 tn?1214749882

Just diagnosed: Hurthle carcinoma

Am scheduled for a total thyroidectomy, but the thought of living without a thyroid gland scares me to death.  One hears about stories of ups and downs, and myriad difficulties tweaking dosage and med types.  The fear comes with the thought of losing control of moods and energy levels.  Am so confused about medication and T3-T4, and Armour versus Synthroid versus whatever.  It would seem that if one loses a thyroid, the post-op medication would serve as an external replacement.  Is there a Thyroid for Dummies book that I can read?

Thanks
Wendy
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548556 tn?1214749882
   Thanks for the advise and info.  I had to laugh when I saw there really WAS a "Thyroid for Dummies." I need a baseline of info, so I'm heading out now to get a copy.
   In any case, even now, I'm armed with much more information since last Thursday (plus a little more confidence). I'm going to switch endocrinologists (current guy, in spite of lab results, is still treating me like a tiresome post menopausal female who just needs a little estrogen to make it all okay).  No kidding: hypothyroid bloodwork results; thyroid scan = cold node; FNA = Hurthle cell carcinoma... And so what did he do? He put me on birth control pills and told me to check back in 6 weeks.

-whoa-
Tomorrow is Monday -Let the journey begin.
Helpful - 0
219241 tn?1413537765
Hi I had Hurthle Cell Adenoma with cellular changes which led me to have the remainder of my thyroid out in Dec 07. I can relate to your fears.I was devastated! But fear of the unknown is the biggest fear of all.
   You will find as soon as you get your thyroid out they will start you on medication, be it Synthroid or Armour, you will need it! It can be a harrowing time getting the levels right to start with, and of course, nothing is as good as having your own functioning thyroid. It's been 6 months for me and a very BIG learning curve, but I am happy to share my experience with you and let you know of all the pitfalls one doesn't know till having undergone thyroidectomy.
  If you have Hurthle Cell carcinoma you will more than likely have to have radiation therapy, which is not so bad. I personally haven't had it but many have on this forum and can let you know of their experiences.
Keep in touch!
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Avatar universal
Welcome.  So sorry you have such news to deal with.  I hope the support and shared experiences here help you through.  We're always available.

There is indeed a book called "Thyroid for dummies," by Alan Rubin, M.D.  It has a lot of basic information about the thyroid and is sold in any chain book store.  I found it helpful.

As far as books go though, I personally think, there are a lot out there that end up just being a salespitch for unqualified persons to make money.  Same goes for internet sites.  You have to be careful.

I can relate to your fears of the future.  But I can say, personally, that taking it one thing at a time, you go through it and get through it.

Personally, I had a TT but my thryoid ended up being benign.  However, there are many here, and obviously at the .org site mentioned above, who have experiences with your same diagnosis.  You'll be amazed at their strength.

Keep sharing, keep in touch and, again, we're here for you.
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548556 tn?1214749882
Thanks!  Just checked out your recommendations.  Both sites are helpful.  I will be reading for the next few days, though.  There is a lot of information!
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Avatar universal

Try
http://www.endocrineweb.com/hurthle.html for more info on hurtle cell carcinoma or
have a look www.thyca.org

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548556 tn?1214749882
Yup - FNA showed multiple clusters of Hurtle cells -appears to be some nodal involvement as well.  
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Avatar universal
How do you know if you have Hurtle carcinoma if you haven't had TT yet?

Have you had FNA yet?
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