Aa
Pathology in - Papillary Cancer now what?
Doctor just called surgury was last wed..left nodule removed and he said he also took one lymph node. Lymph node was fine. Nodule was papillary cancer and removed. Referring me to a endo doctor and have appt with surgeon thurs to discuss things with him first. Feeling a tad bit tired and lost where do i go now? Do they normally take the other side of the thyroid or leave? If he took the cancer out is that it?
I am also new on the site. Had a full operation whereby first my left side of the thyroid was taken out due to cancer an a week after the first operation the right side were taken out. Starting immediately with blood tests etc to undergo the radiation. I am really scared to do it but my daughter was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer and she is currently in remission, this makes me believe that I can also won this battle.
I have my appt with the surgeon today. Can Guess what he will suggest but anyway. I can't seem to find an endo doc close that specializes in thyroid so guess I'll ask him who he suggests. When Katrina came through here alot of the doctors left so not as many to choose from. :)
Sooo sorry to hear your news... did they not do a frozen section while you were in surgery ??? sorry I didnt remebr if that was yoour doc or anothers who did not believe in it? anyway yes they will and probaly remove the remaing half! always better to be safe than sorry .. but to say when they will remove it ? you will be fine though.. many tyca surviors here as matter fact all surviors =)) and you are too. Keep followed up with your doc, im sure the many wonderful thyca members here will lead you with advice as to the neccessary steps usally taken from here... GOD BLESS YOU!!! you will be ok~~~ E-HUGS to you.
We are all here for you =)
Kelly~
=))
We are all here for you =)
Kelly~
=))
My doctor was the one that said he didnt believe in the frozen section because he said they are 50% accurate. He had to have known what he saw was cancer though from taking out my lymph node because, before surgery I had asked about taking any out and he said that wasn't the norm. :)
wow....this site is wonderful because I don't know another soul with thyroid problems and am so glad I did a bit of surfing. And, yes I have done quite a bit of soul searching lately but I think its a good thing. Wakeup calls are always something to learn from. Its so comforting though to hear about everyones struggles and survival too. I am inspired for sure! I am 48 and certainly not ready to go anywhere!!! And after surviving Katrina here in La.....don't think much can keep me from that. If it had to be cancer I do get that this is the easiest to deal with. Tks for the support it helps make that new extra smile I have feel much better :)
I am new to this board however unfortunately in the same situation as you. First of all let me tel you how sorry I am you received the diagnosis. Although everyone will tell you it is a "good" cancer to get it is still cancer and not what you ever want to hear. I had a hemithyroidectomy on Nov.30 due to several nodules, one in particular measuring 4.5 cm. and received patholgy on Dec.19 that it was papillary cancer. I went back up in January for a follow up visit with the surgeon (who is wonderful and did a terrific job the first time) and found out I will have to have a second surgery to remove the remaining thyroid. That surgery is scheduled for Feb.22 with the same surgeon and going in the same incision with the same recovery time.
At the end of January I also started seeing an endocrinologist who seems to be very good and indicated I will receive RAI on April 11 following two weeks of coming off synthroid and LID. Hopefully a whole body scan will be scheduled for sometime in May to make sure all cells are gone. Other than feeling tired which has not been new to me for the past couple of years I am looking forward to having this all over. For me the procedures have not been all that bad but the waiting..........we all know how horrible that is!
Good luck with your followup and keep us posted.
Thanks for letting me share........
Lee
At the end of January I also started seeing an endocrinologist who seems to be very good and indicated I will receive RAI on April 11 following two weeks of coming off synthroid and LID. Hopefully a whole body scan will be scheduled for sometime in May to make sure all cells are gone. Other than feeling tired which has not been new to me for the past couple of years I am looking forward to having this all over. For me the procedures have not been all that bad but the waiting..........we all know how horrible that is!
Good luck with your followup and keep us posted.
Thanks for letting me share........
Lee
{{{{{ SNIFFLE SNIFFLE }}}} You told all my emotions in your post. Anger .. that was the one that kept coming up in the emotional roller coaster and getting squashed back down ... take the time to feel your feelings and ea. one will soften and then blend into the next and as Charley said you take a look at yourself and your life and your surroundings and this new chapter of your life can be a new beginning all around.
Charley, you have inspired me, too with the school. I have been going 25yrs+ all at night .. I'm a Jr. and I keep saying I'll continue .. all was done @ night while working full time with 2 children and then I tried again when my babies #3 and #4 were toddlers but it was too much so I put it on the back burner, but you may have inspired me to go back again in Sept and be serious about finishing up this degree (BS with emphasis in Marketing) .................
I may never do anything with the piece of paper, but it is something I always wanted to do and by doing so I can take control of my life w/o the Big C taking control of me and my emotions keeping me in a holding pattern.
Maybe getting Cancer in the thyroid (which is so treatable and curable) is a hint for me to readdress my life and do something for me ?
C~
Charley, you have inspired me, too with the school. I have been going 25yrs+ all at night .. I'm a Jr. and I keep saying I'll continue .. all was done @ night while working full time with 2 children and then I tried again when my babies #3 and #4 were toddlers but it was too much so I put it on the back burner, but you may have inspired me to go back again in Sept and be serious about finishing up this degree (BS with emphasis in Marketing) .................
I may never do anything with the piece of paper, but it is something I always wanted to do and by doing so I can take control of my life w/o the Big C taking control of me and my emotions keeping me in a holding pattern.
Maybe getting Cancer in the thyroid (which is so treatable and curable) is a hint for me to readdress my life and do something for me ?
C~
Hey C,
I am glad that you found my post an inspiration! I just know for me, I have been stuck in a rut for the last 10 yrs. After my divorce, I just struggled to do what I had to do in order to survive. It has been such a hard road, but I am actually thankful (in a weird kind of way) that cancer happened. It woke me up! I was just exsisting - not living - so now, I feel like I am getting my life back. All things happen for a reason, and I believe this was my wake up call from God! So, I am WIDE AWAKE now!!! I am going to a satellite school almost 1.5 hrs away. I will go one nite a week, so that is very doable. It is a fast track program, and is from 6-10 pm one nite a week, with a couple of classes online as well. This is the perfect way for me to get my degree. I am going to do something in the counseling field - also thinking about substance abuse counseling. I think its also important for me to show my son how important education is.
I am a true believer now that we women do so much for others and not enough for ourselves. We can only have healthy relationships with others if we, ourselves are happy and healthy. I know for me, right now, I have something to look forward to - I have an attainable goal - something which I haven't had in a long time.
So, all in all, cancer was a good thing for me - it's like all the pieces of the puzzle of my life are finally fitting together and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.....what a feeling!
Peace and good health to you,
Charley
I am glad that you found my post an inspiration! I just know for me, I have been stuck in a rut for the last 10 yrs. After my divorce, I just struggled to do what I had to do in order to survive. It has been such a hard road, but I am actually thankful (in a weird kind of way) that cancer happened. It woke me up! I was just exsisting - not living - so now, I feel like I am getting my life back. All things happen for a reason, and I believe this was my wake up call from God! So, I am WIDE AWAKE now!!! I am going to a satellite school almost 1.5 hrs away. I will go one nite a week, so that is very doable. It is a fast track program, and is from 6-10 pm one nite a week, with a couple of classes online as well. This is the perfect way for me to get my degree. I am going to do something in the counseling field - also thinking about substance abuse counseling. I think its also important for me to show my son how important education is.
I am a true believer now that we women do so much for others and not enough for ourselves. We can only have healthy relationships with others if we, ourselves are happy and healthy. I know for me, right now, I have something to look forward to - I have an attainable goal - something which I haven't had in a long time.
So, all in all, cancer was a good thing for me - it's like all the pieces of the puzzle of my life are finally fitting together and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.....what a feeling!
Peace and good health to you,
Charley
Hey,
I just wanted to let you know that I am a papillary cancer survivor as well. Had total thyroidectomy in August and RAI in October. I had Hashimotos thyroiditis as well. Mine had been there so long that it had some serious calcification and was a longer, more complicated surgery. Mine had spread to my lymph nodes - 7 out of the 9 that he removed during surgery. My point is this: I just had another scan last month and I am CANCER FREE!!! Be gentle with yourself - this is a very treatable and even curable cancer. It is so easy to say that but I remember when people said that to me and I felt as though they were belittling my cancer. No cancer is truly a good cancer - but if you HAVE to have one, this is it. Hearing the words "you" and "cancer" in the same sentence changes you in alot of ways. I kept thinking about all the stuff that I haven't done and it made me face my own mortality. So, life has changed for me and I am heading back to school to finish my degree...I am 39 years old! I said I was going to go back after my son was born and that was 13 years ago! So, if anything good came out of my cancer, It is the fact that it really made me take stock of my life and to realize - cancer or no cancer - life is short and you only get one shot.
Concentrate on you - and feel whatever you NEED to feel in order to help you heal. I will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Sorry you are now a member of the club, but you're in a good spot for support!
Take care - I wish you good health and peace,
Charley
I just wanted to let you know that I am a papillary cancer survivor as well. Had total thyroidectomy in August and RAI in October. I had Hashimotos thyroiditis as well. Mine had been there so long that it had some serious calcification and was a longer, more complicated surgery. Mine had spread to my lymph nodes - 7 out of the 9 that he removed during surgery. My point is this: I just had another scan last month and I am CANCER FREE!!! Be gentle with yourself - this is a very treatable and even curable cancer. It is so easy to say that but I remember when people said that to me and I felt as though they were belittling my cancer. No cancer is truly a good cancer - but if you HAVE to have one, this is it. Hearing the words "you" and "cancer" in the same sentence changes you in alot of ways. I kept thinking about all the stuff that I haven't done and it made me face my own mortality. So, life has changed for me and I am heading back to school to finish my degree...I am 39 years old! I said I was going to go back after my son was born and that was 13 years ago! So, if anything good came out of my cancer, It is the fact that it really made me take stock of my life and to realize - cancer or no cancer - life is short and you only get one shot.
Concentrate on you - and feel whatever you NEED to feel in order to help you heal. I will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Sorry you are now a member of the club, but you're in a good spot for support!
Take care - I wish you good health and peace,
Charley
Please let us know what the surgeon says. My best to you!! Don't be too frightened, this cancer is VERY treatable.
As far as I know there is no cancer on the remaining part of the thyroid and no other nodules. Have an appt with the surgeon thurs to remove stiches and I am sure he will go over exactly what he found. He has to refer me to the endo and then make an appt from there.
I am sorry but welcome to the PC club - you are in good company. The exact same thing happened to me - but the cancer was discovered after I was wheeled into recovery otherwise they would have taken the entire thing out.
I opted to have the other side taken out a year later because of my overwhelming family history (3/4 sisters were diagnosed with PC that same year). I'm glad I had the other half out because two years later I started getting a "significant amount of aggressive thyroid tissue regrowth" (i.e., cancer) and had to go through RAI. I've been told my many that you can't have RAI for cancer if there is part of the thyroid remaining. Yes, ablation for Graves works with a thyroid but RAI for cancer doesn't because of the *high* levels of radiation.
You have time to heal and consider your options. Did you have a nodule on the remaining side?? Thyroid cancer is very slow growing and your endo will probably want to follow you with labs every three months or so and an ultrasound every 6-12 months.
I'm sorry for your diagnosis. It is like getting hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. It took me a long time to come to grips with being a "cancer" survivor. Others are going through the same thing.
Next steps are talking to your endo. He/she will want to keep your thyroid (and any remaining cancer - even if it's micro cancers) very suppressed by keeping your TSH somewhere near .1. You're going to be put on thyroid medication. Some people are fine with half of a thyroid after surgery but for us cancer patients they don't want anything growing. You will be having blood tests and scans too. Other than that - concentrate on GETTING WELL!
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please ask any and all the questions you need - that's what we are here for!
**HUGS**
I opted to have the other side taken out a year later because of my overwhelming family history (3/4 sisters were diagnosed with PC that same year). I'm glad I had the other half out because two years later I started getting a "significant amount of aggressive thyroid tissue regrowth" (i.e., cancer) and had to go through RAI. I've been told my many that you can't have RAI for cancer if there is part of the thyroid remaining. Yes, ablation for Graves works with a thyroid but RAI for cancer doesn't because of the *high* levels of radiation.
You have time to heal and consider your options. Did you have a nodule on the remaining side?? Thyroid cancer is very slow growing and your endo will probably want to follow you with labs every three months or so and an ultrasound every 6-12 months.
I'm sorry for your diagnosis. It is like getting hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. It took me a long time to come to grips with being a "cancer" survivor. Others are going through the same thing.
Next steps are talking to your endo. He/she will want to keep your thyroid (and any remaining cancer - even if it's micro cancers) very suppressed by keeping your TSH somewhere near .1. You're going to be put on thyroid medication. Some people are fine with half of a thyroid after surgery but for us cancer patients they don't want anything growing. You will be having blood tests and scans too. Other than that - concentrate on GETTING WELL!
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please ask any and all the questions you need - that's what we are here for!
**HUGS**
Kathy I am so sorry about the "C" diagnosis.It is hard to hear those words.
I personally have had TT for giant goiter.That is when they found the cancer. The FNA I had earlier didnt show any.
Talk to your endo and see what they say.I know I am glad to have both sides out and I am getting ready for the RaI on Mar 6th.
Keep posting and let su know how it goes.
Love Venora
I personally have had TT for giant goiter.That is when they found the cancer. The FNA I had earlier didnt show any.
Talk to your endo and see what they say.I know I am glad to have both sides out and I am getting ready for the RaI on Mar 6th.
Keep posting and let su know how it goes.
Love Venora
I, too, am in your shoes. See some of my posts from the past 2 weeks inc. the 2nd opinion Endo appt ... sorry to hear the news, but so glad you have that side out!!!! I have a small nodule on the other side ...... geez, we are in the same boat.
C~
C~
I think it just depends on the situation. For me- the doc didn't think it was cancer so the plan was to take the offending side out and leave the other which he assumed had benign small nodules. The plan was to take one side out-- leave me in the operating room, rush it for frozen section and IF there is cancer then open me back up and take the rest out. If the frozen section did NOT show cancer then send me home and wait for results from more extensive labs. If some was shown there, than back to surgery I would go in a few months to have the rest out.
What ended up happening was they DID find cancer in the cross section but only a bit and thankfully they went back in and removed the whole thyroid. When the other labs came back they found a lot more.
But I have also heard of doctors doing the watch and wait in your circumstances.
What ended up happening was they DID find cancer in the cross section but only a bit and thankfully they went back in and removed the whole thyroid. When the other labs came back they found a lot more.
But I have also heard of doctors doing the watch and wait in your circumstances.
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