Do I let doctors take 1/2 my thyroid? Help!

[Annepoo65]

Hello to this group, I am new here, a friend suggested I join as I am very confused about my condition. I a 63 year old woman- told I can pass for 40’s- very, very active lifestyle and a lover of life as a little about me.
I have had a goiter for 12 years now as well as rashes, which are actually really open painful sores at times and are on my legs, back and arms and hands sporadically. I have never been diagnosed as doctors would say “it’s just a goiter”. I was also put on heart medication, a calcium channel blocker for palpitations about 15 years ago. I have also suffered from what I am told are ischemic strokes, but I was told this by a particularly sad medical system in my city.
After speaking to a friend recently who is Hypo, she told me a bit about the thyroid and it prompted me to go to a new endo, as you all know a good doctor of any kind is hard to find. She said my symptoms reminded her of things she has read about Graves disease on this site. This new endo thought so too at first but now not sure, but they now want to remove half of my thyroid and if that doesn’t do the trick, to remove the other half.
I’m trying to get my test results as my friend wants to see them, but I do know that my antibodies were not tested and was told other thyroid tests were ok, until an RAI uptake test I was told that two levels were “cold”. I am new to all of this and still trying to get a grasp of it all. I wanted to post here to see if any of this rings any bells with anyone here. I am getting my test results this week and will post them when I get them. I have learned from my friend it’s best to be informed for yourself before letting doctors do just anything. Thank you and I would appreciate any thoughts you may have! My apologies for not being more knowledgeable…..yet!

Hairloss
Memory/word issues
I tend to be thin
Loss of balance when turning
Are some of my symptoms

[goolarra]

I'd certainly insist on FNA before heading directly to surgery.  

I'd also want to have antibody testing.  It might not make a lot of difference in thyroid treatment going forward, but if for no other reason than once we have one autoimmune disease we're more susceptible to getting another, it's valuable history to have for the future.

[Jackie419]

I am sure all here will want to see your test results as soon as you get them and I am wondering how you've had a goiter that long and NO doctor thought to check it out all this time?? We thyroid patients have all the luck!
Board: should she insist on the antibodies tests still??

[Red_Star]

It looks like you have two cold nodules based on your RAI-U results.  About 16% of cold nodules are cancerous.  A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy determines if the nodules are cancerous or not.  

From the American Thyroid Society - Thyroid Surgery Brochure:

"Why do I need an operation?

The most common reason patients are referred for thyroid surgery is
after an evaluation for a thyroid nodule, which usually includes a fine
needle aspiration biopsy (see Thyroid Nodule brochure). Surgery may
be recommended for the following biopsy results: 1) cancer (papillary
cancer); 2) possible cancer (follicular neoplasm); or 3) benign.  Surgery
may be recommended for nodules with benign biopsy results if the
nodule is large, if it continues to increase in size or if it is causing
symptoms (pain, difficulty swallowing, etc.).  Surgery is also an option
for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (see Hyperthyroidism brochure),
for large and multinodular goiters and for any goiter that may be
causing symptoms."