Surgery scheduled 4/18 for recurrent thyroid cancer

[amela321]

Well, the surgery is scheduled.  The surgeon is very much going the conservative route in that he only wants to remove the actual nodule that was biopsied (between the trachea and recurrent laryngeal nerve) and one other possibly suspicious lymph node.  I guess I'm ok with that, but can't help but wonder if I won't just be back in the same boat in a couple of years if that's all we do.  Does anyone have advice and/or experience to share?

Thanks!!

[Thypatient]

Just wanted to share my support that everything works out for you.

[utahmomma]

Okay, non-medical opinion here but since you've already had one recurrence why, oh why, do they want to leave any thyroid tissue in your neck?  The protocol is to surgically remove and perform RAI (which you need as much tissue surgically removed first).  Even if this type of thyroid cancer isn't RAI reactive, it makes sense to remove all the thyroid tissue that affects it.  Right?!?!

Just a thought.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma (with partial) '03
rest of thyroid removed '04
recurrence and RAI '06 and possibly '08

[amela321]

I guess I should have said my initial near total thyroidectomy and RAI was 22 years ago.    This is a recurrence after all that time!  The surgeon is giving me the "slow growing, best cancer to have come back, we can always go back in if it comes back again, blah, blah, blah" but, while I know there's never a guarantee, I'd rather be a bit more aggressive, I guess.  RAI again is unlikely as nothing showed up on a recent WBS so they don't think it's RAI avid any longer.  Since I really don't have any other good options, I think that's why I wish they'd be more aggressive with the surgery, i.e. modified neck dissection.  Maybe I'm just overreacting, I don't know.

Thanks for your good thoughts, Liz!  They are much appreciated.

[beachnut]

First of all.............my thoughts are with you.  Second, I was told that I was going to have a  PT  unless something more was discovered once in surgery.  I told the doctor to "take it all" regardless. My attitude was get rid of it if there is a chance something else could develop down the road but I also know having half a thyroid is better then no thyroid.  I had nodules located exactly where yours are however mine were benign but once the surgeon started the PT he discovered an undiagnosed nodule that was not detected on the ultrasound and made the decision to do the TT. My surgery initially was to take 2 hours but stretched into almost four! This was over 12 years ago and I'm sure there may be some changes in protocol.  Since then I have dealt with the fluctuation of my hormone levels and the ongoing prescription changes but for me it's worth it because I don't need any additonal surgery's.

I don't know if I've helped or confused you but if you have any doubt then see another endo/surgeon just to give you peace of mind.  

LMK how your doing.  This is a great site for support,
Liz