need some postive words

[jag5]

I have 2  cysts--1 cm and > 1 cm. and a multi nodular thyroid.  My blood work came back normal.  I have been referred to an endocrinologist.  He will call me to schedule a FNA when he receives my tests.  Should I remain calm?  I had no idea anything was even wrong until last Fri.  I was able to get my tests done right away and get the results today.  I'm scared at times.  I have two young sons.  Thank you.

[jag5]

Oh No!  I would have had the very same reaction.  Totally lost it right then and there.

My mom had breast cancer and I was told I had to have my mammogram repeated due to a suspicious area as my mom was having her surgery.  We were in the process of adopting and I freaked.  The radiologist was great--they gave me another mammogram and read it immediately so I didn't have to stress out for more than necessary.  Everything turned out fine.  My oldest son is now seven and we have a four-year-old son, as well.  I try to take in all the words of wisdom here and not waste time worrying.  I called the endo last Fri. and again today.  You have to leave a message and they get back to you.  I still haven't heard from them.  
My mind and body are playing tricks on me.  I swear my entire neck feels lumpy and I'm hoarse and my throat hurts.  The power of suggestion!
Thanks for all the help.

[ChitChatNine]

Speaking of dentists .. I ended up with emergency root canal a few weeks before my surgery (had to wait 9 weeks for surgery date bcz of my choice of excellent ENT) and it was just awful bcz of the stress of the abcess and the impending surgery .. so about 3 days after it is complete I have another awful toothache next to this tooth and he claims I NEED TWO MORE root canals within 3 weeks before the surgery or he won't clear me for surgery !!!!  I LOST IT IN THE CHAIR AND cried hysterically as to how much can a person endure!!!!!!  He got so off guard he ditched me and left me with the nurse and avoided me and my ?'s ... he bullied me into making appts saying he'd mark the filein red ink if I didn't proceed as danger to my health, etc.  So I go back to my reg. dentist and he disagrees .. says I need ONE more not TWO .. I ditched the Endodontist and got 2nd opinion and the 2nd guy agrees with dentist .. only ONE needed and black spots are from low sinus cavities and have been there since Day 1 on old x-rays!!!!

Net Net ..this ill fated first endodontist was Team Endodentist for NY Giants !!!!  Yeah, some team player.

I had the other root canal and could not take Advil bcz too close to surgery .... it was awful ..... really bad ..... but I managed and now am pain free ..

I ended up with 3 root canals within 1.5yrs all next to one another. GO FIGURE ?

C~

[ChitChatNine]

I *think* reflux or allergies combined with stress and muscles contracting all contribute to the hoarseness ... unfortuantely, Cancer with the thryoid is much like all other types and is virtually silent.  Many on the board have secondary issues causing the hoarseness.  But, of course, we are patients like you and not med people.

Keep posting and pls. let us know ASAP when you hear something ok:)

C~

[jag5]

Thanks!  This is the best forum.  I am going to enjoy the weekend with my friends and family and will keep you posted.  Best wishes to you all.

[stella5349]

Remember the stats on thyroid nodules - read the medical journals on the web if needed.

but...... real stats are : 92 - 95% of all nodules are beign. within the roughly 8% that find a problem are curable by 99.8%. The means you are more likely to die walking out your frontdoor as you do everyday - then die of anything to do with your thyroid.

Read Utah's thread. Hoarness is not a sign of cancr - it can be a symptom - but anything can cause that. Did you ever search the med line on what causes hoarseness? There must be a million in a half situations for that. Relax :)

I don't think the "big" C word should even enter your thoughts yet. I just went through this he// myself and I am so angry I wasted a bunch of valuable time worrying. I have teenagers and taking away the time I did from them this past month was worse than just taking one step at a time and dealing with the outcome.

An easy trick to try to relieve allergies - or see if you are having a breathing situation is run a humidifer with 2 parts H202 (hydro prox) to 2 parts distilled water. Preferrably in your room you sleep. H202 gives off pure O2 and does make a difference if you have inflammation. Learned that and it is really sweet!!!!! RN told me they suck off the O2 tanks at work sometimes when they are suffering from allergies and headaches. 20 minutes and they feel great.

Sure relieved a headache for me when I tried the H202!! instantly.

Stay well - Live well - Be happy.

[utahmomma]

Hoarseness doesn't have anything to do with cancer but can be affected by nodules pressing on nerves and the windpipe.  Unfortunately blood tests, imaging, and (often) FNAs can't tell for sure if there is cancer or not either.  However the imaging and FNA results can help determine whether or not the nodule is suspicious.

My bet is allergies.   Let us know about the FNA.  BTW, here's a web site that helped teach me a lot (didn't even know what a thyroid *did* until after my surgery and discovered the surgery):  http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html

Keep us posted and see if you can get some allergy meds to see if that helps.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03
three sisters diagnosed with papillary carcinoma '04
recurrence and RAI '06 and possibly '08

[nissah46]

Hoarseness  can be a symptom of thyroid cancer, but could be due to other things as well, like the allergies you mentioned. I did have hoarseness but never thought it was anything other than a virus.After surgery I lost my voice for 6 weeks, but that doesn't happen often.Good luck with the FNA ,and I totally understand the anxiety. I would be fine and then start reading stuff on the internet and get very scared.Everything will work out fine for you.

[KelDC]

I can't add much to the fantastic support and advice you've already gotten here! Isn't this forum wonderful? It is such a wealth of information and comfort. I'm glad you found it.  

It's scary to hear that there is a problem with your health, so it's understandable that you're worried and scared. Just take it one day at a time and remember to take deep breaths.  And, as has been said, statistics are on your side.  

I had my FNA done one month ago, and I am having my TT next week.  All of my blood levels are normal, too.  I'm not anxious to have the surgery nor get the results, but I am glad that my doctor found it, and I've been able to get the tests and care I need.  I wish the same for you!  Keep us posted!

Best of luck!

[jag5]

My voice seems hoarse, but I'm not sure of the cause.  It is allergy season in Florida.  Does hoarseness indicate a higher likelihood of cancer?  I am still waiting for the endocrinologist to call me to schedule the FNAB.  The waiting is the hardest part--as the song goes.

[memaw50]

I had a TT (2 surgeries) in Jan 2008. I went to an ENT in December for sinus problems and he found several nodules in both lobes of my thyroid. What a surprise!! I had the surgery on the right side on Jan 16th, he removed it and it came back with a small papillary cancer, (not in the nodules but outside the nodule in the thyroid itself) so the next week I went  back and he removed the left lobe and some lymph nodes.The left side was cancer free.  I was scared too, but I knew I had to do whatever I needed to do to get well...It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I am a "do things for myself: kind of person, so it was hard to accept help from family and friends.  Just keep a positive attitude and do what needs to be done You will get through it.. There are lots of good folks here on this forum that will see you through, you are in my prayers.

[jag5]

Thank you so much for your comments!  

[blksapphire]

As thypatient stated, it is easier said than done.  The unknown is not so easy for some of us.  I went through the unknown recently.  For me, evething went 1,2,3,4....
Went to dr for physical, got bloodwork, it was not good, sent to endo, then U/S and uptake and scan, hyperthyroid, hot nodules found and walla RAI....

The great thing about all this, is you have a great support group here.  We don't know everything, but what is not know, we try to look up and out for each other.  We have some on here that are our go to people.  They have been at it for awhile.

You may post and not get an answer right away. its not bcz you are being ignored, the expert/knowledgeable person on the issue may not have signed on as of yet.

I have learned that the thyroid is a very interesting little butterfly of a gland.

Try to keep a positive mind, ask questions of your drs and read this site.  
One step at a time, listen carefully, take notes if you have to, ask questions when needed... don't give up and read

Be blessed!

Terri

[mamapete3]

You are in good company!  I found a lump in Jan., went to my Internist who sent me for an Ultrasound that showed multiple nodules with the dominant one measuring 2.7x1.5x2.1.  My thyroid profile was normal, too.  He said to do nothing at this point.  I didn't listen to him & found an Endocrinologist.  He keeps reassuring me that many nodules are much better than just one & is very confident it will be benign.  In this case, I'll go back for another Ultrasound in 6 months.  My goiter (gosh I hate that word) isn't causing me any problems.  He says if malignant we just remove the thyroid & that's it, since thyroid cancer is rarely beyond the thyroid.  I had a biopsy today on the biggest nodule.  I was out in 45 min.  It was a little unpleasant, but not enough to shed a tear.  Right now I have a small bruise that hurts a little if I cough.  There are so many horrible diseases & disorders out there (my Mom has Hep C) I will not lose sleep over this GOITER!   I, too, have just found this friendly, informative, forum!

[hazelhurst]

Yes, goiter is a not the most pleasing word! I have a hard time saying it even now, almost two years after my thyroidectomy (for benign multinodular goiter). Your experience of emotions is quite normal, and as Thypatient pointed out, the statistics are on your side.  Welcome to the forum.

[jag5]

Thank you for responding.  I am usually not too worried--and then I have a kind of panic attack over the entire thing.  It all happened so quickly--I was examined by my dentist a month ago--very thorough neck exam and everything seemed fine.  Now I have a goiter--love that word---
Thanks again.  I'm glad I found this forum.

[Thypatient]

It's easier said than done to say you should remain calm and that you shouldn't be scared.  But of course, the unknown precludes both.

You're looking at a whole spectrum of possiblities.  From what I've read and understand, the statistics are on your side - no matter what's happening.  Take it one thing at a time.  It sounds like you're in good hands with your doctors.

You will be okay, no matter what.  Keep reading and reaching out.  The folks here are a wealth of knowledge and comfort - I know it's helped me.  I hope you stay close for support.

Those two little tigers you got will be there for you too.