I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer today.

[mrsklamc]

They tell me it's the cancer to have...I have tons of questions and my dr. is of course closed...anyone out there with experience w/ this?

 

[DawnCt1]

They tell me it's the cancer to have...I have tons of questions and my dr. is of course closed...anyone out there with experience w/ this?

I have no experience what so ever, but I am sorry that you are going through this over the weekend. Nothing is worse than finding out bad news on a Friday and having to wait through the weekend.

 

[Just Jan]

A friend of mine had thyroid CA. years ago while she was pregnant. The cure rate is extremely high! sHE HAS BEEN CANCER FREE FOR APPROX 17 YEARS.

 

[Ty's_mom]

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000. You can pm me if you have any questions.
Also there is a thyca group on Yahoo groups that it very helpful.

 

[minkydog]

My mother had thyroid cancer too. She had her thyroid out 10 years ago and has done very well. She had to undergo treatment with a radioactive isotope to be sure any leftover thyroid tissue is killed off. It made her feel yucky for several days--nothing worse than morning sickness, really. She takes her Synthroid every morning. I think the hardest problem she has had was in the early months when they were trying to find her dosing. It's different for everybody and when your dose is "off" it makes you feel kinda bad. But then they get it in the sweet spot and you do fine.

Good luck! I'm sorry you had to get news like this on the weekend. But you're right--if you gonna have cancer, this is the one to have. The cure rate is very high. But it still sucks to know you have cancer.

 

[lemondog]

If you're going to get cancer, then yes, i suppose this is the one to get. I know 2 women who have survived 5+ years after being diagnosed. Both are completely healthy today. The only long-term issue I can think of is that you will take thyroid hormone for the rest of your life, but in the long run that really is nothing. Good luck to you.

 

[summerrluvv]

I don't have any experience with it, but just wanted to send some to you

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I have many large nodules and have Graves Disease. I do not have cancer but have to go for yearly ultrasounds and biopsies if they have grown (2biopsies so far...no fun!). I do know 2 people that have had cancer and had their thyroids removed and are perfectly healthy. My thyroid is starting to cause some problems so I am thinking of having it removed in the near future.

Wishing you the best.

 

[skuttle]

again! I forgot to mention on the TTC thread that one of my co-workers had thyroid cancer many years ago. She's on meds now since the removal of her thyroid, but has been fine since.

 

[CLEVERGIRL]

Sending healing hugs to you!

 

[JessicaR]

The first three links are great message boards all thyroid related and specifically thyroid cancer as well.

There are 5 different types do you what type you have?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-cancer/DS00492/DSECTION=causes

I had a total thyroidectomy due to graves disease and can answer any questions regarding the surgery. I know two people that had thyroid cancer and had the surgery, one had RAI after the other did not. Apparently there have been studies and based on the type of thyroid cancer it is a new belief that RAI may no longer be necessary after the surgery. Definitely something to look into and ask about.

You can start doing some research for the best surgeon in your area that specializes in thyroid surgery and specifically total thyroidectomies. This is a procedure where skill is of utmost importance.

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=ab-thyroid4

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=122

http://www.thyca.org/email.htm

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. There is plenty of great guidance and opinions that are worth exploring. Mary Shomon is a wealth of knowledge.
http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/testdiagnose.htm

Wishing you the best and if you have any questions feel free to ask me.

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I have no experience with this but want to wish you the best.

 

[mrsklamc]

Thank you everyone. I have papillary thyroid cancer. Right now the surgeon is one I was referred to by my primary care doctor. How would I find out whether she is considered a 'good' one?

 

[Donna PA]

My prayers are with you. I had breast cancer this year. Went through chemo, and operation and now radiation. They said the cancer is all gone, thank God. Believe you will be cured, medicine nowadays is a miracle.!

 

[JessicaR]

Thank you everyone. I have papillary thyroid cancer. Right now the surgeon is one I was referred to by my primary care doctor. How would I find out whether she is considered a 'good' one?

You ask her how many total thyroidectomies she has preformed in the past year. You also look her up. http://www.castleconnolly.com/ is a good place to start.

There are other thyroid sites that have doctor recommendations depending where you live.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I have not had tyhroid cancer so I can be of no help to you there. But.. I did have Carcinoid cancer (in my lung) and several years later cervical cancer so I can sympathize with how you feel right now.

First thing. to you and your family.

Second go do something special this weekend. Something you ordinarily wouldn't do. When I was diagnosised with my second cancer (cervical) I picked dd up from school early and drove down to DL for the night. A total surprise for her! I needed that time to bond with her and celebrate life. She did not know why did it but it has become a favorite memory of both of ours. It was something to think about while I was waiting for different doctors.

Third - take someone with you to the doctors to help you remember your questions and help write down the answers.

 

[mrsklamc]

Thanks, Tinkerbelle's mom.
My DH left on a business trip this morning because we were sure the labs wouldn't be back so fast. He is flying back tomorrow, because we found out late this afternoon and there were no flights.

So I've been planning my dream trip to AKL that we'll never be able to afford. But, it's fun to plan and it keeps me occupied.

 

[paintnolish]

My mom had a lump and subsequent thyroidectomy (which was not too bad, according to her). When the dr. came out of surgery, he said everything looked great but they'd biopsy the lump as procedure. Guess what? It was cancerous! They had her take some radiation pills in the hospital (painless but boring she said!) and stayed a few days until the radiation was at a safe level. That was about 5 years ago and she's been fine since.
To you and your family. I hope these stories are helping you feel a little better.

 

[luvmy3]

Just wanted to send

 

[minniecarousel]

They tell me it's the cancer to have...I have tons of questions and my dr. is of course closed...anyone out there with experience w/ this?

Hugs to you. Hang in there 'til Monday. I hope you get the answers you need.