The THYROID Thread

[mrsklamc]

Christine I am so happy to hear about your results. Sometimes when I get in those ruts I take some benadryl to help me sleep.

 

[dischick4778]

dischick - glad you got your synthroid lowered. My dh was so happy too. I freak out alot less now. Dh went grocery shopping for us when I was sick last week Of course he got so many of the things wrong. I didnt even do my usual flying off the handle at him. I just kind of laughed. We both did, I said, see I knew you wouldnt get it right! Glad you get some time off. Do you know anything about the LIU area in Brooklyn. My ds is thinking about the nursing program there. He would get alot of scholarships, but I dont know if that is a good/safe area etc??

I actually told my husband that I hear the lower dose should make me a more reasonable and relaxed person. I told him I would not ask, but that if he notices change for the better to please let me know so that I can feel more normal. I am hoping that day comes soon. Although it's been challenging lately bc my son is on a waking up at 2am kick.

As for LIU Brooklyn - is your son going to stay at the campus? It's not the best area but if he's only there for classes during the day he will be fine. It's not a great area to live in and be in at night. But there are areas not too far that are good. Let me know if you have more specific questions.

Good luck tomorrow!

 

[Christine]

I am about ready to try the melatonin but I'm so sensitive to things that it scares me. I got hives from taking B-12 liquid because of an herb or dye that was in the product. There are only certain iron supplements I can take because I am allergic to a specific filler that some manufacturers use. It's ridiculous. So the melatonin makes me nervous.

I have used Benadryl with some success but once I start using it often it stops working. I also have some Xanax on hand but I don't want to become reliant on that again.

As for the melantonin, how long does the "relaxed" feeling last. My alarm goes off at 4:15 in the morning and I don't want to be groggy. That happened with the Ambien. I just don't have a full 8 hours to be in bed (unless I go to bed at like 7:30).

 

[kimmie]

Christine,
I get my melatonin from the grocery store, but if you go to GNC or an herbal/whole foods type place I bet that they would be more natural (less fillers and dyes).

It does not make you groggy in the morning at all. It just helps your brain to shut off at night so that you can fall asleep. Ever lay in bed and things are still playing out in your head? This stops that and lets you rest. I love it!

I have not used the slow release (they have them at GNC), but thought about it if I kept waking during the night.

Hope that helps!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Micayla - yes, you are only suppose to use basmati rice. I read on thyca. that everyone raves about home made almond milk. I drink plain tea so I only miss themilk in cereal, which you cant have anyway, or at least the kind I eat.
Did you find the North Face jacket for your niece? My ds got one for a a gift once, just the fleece one, no hood.

Jenn - he would have to live there and since its nursing school he would have to do clinicals, so I am hoping this school will be on the bottom of his list. He hasnt applied yet but saw how much scholarship $ he could get which makes it really affordable.

Christine - So glad that you got great test results. Hope things work out for your dd. I am sure she will find her fit at the right college and the right major etc. I am glad all the ds have lived at home so far for college. I cringe thinking of dorm fees for 3 kids for 4 years. Only worrying about last ds if he goes away. I hope your dd can get a good plan going for herself. My youngest ds found the comm. college easier than the state univ. and my one ds went to a small local private college. He did well with the small class size and attention, but it was expensive. He didnt qualify for anything. I hope your sleep issues get resolved. Some how I never have a problem with it. I usually make sure dh gives me a back rub so that helps. I use to listen to the radio but cant tune in my favorite station anymore, goodbye Delilah. If you listen to her, you will fall asleep for sure.

Well I am back from the specialist. Found out the new bp med I am on has made me lose like 10 lbs. in the last few weeks. I think this is a side effect of the med. If you eat anything that is high fat, your body quickly gets rid of it. But I also dont feel as hungry. I will discuss this with the endo in Jan. So this dr. thinks everything is ok, but I need a kidney sono and a wonderful invasive procedure in March, Ugh. In March I already have the eye surgery visit prep etc. It never ends. My bp is good so the new med is working. Now this dr. wants me to try a different med for my condition. We shall see. My head spins.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

kimmie - hope things are going good for you too and that you can get back into the gym soon. One of my ds used to work in a gym. He told me, mom you wouldnt even be able to make it on the treadmill.

wdw dancer - bet you are shopping for all the lid diet stuff. Best of luck and if you have any questions, just ask away. Everyone has some great tips to share if you need them.

 

[Christine]

No kidding!

I had my appt. with the gastroenterologist. I've been on Prilosec for years. I swear it messes with my intestines. I know, TMI!!! I told her I can no longer eat apples, pears, grapes, and nuts. I may try to wean off but it's hard. Anyway, NOW I have to add a DEXA scan to my list of appointments because long-term Prilosec use can cause osteoporosis. YAY. At least that's an easy test.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holiday Season if you celebrate something else.

My ds20 is going to be Joseph tomm. night and sun. morning. He just has to stand there. I am just so happy to be alive to see him.

 

[dischick4778]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Healthy New Year to us all as well! Enjoy!!

 

[kimmie]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Just wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

(Heah I am only having 1 operation so far in 2012, but I am still saying the healthy part

Oh and guess what I got it confirmed that dh and I saw Justin Bieber when we were there at the Beach Club Lobby on Dec. 3rd. Yeah, brush with fame! He was so short and tiny and I think Selena was with him. But his leather jacket was awesome and really expensive.

Well I am starting the New Year off right. Dh leaves for China next Friday. On the 9th ds21 is taking me for the neck sono, then I will throw in the blood test and the wonderful pelvic sono and also endo visit. Need to schedule the kidney sono. Oh what fun!!

 

[dischick4778]

Wishing a Happy & Healthy New Year to all!

Starting off on the right foot, we just booked AKV - Kidani Village for July. My son loved it this past summer and we are so excited to go again in 2012.

 

[karajeboo]

Thank you Lauren for directing me over here!!!

I'm having a partial thyroidectomy on Jan 25. I need advice!!!! I have a 2mm nodule that came back with "suspicious" cells in a needle biopsy. The kind of cells that if cancer will never show up in a needle biopsy. The pathologist said 15-32% chance that they are cancerous. So......

My entire right lobe will be removed. Dr said that IF the biopsy comes back as cancer, then they will remove the rest of the thyroid, then put me into a hypothyroid state (or hyper, don't really know the particulars at this point!), then do the radioactive iodine after 4-6 weeks......

Here's my concern (aside from the obvious health concerns!!!!) - I have a Disney cruise scheduled for March 30! So I'm praying for the best, but semi-planning for the worst news..... I mean, I'm sure we'd have to cancel the March 30th cruise, but then the DISmoms cruise is May 6.... that may be doable, but I just don't know.

How long does the surgery last for just partial thyroidectomy? I have my mother coming to stay with us for 5 days, just so the household can run normally. The dr has scheduled me for one night in the hospital, so if my mom is here then DH won't have to take time off work, other than the day of surgery and the day after to bring me home.....

I'm thinking the first couple days are uncomfortable, but a fairly quick recovery?

My other big concern... I've NEVER had any kind of surgery before!!!!

OK, folks, time to ease this DISmama's fears!!! Let's hear it!

 

[mrsklamc]

If everything is clear, you will be fine in plenty of time for your cruise. You will probably be back to normal within a couple of weeks other than getting your thyroid hormone level adjusted.

I have never heard of "the kind of cancer cells that wouldn't show up in a biopsy even if they were cancer." Did they elaborate on this at all?

 

[karajeboo]

If everything is clear, you will be fine in plenty of time for your cruise. You will probably be back to normal within a couple of weeks other than getting your thyroid hormone level adjusted.

I have never heard of "the kind of cancer cells that wouldn't show up in a biopsy even if they were cancer." Did they elaborate on this at all?

Yes, there were 4 possible outcomes from the needle biopsy: 1) definite cancer cells, 2: definite NO cancer cells, then 3 and 4 are two different types of cells, follicular and papillary and I was told neither one would show up in a needle biopsy. They just come back as "suspicious" and will only show clearly in a full biopsy.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

welcome karajeboo

My experience was definetly not normal so I dont want to comment on all of it.

But I would say try to make things comfortable after surgery, maybe a button down shirt or something that does not interfere with the surgical site etc. Others have said one of those travel neck pillow things help.

If you are too anxious pre surgical ask your dr. for some anti anxiety meds etc.

Also if it ends up that it is cancer, and I am wishing you all the best and that it is not, I would definetly see about doing thyrogen versus going hypo, although some drs. have different ideas about it. My rad. onc. uses thyrogen only. There is a shortage but you can get it. I have read on thyca. org that there are 4 major suppliers. They tell you how to work with the system etc.

We can also help you with an of the lid questions you may have if you have to do the diet.

Just take it easy for a few days post op. Let everyone wait on you.

Surgical wise I would say, as I answered another poster on the cb, I am one of those people who want to hold the mask to go to sleep, They were fine with it.

My cancer did not show up in the needle biopsy too, but it was because they finally figured out I had a rare variant. They only figured it out a few days before and I had to have a core biopsy for that. That was not fun at all, but my dh took me out to outback for dinner after that one.

Have you checked out your surgeon. A good one has done about 100 thyroidectomies minimum. I definetly would not go to a general surgeon etc. I go to a teaching hosp. and my surgeon trained at UCLA and Columbia too. But even with that things happen etc.

Wishing you all the best and hoping your biopsy results are favorable.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Neck sono for me on Monday.

Yippe I get to go back to Ms. Not So Friendly, all business, my name is G etc.

Um, she is the only one who does sonos at the place. guess she cant remember us, but then she should remember me.

I wish the sono girl at the hosp. was not on maternity leave, sigh.

I think I will do the blood test on Friday as I am thinking of going to see my aunt over MLK week end.

Pelvic sono on the 19th. Dont want to hear any bad news

Endo visit on the 23rd I think.

Oh and since my dh is gong to China today and taking 2 of the ds to New Zealand in March (that is free with ff miles, thank heavens). I asked him, do you think we could have a little Food and Wine Festival getaway (as we have never been). He said yes. Yippee!! I hope it will work out. I want t use the frequent flyer miles to book the Swan for free etc.

Christine - I have to read your thread on the cb about your ds. I know ds#1 figured out by soph year in college what he wanted to do, ds#2 is following in dh footsteps although he is less than thrilled about it and only has a 2.97 gpa and its not the same major as dh but an easier one. And ds#3 is just about there . He is a soph in college and wanted to do pt, but is a psych major, only did that to get into the state college and now he is applying to nursing schools. He actually had a part time job in the physical therapy office and thought it was boring. So maybe some job shadowing or volunteering etc.

Micayla - hope things are going well, you know what I mean. Did you ever find that jacket for your niece? You are a great aunt. My sis was always like that with the ds. Gosh, I miss her.

Well have a good week end everyone.

 

[dischick4778]

Thank you Lauren for directing me over here!!!

I'm having a partial thyroidectomy on Jan 25. I need advice!!!! I have a 2mm nodule that came back with "suspicious" cells in a needle biopsy. The kind of cells that if cancer will never show up in a needle biopsy. The pathologist said 15-32% chance that they are cancerous. So......

My entire right lobe will be removed. Dr said that IF the biopsy comes back as cancer, then they will remove the rest of the thyroid, then put me into a hypothyroid state (or hyper, don't really know the particulars at this point!), then do the radioactive iodine after 4-6 weeks......

Here's my concern (aside from the obvious health concerns!!!!) - I have a Disney cruise scheduled for March 30! So I'm praying for the best, but semi-planning for the worst news..... I mean, I'm sure we'd have to cancel the March 30th cruise, but then the DISmoms cruise is May 6.... that may be doable, but I just don't know.

How long does the surgery last for just partial thyroidectomy? I have my mother coming to stay with us for 5 days, just so the household can run normally. The dr has scheduled me for one night in the hospital, so if my mom is here then DH won't have to take time off work, other than the day of surgery and the day after to bring me home.....

I'm thinking the first couple days are uncomfortable, but a fairly quick recovery?

My other big concern... I've NEVER had any kind of surgery before!!!!

OK, folks, time to ease this DISmama's fears!!! Let's hear it!

Best of luck and wishing for you that it is not cancer. Worst case, if it is, you will be healed by May. The surgery timing all depends on what they find once they get started. They told my DH it would be 2-3 hours, but after they started and realized how many cancer tumors there were and how they were all wrapped around my vocal cords it ended up being a 6 hour surgery.

Recovery was tough but I was not given any meds to help, I was tired all the time. If you need radioactive iodine you might need a place to stay depending on the dose. My dose was pretty high and I had to be "quarantined" for a week. Not sure this would be an issue for you though.

I completely understand how you feel about your trips as well. I found out about my cancer about a month before we were set to go to Disney. I tried to convince the Dr to let me go and have the procedure when I returned. I was so desperate to enjoy myself and not have cancer surgery. In the end we canceled the trip. That part of it was honestly the worst for me. It's so emotional.

Best of luck again and please ask any questions you have here. There are so many knowledgeable and helpful people.

 

[Apopper74]

Just happened upon this thread & I just thought it was too much of a coincidence to not ask.
On Dec 27, my gyn noticed a slight enlargement of my thyroid during a well visit and ordered a ultrsound of my neck. I was actually surprised by this observation because I have a skinny neck & it is not obvious. The following Friday, 12/30, I went for the ultrasound and this past Tuesday the Dr (actually the nurse)called me with the news that I have a 4mm Thyroid nodule and they want me to see an Endo. Nurse was not helpful with questions, the Dr really should have been the one to call. Regardless I go for the TSH test tomorrow morning & my appointment with the endo is scheduled for 1/23. Anything in particular I should be prepared for at the appointment?

Really surprised by all this. While I am slightly overweight, it's not a surprise since after my son I became lazy in choosing healthier snack options )and exercising. What's even more surprising is I started dieting just a week before the Gyn appointment (during X-mas I know I am crazy) and had lost 5 lbs the first week, 3 lbs the second and 2 lbs for the 3rd week for a total of 10 lbs. A little surprised the weight is coming off as it is, but prior to my son I was healthy and exercised regularly so I attribute this to body memory and cutting out refined sugars. I feel that both my weight gain & loss is explainable. Anyone else have similar experience? Should I be concerned? If they want to do a needle biopsy will it be done in the office or is this a special outpatient procedure? A little scared but also rationalizing this to not.

Thank you in advance.

 

[mrsklamc]

Wow I just realized I missed a bunch of posts somehow, sorry everyone!

LMP- I my sister ended up finding the right jacket, but I was the hero on finding a leappad for one of the almost 4 year old (leap day!) twins! No news on the other front yet but will keep you posted. WOW! New Zealand on FF miles! I know your DH goes to Asia a lot but wow. What a great perk. Also I figured our next DW trip would be 2015 or so but we are now looking at 2013- depends on our news on that other front, but so far, there isn't any news.