Thyroid cancer and general question

[Tricia1972]

In my experience, radiation affects the area that it's applied to. So all of her skin won't be dark and peeling, but it's likely that the area that it's applied to will darken and can peel. I've also seen slight 'reddening' at the site shortly after treatment, which kind of looks like a sunburn. That usually seemed to fade by the next morning.

Same with vomiting and nose bleeds, both are probably more dependent on where

 

[LSmith]

It would really help if you ask your sister what type of thyroid cancer she has.

I copied this information from www.thyroidcancercanada.org. The majority of people are diagnosed with the first two types of cancer but there are rarer and much deadlier forms of thyroid cancer.


There are 4 main types of thyroid cancer.

1. Papillary

2. Follicular

3. Anaplastic

4. Medullary

Papillary and Follicular are known as differentiated forms of thyroid cancer (DTC) or well-differentiated (WDTC). This means the mutated cancer cells still resemble healthy cells to some degree, and still have many of their qualities. For example, similar to normal thyroid cells, differentiated thyroid cancer cells make use of iodine for their function. Both forms of DTC develop in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland.

If Papillary thyroid cancer metastasizes (spreads), it travels via the lymphatic system and is therefore likely to be found in cervical (neck) lymph nodes. It is not uncommon for those with papillary thyroid cancer to have more than one cancerous nodule(s) in the thyroid gland and/or to have spread to lymph nodes in the neck and/or chest, at the time of diagnosis.

Although occurring very rarely, if Follicular thyroid cancer spreads, it travels via the blood system and is more likely to be found in the lungs or bones.

Some patients have a mix variant of Papillary-Follicular.

The vast majority of those diagnosed with thyroid cancer have one of the differentiated types (at least 90%). Those with differentiated disease have a very high rate of survival (99% survival, CCS 2009).

Variants & Poorly Differentiated

There are sub-variants to thyroid cancer including: Columnar, Tall Cell, Insular, Diffuse Sclerosis, and Hürthle Cell carcinoma (also known as Oxyphil Cell Carcinoma). These subtypes are very rare. In these types, the cancer cells are poorly differentiated and tend to grow and spread more quickly. The poorly differentiated variants make up about 2-4% of cases.

Anaplastic
Anaplastic carcinoma (ATC) is a very rare form of thyroid cancer. Although sharing some characteristics with papillary disease, it is thought to develop from an existing follicular cancer that further mutated, that is, became undifferentiated over time. It is believed that anaplastic cancers are likely long existing tumours that were left untreated and suddenly became aggressive. This form of cancer spreads rapidly and is much harder to treat. About 1.5% of cases are anaplastic.

Medullary
Unlike the differentiated forms of thyroid cancer which originate in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) originates in the C cells of the thyroid gland. This makes it a different disease from those described above, with different forms of treatment. This type of thyroid cancer makes the hormone calcitonin which helps control the amount of calcium in the blood. It also produces the protein carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) which can be detected by blood tests.

There are two known types of medullary thyroid cancer. The majority of people have the sporadic type (80%). This type is usually diagnosed in older adults and only in one lobe. The other type of MTC is familial (inherited). The inherited type usually develops in childhood or early adulthood. This type spreads more rapidly. A blood test is available to test for the gene of familial MTC, and it is advisable that family members speak with a specialist to determine if they are a good candidate for this genetic testing. Those who are known to carry the gene, often undertake a prophylactic total thyroidectomy surgery (surgery to remove the gland and help prevent the start of the cancer) as a precaution. Overall, about 4% of thyroid cancer is the MTC form. To get more information in regards to MTC, see Support for Medullary Patients.

Other forms:

Thyroid Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system and Thyroid Sarcoma is a cancer of the thyroid supporting cells. These cancers are very rare. As these forms of thyroid cancer overlap more closely with lymphoma and sarcoma diseases, we recommend that people with these forms seek out resources made available by support groups for lymphomas and sarcomas.

 

[almburr]

It sounds like you might be doubting your sister's story?

this will only be the 2nd week of treatment. I just wanted to know if a lot of people have side effects with the radiation. She has 3 kids under 6. I think she would want to know if there are side effects.

 

[Christine]

Found this as it relates to thyroid cancer and external radiation:

For thyroid cancer, external-beam radiation therapy is used only in certain circumstances, typically when advanced thyroid cancer has not responded to radioiodine therapy. Radiation therapy is usually given after surgery, and treatment is concentrated on a specific area, only affecting cancer cells at that site.

Side effects depend on the treatment dosage and area and may include redness of the skin, odynophagia (painful swallowing), cough, occasional hoarseness, nausea, and fatigue. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished.

 

[mrsklamc]

this will only be the 2nd week of treatment. I just wanted to know if a lot of people have side effects with the radiation. She has 3 kids under 6. I think she would want to know if there are side effects.

And she's allowed to be around her children? I haven't had regular radiation, just the radioactive iodine, but you aren't allowed around kids with it.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

This is way OT, but I need some input.
I am going to send a friend with cancer something for her birthday. She is undergoing a double round of chemo and radiation. I'm just guessing that food would be the last thing she would want (like cookies or brownies). Is that pretty accurate? I want to make a care package (it's a long distance friendship, so I don't know what her eating habits have been like, and I really don't want to ask because she would probably think that was an odd question). Any suggestions?

 

[mrsklamc]

If you search the DIS there was a thread very similar to this awhile back. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

 

[april5675]

And she's allowed to be around her children? I haven't had regular radiation, just the radioactive iodine, but you aren't allowed around kids with it.

That was the hardest part for me....not being able to hug and hold my kiddos!!!

 

[crashbb]

And she's allowed to be around her children? I haven't had regular radiation, just the radioactive iodine, but you aren't allowed around kids with it.

You are fine around children with regular radition which is completely different than ingesting the radioactive iodine.

My mum (and grandmother) both had multiple radiation protocols and did not pose a risk to us. Actually, the only time we had to avoid them was when their immune systems got too compromised and then we were a risk to them.

 

[Tricia1972]

This is way OT, but I need some input.
I am going to send a friend with cancer something for her birthday. She is undergoing a double round of chemo and radiation. I'm just guessing that food would be the last thing she would want (like cookies or brownies). Is that pretty accurate? I want to make a care package (it's a long distance friendship, so I don't know what her eating habits have been like, and I really don't want to ask because she would probably think that was an odd question). Any suggestions?

Is she losing her hair with this treatment? If she is you could put together a gift box of different fun head covers and hats. If it's a situation where you know a few people who are also friends with her, you could organize it by having everyone send the stuff to you, individually wrapping and labeling the gifts and then sending her a huge gift package of all of the different head covers.

I know of someone doing this for a friend in the past, and she got a real kick out of opening the huge package, and then laughing at the silly things that some of her friends sent to her.

 

[mrsklamc]

You are fine around children with regular radition which is completely different than ingesting the radioactive iodine.

My mum (and grandmother) both had multiple radiation protocols and did not pose a risk to us. Actually, the only time we had to avoid them was when their immune systems got too compromised and then we were a risk to them.

I knew it was different, I just honestly had no idea what the precautions were for the regular radiation.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Is she losing her hair with this treatment? If she is you could put together a gift box of different fun head covers and hats. If it's a situation where you know a few people who are also friends with her, you could organize it by having everyone send the stuff to you, individually wrapping and labeling the gifts and then sending her a huge gift package of all of the different head covers.

I know of someone doing this for a friend in the past, and she got a real kick out of opening the huge package, and then laughing at the silly things that some of her friends sent to her.

I'm pretty sure she has lost hair. I don't know any of her friends or family. I want to do something special...I'm just not sure what. Thank you!

 

[LSmith]

And she's allowed to be around her children? I haven't had regular radiation, just the radioactive iodine, but you aren't allowed around kids with it.

She would not have to stay away from her kids if it is radiation therapy. Only if you ingest radioactive iodine are you quarantined. If she is recieving radiation treatment once a week she is not ingesting radioactive iodine. It is done on an inpatient treatment only.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

If you search the DIS there was a thread very similar to this awhile back. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

I think I found it:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2363201&highlight=cancer+gifts

Thanks!

 

[phorsenuf]

DH had a tumor in his frontal lobe in his 20s. He refused western medical care (and had to hire an attorney to keep the diagnosing doctors off his case when they were threatening him with being committed and having care despite his wishes). This tumor was not malignant, but it was growing so fast "they" gave him 6 months to live without their treatment. He refused b/c they said surgery wasn't possible, and it was only radiation being shot at the frontal lobe...the side effects that were possible, he felt, were worse than death.

He went on a beyond-macrobiotic diet, where he coudln't even have fish (usually a part of macro) b/c the fish readily available in the States are so toxin-filled, he juiced, he did supplements, he did hyperbaric chamber treatments. He paid out of pocket for it all b/c they aren't covered by insurance even now, and it was crazy-hard (he had to move back in with his mom) b/c he was making under 30K at the time while in the Seattle area.

He also paid for MRIs throughout, also paid for OOP, and within 6 months it was responding. Within a year, I believe, it was gone.

Diet CAN have affects even on scary "cells growing and not stopping and creating tumors" problems.

I remember reading this article when it came out. 1/3! From the article, "The genes have been there for thousands of years, but if cancer rates are changing in a lifetime, that doesn't have much to do with genes," said a Harvard researcher. As stated in the article, the problem is EXACTLY what happened here. People hear this, and feel BLAMED. Instead of feeling EMPOWERED. That they can affect change in their internal environments. Make a chance. Do something.


I believe that someone with a scary diagnosis should definitely do everything to make their bodies not have to fight the tumors AND have to deal with junk being put into them. So yes, I think your sister should be helping her body...not hindering it. She could feel empowered by such a thing...no need to feel guilty.




By the way, if she has her thyroid out, tell her to get a careful surgeon. Friend of mine had that surgery, the guy nicked her parathyroid and had to take THAT out, too. It's VERY VERY VERY difficult for her to manage her weight now, and she has to take something like 30 calcium pills a day, last she told me, because of not having either one of them....

Bumber, please share this miracle diet you keep referring too. I see you mentioning it a lot.

Every time I see a thread like this I see Dumber show up and share her amazing medical stories. If she has a miracle cure for cancer why not share it with the world!!

 

[IloveDMB]

By the way, if she has her thyroid out, tell her to get a careful surgeon. Friend of mine had that surgery, the guy nicked her parathyroid and had to take THAT out, too. It's VERY VERY VERY difficult for her to manage her weight now, and she has to take something like 30 calcium pills a day, last she told me, because of not having either one of them....

That's pretty darn amazing, because we have 4 parathyroid glands, and if one was nicked, the other three are there to pick up the slack.

And I've been in total thyroidectomies, and I've seen the surgeon reimplant at least one parathyroid gland every time.

And FYI, the parathyroids have absolutely nothing to do with weight gain, the hormone they produce controls calcium and phosphorus levels. But someone who has been to chiropractic school should probably know that, unless they don't teach anatomy and physiology there.

 

[Christine]

That's pretty darn amazing, because we have 4 parathyroid glands, and if one was nicked, the other three are there to pick up the slack.

And I've been in total thyroidectomies, and I've seen the surgeon reimplant at least one parathyroid gland every time.

And FYI, the parathyroids have absolutely nothing to do with weight gain, the hormone they produce controls calcium and phosphorus levels. But someone who has been to chiropractic school should probably know that, unless they don't teach anatomy and physiology there.

One of my parathyroid glands was removed during surgery with my thyroid gland. The other three were left in my neck somehow. Never had a problem.

 

[AshleyW]

That's pretty darn amazing, because we have 4 parathyroid glands, and if one was nicked, the other three are there to pick up the slack.

And I've been in total thyroidectomies, and I've seen the surgeon reimplant at least one parathyroid gland every time.

And FYI, the parathyroids have absolutely nothing to do with weight gain, the hormone they produce controls calcium and phosphorus levels. But someone who has been to chiropractic school should probably know that, unless they don't teach anatomy and physiology there.

Ouch. Too bad she'll never come back to see your response, but.. that was awesome.

 

[almacdonald]

Ouch. Too bad she'll never come back to see your response, but.. that was awesome.

+1 from me!

 

[C.Ann]

A little bit of my history, because I feel the need to throw a very large bucket of cold water on what I see as a HORRIBLE misrepresentation on your thread.

On May 5, 2008, my beloved little sis was diagnosed with brain cancer. Further biopsy showed that it's a very rare and aggressive glio neuroma brain tumor. It's most closely related to Glioblastoma Multiforme, which is the most aggressive brain cancer that there is.



All primary brain tumors are considered malignant, regardless of how fast they are growing. They are graded on how fast they are growing. If his tumor was growing fast it was not only malignant, but it was a high grade malignancy. (Glioblastoma Multiforme is one of the few tumors that is known to have a bleak survival rate such as 6 months)

Also, brain tumors generally come back. I've only heard of cases in children where tumors stayed gone once they were gone. Adults can have many years before the tumor comes back, but it almost always comes back and it's usually much worse when it comes back. Your husband may want to continue to monitor his head via MRI to make sure that his tumor isn't slowly growing back, despite his diet.

I am wondering what were the biopsy results for his tumor. ie what kind of tumor did he have? Doctors will not suggest any course of treatment before biopsy, and since they knew that they couldn't operate and radiation was the only answer, then they must have biopsied and known what they were dealing with. I'm interested because I'd like to know if his cancer was similar to my sisters.



I have asked this of someone once before, but would you PLEASE share specific details of this diet cure-all for cancer? If you or your husband had the cure to cancer, you'd not only be rich and famous, but the entire medical industry would be on its ear . Can you imagine the validation for finally proving that diet has more power than doctors and medicines? It'd be a huge victory for the holistic approach to medicine.

To me, personally, it'd be a favor. My sister is no longer tolerating her treatments, and has to back off from almost everything that she's done medically to shrink her tumor. She can possibly do radiation again, but it's risky. Surgery is very risky as it'll likely paralyze her on her entire left side. Avastin is causing negative side effects, and Temodar is no longer tolerated by her (or is working) at all. Frankly her prospects for living many more years aren't good, and you could save a life other than your husbands if you share specific information about how he cured his brain tumor.



Would you please share scans of those MRIs proving that your husband, you believe, cured cancer with his DIET alone? I have seen way too many MRI photos of cancerous brain tumors (remember, they're all cancerous) and I'd love to see some good news for once.



I believe that diet can help the situation. I think it's medically irresponsible for anyone to tell the world that diet alone can cure cancer unless there is proof.

Unless you are willing to share proof, or share your cure with the world, I don't think you should blindly tell the world that diet cures cancer. I sincerely hope that nobody on a message board would believe what you are saying without more proof as well.


OP, I am so sorry to take your thread off topic. I really do feel badly for you, your sister, and your entire family. This diagnosis really turns a family upside down, and the last things you need are bad medical advice or more turmoil.

First of all, I'm so sorry about your little sister..

Secondly, I have to agree with your post in regards to this "secret miracle cure".. It's really not fair to those suffering from cancer - or those who have loved ones who are currently battling cancer - to read this stuff over and over again and the OP of this amazing info is never able (or willing) to produce anything concrete that would make it seem the least bit accurate..