I had the same offer, and I said "make sure if it is cancer you take the whole thing out." it was, they did. So much better than some doctors who offer to close you up, let you heal 6 weeks and then do it all again.

I love having my thyroid out. I feel better than the last 10 years with it all messed up. It did take a while to get my med level right, but other than that...so much better.

I had it followed up by a drink of radiation, and I have been cancer free for almost 7 years (may 16th)...all I do is take a tiny pill every morning, and I had to get blood tests more often in the begining, but now once a year.
Even if you still get left with half a thyroid, eventually you may need a supplement. Out OUT damn spot ! That is how I feel about these questionable nodules. OUT! Be gone. take no more of my time or brain space.
www.thyca.org is the very best place on earth. You may even find there is a support group F2F in your area. Please visit them. The overall survival rates are fantastic for most types...and as always, early intervention is key. So go. do. it is a strange experience to think about, but it was liberating and I am glad I hurried up and got it over with.
Keep us informed.

Blueviole i really appreciate you comments and story. My endo doctor has said it is not a cancer diagnosis they won't know that till they take the nodules out. But i am glad too hear you are doing great how is your energy and life thanks again i really appreciate it

I have researched quite a bit and what the doctor said is standard, I think. The whole thyroid, if the nodule is cancer, needs to come out, as well as the thyroid. You, of course, have to feel comfortable with your decision. Read and ask questions.

Also, if the whole thyroid comes out, you lose the parathyroids too, which regulate phosphorous and calcium, so you have to take calcium and 'Vitamin D the rest of your life.

However, if they can reach the parathyroid glands (some they cannot as they are buried in the thyroid gland) they can transplant them on the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. I asked my doctor about it and he said if he can, he transplants them. So you might ask your doctor.

I go in tomorrow to have my nodule removed, find out if it is cancer (right then and there) and if it is, he'll take the whole thyroid. I am at peace with this plan. Good luck to you and please come back with questions if you have them and update us too.

thanks gethealthy i will ask questions about your surgery sounds like something i will be having and i appreciate you responding my questions thanks and good luck to you

gethealthy 2 how did everything go with your surgery. I am going in for a second opinion at Jefferson Hospital in Philly on wednesday. I am not sure what they will do but it is a great hospital and I hope everything works out.

Thanks for posting stevebo, you basically posted what I would have asked. With me, you can see the mass transecting the thyroid, like an octopus. I hope you will be ok, and healing light being sent!

HOW R U DOING NOW I HAVE POSTED MY STORY OF WHAT I HAVE GONE THRU HERE & STILL AM WITH NEW STUFF JUST ADDED THIS MONTH I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH ALL MY TOTAL 36 YEARS.
I HOPE YOU ARE DOING BETTER U CAN WRITE ME ANYTIME HERE TO SUPPORT ANYONE THAT NEEDS IT WHEN I CAN SIT UP ON GOOD DAYS AS I DIDN'T HAVE MUCH SUPPORT WHEN I FIRST FOUND OUT I HAD CANCER...
STAY STRONG THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE & FAITH....
((((GENTLE HUGS)))...

i am having surgery on aug 26th at Jefferson its called a thyroid lobebectory they will remove the right side of the thyroid. Two of the Gene markers were negative and the small nodule on right was suspicious i wonder if that is another name for cancer not sure. Doctor said I would must likely go home same day. He pioneer the mini invasive thyroid surgery. I am not sure if it is cancer or not he did not mention that. I have two follow up appt. after that. Any comments would be welcome

it will be interesting to hear about this new kind of surgery...how big the scar is, and how the recovery is.
I am pretty sure they never looked at my genes. Hmmmmm.
I think you go in expecting the best in whatever situation they find.
Have you been to Thyca.org? did it help at all?
The waiting has got to be rediculously stressfull. I waited 7 years for a diagnosis, but I had things hurry along quite a bit once they found it was my thyroid causing all these problems.
Keep us informed