Thyroid Cancer Support Group

Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland. There are four forms: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. If you or anyone you know and love is affected by thyroid cancer, join this community to lean on the support and experiences of others.

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MaureenNY 08/02/2014

Hi everyone, I was recently diagnosed after I underwent a thyroidectomy for 1/2 of my thyroid. I had what they thought were benign nodules but was having a thymectomy for thymoma so they thought it was prudent to take the 1/2 since I was already there and under anesthesia. The plan was to take the half, have it tested during surgery and if there was cancer to remove the rest. Good news WAS, they didn't find anything during surgery so they sewed me up and moved on to my other/bigger issue surgery.

Anyways, post surgery pathology showed papilloma carcinoma, so now I have to have the other side monitored over the next few months.

My question is this, I have always thought my metabolism to be off, i have on again, off again issues with hair loss and a sister with huge thyroid issues. What is the CORRECT TSH levels. My GP told me time and again that there were NO ISSUES, now i have cancer? are you kidding me? Makes me wanna punch him. I know that I need to have REAL test results to compare and since I just had surgery those numbers may be off a bit, what what would you say is the RIGHt number?

Secondly, I had dsurgery on 7/8 and I still have a terrible issue with my voice. My vocal chords have been viewed and appear to be functioning. Has anyone else had this issue?

Thanks!

yadlim 08/03/2014

Hey and hello!!!

I had my thyroid cancer in 2012 - full thyroidectomy, and RAI.

If you have not done so yet, go to thyca.org and download their free book - or ask them to send you a free copy - it is worth its weight in gold. They should have the answer to your first question somewhere on their site.

It took about six months for my vocal cords to recover. For the first three months I had almost no voice.

good luck

yadlim

MaureenNY 08/04/2014

Wow Yadlim, 6 months? How did you function? work? communicate? Seriously, Ive been cleared to return to work but I have no idea how that is possible?

Maureen

yadlim 08/07/2014

I sounded like I was on Helium until my vocal cords recovered. It was pretty funny to listen to in all honesty. If you can laugh about it, those around you can too and that makes everything easier.

It is one of those things that you either just push through or give up and roll over. I have no intention of rolling over so I just keep going.

yadlim

MaureenNY 08/14/2014

Thanks for the reply. Seriously, cannot live like this for 6 months. I guess I will revisit this with the doc and see what can be done. I use my voice for work.. don't we all? Not sure how this is going to lay out.

Thanks!

M

matthewsmomma 08/21/2014

Hello: I had my total thyroid taken out in January of 2012 due to papillary cancer. I too lost my voice for about 6 months. My surgeon said he never even touched the vocal chords. Both my vocal chords were paralyzed. I had to see an ENT every month to have a scope down my throat. One vocal chord is permanently paralyzed. I used to have a job working as a customer service rep and I had to quit because my voice still gives out after awhile.

MaureenNY 08/21/2014

wow..... yea, this has turned into a totall fiasco.. 6 weeks post surgery and i am not in a place where i can communcate effectively yet... Seems that its a typical issue.. well honestly this board isnt very active but the two of you seem to have the same issue.. maybe we should start a club.. ha ha..

seriously though, thank you for your replies i am going to the specialist monday to see what can be done.

M

matthewsmomma 08/24/2014

I had a shot of botox into my vocal chord and it hurt like hell. The doctor had a hard time getting the needle in. I had one holding the scope and the actual doctor hitting me with the needle. The procedure worked a little bit then the botox gets into your system and it stopped working. My ENT said I could have surgery by cutting a hole in the throat and putting in a hard plastic to push the paralyzed vocal chord over. I said, No Thanks. I will not talk as much. LOL

yadlim 08/25/2014

This board used to be a lot more active - it honestly saved my life when I was first diagnosed.

working... my system has never recovered from the RAI. The loss of my voice was such a minor thing to the knock down from the radiation. I have not been able to go back to work nor is it expected that I ever will - sigh.

LikeJob 03/24/2015

Yes to answer your question , i have problems with my metabolism ,voice ,sometimes no voice and hair loss it is due to the thyroid disease, it is all normal symptoms ... comforting hugs to you

angel1313 08/08/2015

So sorry all your going thru hope gets better soon for u Im almost 20 years out ive posted on the other ones & 2 more surgeries & still going thru different things they can't figure out why on strong meds for infection at moment suppose to make it worse before hopefully gets better mine lands me flat down a lot where can't do much but I do not let it get me down always say all this has made me so much stronger who I am laughter is the best meds in the world learn to cherish all the simple things in life & stop & smell the roses as they smell oh so good.
Here for u ***Blessings***Luv*Angel***

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