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.
I'm going for my surgical consult on Friday and I would like some input from those of you who have gone through thyroid surgery. The surgeon is a general surgeon who I was referred to and recommended by my endo. What are some questions I should ask of the surgeon?
Here's my background:
I have a multinodular goiter, 3 nodules total. The largest nodule is 5 cm ( solid) and on the right side, a tiny nodule in the isthmus and a 2 cm nodule on the left side. My FNA has come back inconclusive and my endo has recommended a lobectomy only of the right side. I am slightly hypo also(untreated), as I have several autoimmune conditions and my endo suspects Hashimoto's (autoimmune Thyroiditis) because I test positive for thyroid antibodies. I know from reading a lot of the posts here that I should not automatically assume cancer, but any input would be greatly appreciated.
Here's my background:
I have a multinodular goiter, 3 nodules total. The largest nodule is 5 cm ( solid) and on the right side, a tiny nodule in the isthmus and a 2 cm nodule on the left side. My FNA has come back inconclusive and my endo has recommended a lobectomy only of the right side. I am slightly hypo also(untreated), as I have several autoimmune conditions and my endo suspects Hashimoto's (autoimmune Thyroiditis) because I test positive for thyroid antibodies. I know from reading a lot of the posts here that I should not automatically assume cancer, but any input would be greatly appreciated.
As far as questions -- they won't know if it was cancerous until they take it out and analyze it. Strange that the FNA didn't show anything. I would just ask about his experience with thyroidectomies. Ask what the recovery looks like and the next steps. If you want a detailed account of the process, you could read my blog posts from when I went through it:
http://rambleonmyfriends.blogspot.com/2011/08/ch-ch-changes_26.html
http://rambleonmyfriends.blogspot.com/2011/09/surgery-and-such.html
Thanks for all the info.
I actually read your journal a couple weeks back and I find comfort and strength in your words. The surgeon who will be doing my thyroidectomy specializes in endocrine disorders and has done many, many thyroid surgeries. I finally had my appointment with him yesterday. He was very thorough in his explanations and like you said, we won't know if it's cancerous until he takes it out.
He started me on Synthroid because my TSH is already very high and my T4 level really low. Also he said this may shrink the large nodule a bit prior to the surgery in 4 weeks, making surgery a little easier for him.
My Synthroid doseage is 50 mcg. I don't know if that is low and how much they will have to adjust it after surgery. Thanks for giving me the link to your blog posts. I'm sure you'll give me some insight into what comes next.
What an amazing young woman you are. I'm sure you are an inspiration to all who know you. ~ Jo