Thyroid Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Hi Don - I started this group in May. I'm two weeks post lobectomy. I was in the exact same position as you. How did everything go for you? Did you have a full thyroidectomy? How are you 7 months later?

Hi - I am two weeks post lobectomy and am re-reading all these wonderful posts. What did you decide - half or whole? I was in the same situation and it was a very difficult decision for me to make. I decided on a thyroidectomy since it was the only side that came back with 70% chance of cancer. It did come back capillary cancer but contained. No need for surgery on the other side.
I hope all is well for you!

Thanks so much for your message! I ended up having the entire thyroid removed. I had an excellent surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He told me after the surgery that I had made the right decision removing the entire thyroid because there were additional tumors growing that were not picked up on the ultrasound. It all healed quickly and now I just have to take a thyroid pill each day. I will have to go for ultrasounds every six months on my lymph nodes, but the one lymph node that was removed was not cancerous. In addition to the ultrasounds, I will have to have bloodwork done every so often. I hope that all is well for you too!

I'm tagging @dsh33782 to make sure he sees your questions.

@gillsden, how are you doing? How is recovery going?

@gillsden
Hi
I had partial thyroid removed successfully and do not have to take any additional medication. My last scan showed that the cancer is gone and my lymph nodes are back to normal. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about my experience. I hope your recovery goes well.
Don

Hello - I am feeling much better, voice still weak but coming back. I'm healing nicely. My first appointment with endocrinologist is at the end of the month so I will know more then if anything else needs to be done. I have learned more through this support group than any medical professional and am grateful for that. I do have a helpful hint for post surgery comfort. When I needed to use my arms to lift my head and couldn't turn my neck I purchased one of those neck pillows (like you see at the airport), but more on the square side. It became invaluable to me. It was immediate comfort not having to work hard at keeping my head up and my neck was supported comfortably. I hope this is of help for someone else. Thank you all!

Hello to all who are here. I learned a few weeks ago I have thyroid cancer. The tumor is large and wrapped around my windpipe. The tumor is also attached to my vocal cords, laryngeal. There is concern about my parathyroid.
I will have a total thyroidectomy on October 21, 2024.
I have been told I will loose my voice, at least as it is now.
I will be on levothyroxine and calcium, post op.
Virtual hugs to all here. Be well.

Thank you! I feel like I am fully recovered now. I just have to get those ultrasounds on lymph nodes and bloodwork every so often. I was told by my surgeon that if you have half of the thyroid removed, the other half takes over and does the complete job of the thyroid, so I am happy for you that only half needed to be removed!

I am so sorry to read that thyroid cancer was diagnosed, but I want to let you know that a total thyroidectomy is a surgery isn’t bad at all. I had to stay overnight in Boston at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the only problem that I had was lack of sleep, because they were checking on me all night…….which was a good thing. I recovered quickly. I had nodules on the thyroid that had turned cancerous, along with other nodules that were not seen on the ultrasound. I want to assure you that my voice is now fine (a little hoarse for a few days after surgery). I am now on levothyroxine and calcium, along with Vitamin D every day. Once your thyroid is removed, you will regain your voice within a week. They just need to remove it, along with the tumors. I know the worry that this brings. However, I was told that it was 100% curable and also slow growing. That gave me comfort. You will be okay. What hospital will you be going to to have your surgery done? I am wishing you all the best for your surgery, along with prayers for a complete healing and recovery. MaryAnn from Boston

Hello - I am sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis. It is a very scary thing to wrap your mind around. My vocal chords were very week after surgery and I thought for sure I would never speak normally again. It's been about six weeks and just about back to normal. Don't give up hope, stay strong! Best wishes for a healthy recovery. Please let us know how you are doing.