Thyroid carcinoma: It's treatable, but I'm scared

I think the word carcinoma is always very concerning, but they say that most thyroid cancer is a very treatable cancer. What kind of carcinoma do you have? Was it contained in the thyroid? It sounds like some people have radiation as a precaution to eliminate any cancer from growing after thyroidectomy so maybe it’s just to prevent spread and not due to spread…. Maybe you can ask so it will put your mind at ease. Good luck!

Hi @littleoreo2021 I'm just parroting what @koh said -- even when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, which is quite common, it is still highly treatable and the survival rate is still around 98% for papillary carcinomas. The radiation is a safety measure to ensure all the cancer has been eliminated. I just had my left lobe removed and they found a little cancer in a small lymph node so may have to have more surgery and potentially radioactive iodine as well. I know it's really scary and exhausting emotionally, but your prognosis is still really great.

What type of carcinoma did they determine it to be?

I received good news today. I only have to have radiation idone pill. Right now I'm on low idone diet for 2 weeks. Then I get the radiation idone pill. Then I have to quarantine for a week. Then she wants to raise my thyroid medicine.

I'm really glad that you are feeling more comfortable with your treatment plan! Would love to know how it goes for you. Take care! Lise