Thyroid biopsy shows multiple nodes and need encouragement

hi amand 774, i'm guessing you will go through with the biopsy. i did and of course they found malignancy and i have since had surgery on the right side. to begin with i was like you with the voice change and then went to the ENT and found the right side paralyzed, which ended up being full of cancer and there fore taken out. i wish you the best of luck and keep us informed.

Hi, it seems like you are doing all the right things for followup on this. Definitely have the biopsy…. It sounds bad but doesn’t really hurt. I was told that a biopsy is only as good as the area that the needle goes in however many cancers are predicted this way. In my opinion, you might want to ask if they can do Affirma testing if the biopsy is inconclusive. ( They do it at the same time as biopsy) From my understanding, this test checks the genetic makeup of the nodule and is supposed to be an excellent predictor for cancer.
Try not panic, it sounds like your doctors are checking things out without just assuming it’s cancer. No one wants to have surgery unnecessarily so the tests are good.
Just as an FYI- you can have some of your symptoms from acid reflux too, so try not to panic.
Good luck!

Hi Lilyann, thanks for your kind response. I have scheduled an appointment with a surgeon for the biopsy on Monday, however I was advised to first consider a blood count test, and also a thyroid functioning test, and a full neck scan. What do you think about these?
would like to know how you’ve been coping after the surgery, also I have been doing some research on Google since yesterday, and I read that thyroid cancer has a 5 years survival rate. Please would like you to clarify me if you have any information about that. thanks

Hi Koh, thanks for the response
I have scheduled an appointment with a surgeon, however, I was advised to first do a blood count test, and also a thyroid functioning test, and a full neck scan.
But please I did some research on google, and I read that thyroid cancer has a 5 years survival rate, does it mean one can only survive it for 5 years even after the surgery
Would be glad to read from you regarding this.
Thanks

Hi Armand!
I think a lot of the tests you are having are pretty standard so you don’t have to worry. You definitely need to be careful with info that comes back on google….I think that more often than not it is not cancer and the life expectancy for most types of thyroid cancer is looooong. As with everything, every case is different so statements about life expectancies are only able to be calculated if you compare similar types of cancers (there are several different thyroid cancers)…..and from what I understand most thyroid cancer is encapsulated and once it is removed, tends to be the end of it. Try not to worry!

Hi, I am 64 years old, have Lupus and my neck is fused due to 4 neck surgeries (Cervical Myelopathy). Was recently diagnosed with Follicular Thyroid cancer. Read that this poses many complications. Has anyone else have anything similar? If so, how did you do post-surgery did you have a full/total removal of your Thyroid? See ENT surgeon. this Monday, what questions would you recommend asking.
Thanks Lori

Hi Lori,
Keep the faith Lori, you should be ok. My wife just had a total thyroidectomy. We were expecting a partial / lobectomy but the surgeon saw more invasion of a larger than expected tumor and removed the whole thing.
Get second opinions and interview at least three surgeons who specialize in thyroidectomies. Interview several endocrinologists as well. You’ll learn more question to ask as you get more opinions. We did this and it really helped us prepare and feel much better about the surgeon and endo team that we put together.
Best.

Thanks for your reply, really appreciate it, praying every day! Lori

Hello, Thyroid group.
I made a post earlier regarding a neck x-ray I did, in which multiple lymph nodes were noted on my left thyroid lobe.
So I was asked to do a T3 and T4 test, and also to repeat the x-ray in a different lab.
Below are my results, the first x-ray, is the one with the yellow mark.
Thou, I will be seeing my doctor on Friday
Before then, I would like someone to please, help me interpret these results mostly the thyroid functioning test, and also advise me on what to do next.

Note, I have been on ARv for 3 years now.
Your response will be highly appreciated
Thanks.

Hi @armand774, I moved your post to the previous discussion that you started to keep you connected with fellow thyroid cancer members. Keep in mind that only your physician can accurately interpret your diagnostic results with you as they have all the pieces of information including your medical history, physical exam as well as the test results.

As fellow patients, members can help you prepare for your upcoming appointment like what questions to ask and offer support and comfort during the waiting period between now and Friday. While that is only a few days away, I know it seems like an eternity. While you wait, write down your questions and concerns.

Here's some information about thyroid nodules from Mayo Clinic, including preparing for your appointment (scroll to bottom of the page).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-nodules/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355266