Modified radical neck dissection: What's your experience?

I had a total Thyroidectomy done back in September 2005 due to cancer. I had one RAI treatment. I've been on synthroid ever since. I go to my endocrinologist faithfully. Recently I found a lump on the right side of my neck. I went to my new endocrinologist who told me not to worry about it and that it will go away in a few weeks. The very next day I had an appointment with my primary care doctor for a different issue. When I mentioned the lump on my neck they sent me for a scan immediately. It was then recommended that I see a surgeon and get the lump biopsied. The biopsy came back - METASTATIC PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA. POSITIVE FOR MALIGNANT CELLS. Obviously, not what i wanted to hear. Then met with surgeon who said the cancer was in the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. At this time, the rest of the neck appeared fine. So, I'm scheduled for a modified neck dissection on the right to remove the malignant lymph nodes. I'm curious to know what others who have gone through this prepared for the surgery, how they did after the surgery, and what can I do to hopefully make the entire experience less traumatic.

Hi@grandmother2! I have been curious about that terminology every time I read it. It SOUNDS like a total thyroidectomy, however if the issue is contained to one lobe why would someone need a radical removal. Have you had a procedure that diagnosed something? I have to admit the sound of “ radical” in any surgery sounds more concerning than “ lobectomy” or “ thyroidectomy.” You might want to ask what the doctor means so you are aware. If it’s just a nodule causing problems maybe you could ask about radio frequency ablation (RFA). …. Doctors who do not do RFA might not offer it as an option, however it prevents removal of thyroid. Definitely worth a google search to read about. Good luck!