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Signs the cancer may be back
By accident a nodule was found on my thyroid back in March 2023. Had scans, biopsy, etc. to find out it was possible Hurthle cell adenoma or carcinoma. I had a total thyroidectomy on June 27, 2023, and found out it was a minimally invasive Hurthle (Oncocytic) Cell Carcinoma once they took the thyroid out and tested the tissue. That was June 27, 2023. In addition to that I had a small spot or two on my lungs that they've been watching, liver cysts, pain in my hip, lower back and neck. I have been seeing the doc every three months. In December 2023 while back at Mayo, the doctor said there is some regrowth or tissue of some sort showing on the CT Scan, (maybe scar tissue?), but it is too small to do anything with, and a new spot on the lung, again too small to do anything with. I am scheduled to go back to Mayo next week for a biopsy of the tissue in the thyroid bed, a CT of my chest, blood work, and an ultrasound. In the past few days I have started to feel extremely tired, have a strange dry, lumpiness in my throat and my right gland on my neck is very swollen with a lot of neck pain, have a cough and I'm clearing my throat a lot. It feels different than being sick with a virus or something like that. I am curious if anyone has experienced this and if these are potential signs that the cancer is back? Thank you for your insight!
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I'm so sorry you are having symptoms. It must be increasing your stress and anxiety over it ! That would be to be expected! I have had recurrence of my Huertyle cell follicular carcinoma thyroid ca over the years.
It's great to see that your doctors are on top of regular scanning etc.
Have you let them know about your recent
symptoms?
I've found
that a smple email or call to the nurse can help keep the MD apprized of the current developments, and identify if action needs to happen sooner.
Hoping things resolve soon!
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3 ReactionsI go back next Tuesday through Thursday so I figure it can wait until then:) I do appreciate your insight and well wishes! May I ask how your Hurthle Cell Carcinoma presented itself in the recurrence, how many times and where? Only if you are okay sharing. Thank you!
It showed in the follow up testing and scans. At times my levels would shift and then my body would balance it back out. But if things in my levels looked like a recurrence was happening we did a RAI scan. Eventually my body / thyroid stopped
uptaking so it became watching for other signs, using ultrasound etc.
Gotcha, RAI scan of your neck. Were they ever concerned or did the cancer spread to other areas of your body? Sorry for all the questions!
@504branchie, I thought I'd check in. May I ask what you learned this week? How are you doing?
Just checking in on how things are going . Dis your appointments go as planned ?