Thyroid Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

I deeply regret not seeking a second opinion. The surgeon I had took out my thyroid and two parathyroids (there was no need for parathyroid removal). Because if that, I am on multiple medications for the rest of my life.

it really depends on if you trust your doctor. I had an ultrasound of my carotid arteries(not even there for thyroid) and my doctor and radiologist saw something they didn't like, my doc called me in immediately and said she wanted me to see a ear nose and throat specialist, and when they did the biopsy the next day, i didn't look further within 3 days I had surgery and was looking at doing radioactive iodine. I really trusted my doctor and the specialist so did not get second opinion. As it turned out in those 3 days it had grown from 3 cm to almost 6cm, so it was fast growing and if I had taken the time to get the second opinion it would have involved more of my lymph nodes.

I got a second opinion on my diagnosis. I had a biopsy done in Des Moines, Iowa and was told it was papillary carcinoma. The surgeon I was seeing said she would only consider removing the entire thyroid. I wanted to confirm the diagnosis was correct and also explore other treatment options. I went to Mayo and had biopsies done and they confirmed my original diagnosis was correct, but they were able to only remove half my thyroid. With only removing half, I have not had to take any meds, so far. The half that is left has been compensating for what they removed. I am thankful I got a second opinion. I don’t think it ever hurts to have someone else give you their opinion. Every doctor has had different experiences, so it’s helpful to get a “second set of eyes”, in my opinion.

Hello. I sought a 2nd opinion because I was no longer feeling well taken care of by my previous provider,where I had originally been diagnosed and treated by them for a year. Within the past 6 months or so, noticed too many times there were communication gaps between them and I lost confidence they were doing everything possible to help me. I'm so very happy and grateful that I'm now being treated at Mayo since early May!

Today a new member (@lorenza1210) posted news that her father was just diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Beyond the shock, she wonders whether they should seek a second opinion before starting treatment.

@nobody @jessea @bobr @nancirae @sophia07 @lindameyerson @sweetgia003 @jlanderson76 @ljcarper @aejohns @trod @dho @rzawie24 @angie7302 and @donnadonut, I was wondering how many of you sought a second opinion. Why or why not?

As I understand it, you should be getting an ultrasound every year after having thyroid cancer, in addition to the regular bloodwork. That’s what I’ve been doing since my May 2017 thyroidectomy due to PTC. Having an endocrinologist familiar with thyroid cancer is key to good follow up care.

I had X-ray treatments when I was 11 at Children’s Memorial Hospital. They didn’t know in those days it was dangerous. I had a growth on my neck which they did surgery on. Then the radiation treatments. When I was in my 20’s they notified me I might get thyroid cancer from it. I always watched it and sure enough I got it when I was 58. I am now 78. I am in good health except for the tumors that I have. I am getting an MRI every year to see if they are growing.

Hi! Everyone happy to find this group, i had papillary thyroid cancer at age 37 its been 4 years cancer free i get blood work completed every 6 months, but havent had any further ultrasound work im guessing its because the blood works has all come back good?

Hi Nanci, when you say you had radiation? How were you exposed as a child? I had thyroid 4 years ago and doctors kept asking if i was exposed to radiation as a kid.

Hello, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Papillary Carcinoma October of 2009. I had a total thryroidectomy and all lymph nodes on the left side of my neck and along my collar bone removed, cancer had spread to 9 lymph nodes. I have been cancer free for 10 years after undergoing radioactive iodine treatment and have no signs of a possible reoccurrence. I take 112 mcg Synthroid.