HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

thyroidectomy

Support Forums
>
Thyroid Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/29/2011 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
I had a fine needle aspiration of a nodule in my thyroid a few weeks ago. Pathology came back "atypical" with Hurthle cells. Endocrinologist sent me to ENT surgeon for a consult. He offered three options:
1) wait 6 months and redo test
2) lobectomy, removing the lobe w/ the nodule
3) total thyroidectomy

Since I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's, I'm thinking that the thyroidectomy might be my best option. I'm not a big fan of "sit and wait", and the lobe removal seems potentially a waste of time if the permanent slides end up showing cancer.

My question is pretty simple. For those of you who have had thyroidectomies, how'd it go? What was recovery like? What should I be ready for?

Thanks!
Posted 5/1/2011 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I'm first instinct is to run around like a maniac screaming NONONONONONONONONONONONONONO. It isn't a easy as the doctor's say.  You just don't then take a little pill the rest of your life and feel ok.  Not everyone goes along their perfect course of treatment plan.  Some people do.  I didn't. I had Hashimoto diagnoised for 15 yrs. I was told my nodules were growing new friends and had a large blood supply that could feed a tumor..... Thyroid cancer is a slow growing cancer. I wish I HADN"T had mine removed because of what if.

I have not been able to regulate my body to correctly absorb the meds. I havn't worked in 6 months and feel exhausted all the time.  Please ask lots and lots of questions. Talk to others that have had the surgery and others that have chosen to wait.

Mine was completely removed.  I never knew how important the thyroid was.  I'm not telling you my story to scare you or tell you not to have it out.  Just do your research!

 

Posted 5/6/2011 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for responding. What is the process to get the thyroid regulated?
Posted 5/6/2011 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
usually medication,wait 1-3 months, blood test, medication adjustment, wait 1-3 months, repeat.... It is a life long process but some people are able to go months, years without needing meds adjusted. I'm not one of those people.
Posted 5/10/2011 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
I hope I am not too late to respond to your request? I had the fine needle aspiration in 6 different places and all came up negative for cancer but because my left thyroid was so large it still had to come out - no choice (it was 60% larger than what they will allow to do the "just wait and see"). So, I had it out. I ended up with a total because there was cancer on and in both sides. When the doctor came out to tell my hubby he was floored because the needle aspirations were negative. (Well, they only take a microscopic amount and it is more than possible to miss the actual cancer spots.) Having cancer is only about 5% and I fell into that. I am on a fairly high amount of synthroid but I have to be because of the cancer. The only real symptom I notice is hot flashes.

I agree that if the doctor is not concerned and gives the option of "just wait and see" then maybe that will be ok but please understand that waiting could buy trouble especially if the outcome will be surgery anyway.

Now about the surgery. I had no trouble. Pain was minimal and the scar is already fading (had surgery in Jan.). Because I had cancer I had to have the radioiodine treatment. It doesnt hurt but you will have to be separated from family and friends for a few days. After a week they will scan you to make sure it worked. Mine did and now I am cancer free (at least thyroid cancer free).

And, like I said earlier, the only symptom I seem to notice about the synthroid is the hot flashes. Hope this gets to you in time to help with your decision.

Hope all goes well with whatever you do decide. Please let me know how all goes with you.
Posted 5/16/2011 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Denita,

Thanks for getting back with me. My surgery is scheduled for June 15th. While my doctor offered "wait and see" as an option, it was not the recommendation (of the ENT or the endocrinologist, for that matter).
Posted 5/17/2011 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
I would say that if two out of three say do not wait - then dont wait. I wish you luck with your surgery and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that it will not be cancer. May you have a quick recovery.

Let me know how it goes.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply