Guest guest Posted August 17, 2001 Report Share Posted August 17, 2001 --- Amy wrote: > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. > I was just diagnosed last week with papillary > carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next > Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. > My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but > still...it's a scary word. I'm looking forward to > hearing from all of you and hearing your stories. > Amy > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] Hi, Amy. My story is similar. I'm a 32-year-old mother of a 3 year old son. I had a total thyroidectomy in December of 2000. I had a cyst, (nodule) on my right lobe. The doctor told me that cancer was rare. I even had a needle biopsy that came back benign. I had the surgery Dec. 7th. While I was under, the lab looked at the cyst. Again no cancer. I was left with a portion of my gland to avoid having to take medication. Less than a week later I was called by my doctor, who informed me that another lab that took more detailed slices of the cyst found follicular cancer in the center of the cyst. I had to go back Dec. 12 and have the surgery one more time. I was very depressed. The surgeon cut on the same place, since it didn't have time to heal yet. The scar doesn't look too bad now. I will look into laser surgery later and I have to take synthroid every day. You have better news. Yours is papillary, which is the best to have. Follicular could come back. I am praying not. Mine was very hard to find, since it was right in the center. That is also a good sign. My lump was noticed after I have birth to my son. I had gained 50 lbs. I feel so much better now. I’ve lost 40 lbs. I only have about 10 more left to get back to my normal weight of 130lbs. Don't worry, recovery time is very fast and you scar doesn't even hurt, it just uncomfortable with the bandages. Nada __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2001 Report Share Posted August 17, 2001 --- Amy wrote: > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. > I was just diagnosed last week with papillary > carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next > Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. > My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but > still...it's a scary word. I'm looking forward to > hearing from all of you and hearing your stories. > Amy > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] Hi, Amy. My story is similar. I'm a 32-year-old mother of a 3 year old son. I had a total thyroidectomy in December of 2000. I had a cyst, (nodule) on my right lobe. The doctor told me that cancer was rare. I even had a needle biopsy that came back benign. I had the surgery Dec. 7th. While I was under, the lab looked at the cyst. Again no cancer. I was left with a portion of my gland to avoid having to take medication. Less than a week later I was called by my doctor, who informed me that another lab that took more detailed slices of the cyst found follicular cancer in the center of the cyst. I had to go back Dec. 12 and have the surgery one more time. I was very depressed. The surgeon cut on the same place, since it didn't have time to heal yet. The scar doesn't look too bad now. I will look into laser surgery later and I have to take synthroid every day. You have better news. Yours is papillary, which is the best to have. Follicular could come back. I am praying not. Mine was very hard to find, since it was right in the center. That is also a good sign. My lump was noticed after I have birth to my son. I had gained 50 lbs. I feel so much better now. I’ve lost 40 lbs. I only have about 10 more left to get back to my normal weight of 130lbs. Don't worry, recovery time is very fast and you scar doesn't even hurt, it just uncomfortable with the bandages. Nada __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2001 Report Share Posted August 17, 2001 >Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just >diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total >thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. >My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a >scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and >hearing your stories. Hi Amy & welcome to the ThyCa list! Did your surgeon answer your questions about surgery? Did his answers help reassure you? Do you still have any specific concerns or fears? Just ask away, and I'm sure you'll get comments from list members. If you go to the Thyca group site on yahoogroups, you can also use the archive function to search for previous messages were posted about any topic like " surgery " or " thyroidectomy " (tt). Good luck with your surgery & let us know how you are doing. dx pap-Hurthle cell variant, tt 9/99, RAI 100 mCi 12/99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2001 Report Share Posted August 17, 2001 >Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just >diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total >thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. >My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a >scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and >hearing your stories. Hi Amy & welcome to the ThyCa list! Did your surgeon answer your questions about surgery? Did his answers help reassure you? Do you still have any specific concerns or fears? Just ask away, and I'm sure you'll get comments from list members. If you go to the Thyca group site on yahoogroups, you can also use the archive function to search for previous messages were posted about any topic like " surgery " or " thyroidectomy " (tt). Good luck with your surgery & let us know how you are doing. dx pap-Hurthle cell variant, tt 9/99, RAI 100 mCi 12/99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hi Amy, Here is the HUGE list n referred to in her posting to you. I found it to be very helpful and a wonderful place to start with questions/answers. You can always get your questions answered here, too, supportively, or at the very least, find good resources here. Good luck. You'll see....you will do just fine. Having to go through this with children seems like a dreaded thing, but I think having children will help to center you and give you deeper purpose as you bring yourself back to health. Debbi (Wash., DC) <-----mother of one Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI anyday now Subj: Fwd: THE Thyroid Cancer Resource List - 7/17/2001 Date: 7/22/01 9:20:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: <A HREF= " mailto:DINOSJAMMIN " >DINOSJAMMIN</A> To: <A HREF= " mailto:Djkoplen " >Djkoplen</A> ----------------- Forwarded Message: Subj: THE Thyroid Cancer Resource List - 7/17/2001 Date: 7/17/01 10:32:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: <A HREF= " mailto:576277 " >576277</A> To: <A HREF= " mailto:applek@... " >applek@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:lstbeach20@... " >lstbeach20@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:homerandmarge@... " >homerandmarge@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:s_manikonda@... " > s_manikonda@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:DINOSJAMMIN " >DINOSJAMMIN</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:CMorais999 " >CMorais999</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:Dominique@... " > Dominique@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:jlc8131@... " >jlc8131@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:BobC101468 " >BobC101468</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:jlpepper@... " > jlpepper@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:nysMommy1 " >nysMommy1</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:Gustys " >Gustys</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:katiekabob@... " >katiekabob@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:GABOA " >GABOA</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:osenga7@... " > osenga7@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:margaretep@... " >margaretep@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:menchu1968@... " >menchu1968@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:lgormezano@... " > lgormezano@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:s_domagalski@... " >s_domagalski@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:PDrucklieb " >PDrucklieb</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:IstFrench " >IstFrench</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:Renae43152 " > Renae43152</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:scoobydoobydoo1@... " >scoobydoobydoo1@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:ThyCa " >ThyCa</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:PWattsN " >PWattsN</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:ImeldaJunior " >ImeldaJunior</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:feona_j@... " > feona_j@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:Walter@... " >Walter@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:alyn@... " >alyn@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:alovejoy@... " > alovejoy@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:Carole432a " >Carole432a</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:papatoto@... " >papatoto@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:khouse@... " >khouse@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:tanya.klassen@... " >tanya.klassen@...</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:Choni1 " >Choni1</A>, <A HREF= " mailto:rosenstein.a@... " >rosenstein.a@...</A> THE Thyroid Cancer Related Resource List The following are some of the links I'm aware of. I do not specifically endorse any of the sites listed, I cannot guaranty the accuracy of any info., I do not profit from this at all, and no advice is intended. ALWAYS consult your doctor. Simply put, I have either found the following sources of information helpful or they look helpful to me. I hope they are of interest to you: GENERAL INFO. <A HREF= " http://www.thyca.org/index.htm " >ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association</A> http://www.Thyca.org Created and maintained by Thyroid Cancer Survivors. Great Info.; Great Resource; Caring People who've been there. An excellent place to begin ! <A HREF= " http://www.thyroid-cancer.net/ " >Thyroid Cancer at s Hopkins</A> http://www.thyroid-cancer.net/ s Hopkins Thyroid Tumor Center http://www.thyroid-cancer.net This very helpful site is being developed by the doctors at s Hopkins Thyroid Tumor Center. Using easy-to-understand terms, the site explains about issues having to do with thyroid cancer, from basic thyroid function to diagnosis and treatment. The site also includes news and innovations in thyroid cancer treatment, a list of specialists in your area, and even allows you to create your own thyroid page to keep track of your medication and pharmacy information, track your lab results, keep track of questions for your doctor and can remind you via email when its time to refill your thyroid prescription! <A HREF= " http://www.aace.com/ " >Welcome to AACE</A> http://www.aace.com/ American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ( HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Also LOCATE an Endocrinologist who Specializes in the treatment of Thyroid diseases in YOUR AREA. <A HREF= " http://www.aace.com/clinguideindex.htm " >Welcome to AACE Online: AACE Clinical Practice Guidelines</A> http://www.aace.com/clinguideindex.htm The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Thyroid Carcinoma. <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/ " >NCI's CancerNet Cancer Information</A> http://wwwicic.nci.nih.gov/ NCI (National Cancer Institute), including Clinical Trials info. and a lot more. <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/Cancer_Types/Thyroid_Cancer.shtml " >NCI Thyroid Cancer Info.</A>, including: http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/Cancer_Types/Thyroid_Cancer.shtml Statistics Treating Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials Genetics, Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention of Thyroid Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine Testing for Thyroid Cancer Coping with Thyroid Cancer Support and Resources Cancer Literature Related Information Emotional Concerns and <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?DBID=pdq & TYPE=search & SFMT\ =pdq_statement/1/0/0 & Z208=208_01252H " >reviewable studies</A> including: Hundahl SA, Fleming ID, Fremgen AM, et al.: A National Cancer Data Base report on 53,856 cases of thyroid carcinoma treated in the U.S., 1985-1995. Cancer 83(12): 2638-2648, 1998. Grant CS, Hay ID, Gough IR, et al.: Local recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma: Is extent of surgical resection important? Surgery 104(6): 954-962, 1988. LE, Cady B: Differentiated thyroid cancer: reexamination of risk groups and outcome of treatment. Archives of Surgery 133(4): 419-425, 1998. Mazzaferri EL: Treating differentiated thyroid carcinoma: where do we draw the line? Mayo Clinic Proceedings 66(1): 105-111, 1991. Staunton MD: Thyroid cancer: a multivariate analysis on influence of treatment on long-term survival. European Journal of Surgical Oncology 20: 613-621, 1994. Mazzaferri EL, Jhiang SM: Long-term impact of initial surgical and medical therapy on papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. American Journal of Medicine 97: 418-428, 1994. Tennvall J, Biorklund A, Moller T, et al.: Is the EORTC prognostic index of thyroid cancer valid in differentiated thyroid carcinoma?: retrospective multivariate analysis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with long follow-up. Cancer 57(7): 1405-1414, 1986. Shah JP, Loree TR, Dharker D, et al.: Prognostic factors in differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland. American Journal of Surgery 164(6): 658-661, 1992. Andersen PE, Kinsella J, Loree TR, et al.: Differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid with extrathyroidal extension. American Journal of Surgery 170(5): 467-470, 1995. Coburn MC, Wanebo HJ: Prognostic factors and management considerations in patients with cervical metastases of thyroid cancer. American Journal of Surgery 164(6): 671-676, 1992. Sellers M, Beenken S, Blankenship A, et al.: Prognostic significance of cervical lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer. American Journal of Surgery 164(6): 578-581, 1992. van Herle AJ, Brown DG: Thyroglobulin in benign and malignant thyroid disease. In: Falk SA: Thyroid disease: endocrinology, surgery, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy. New York: Raven Press, 1990, pp 473-484. Ruiz- J, Ruiz de Almodovar JM, Olea N, et al.: Thyroglobulin level as a predictive factor of tumoral recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer. Journal of Nuclear Medicine 32(3): 395-398, 1991. Duren M, Siperstein AE, Shen W, et al.: Value of stimulated serum thyroglobulin levels for detecting persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer in high- and low-risk patients. Surgery 126(1): 13-19, 1999. Godballe C, Asschenfeldt P, nsen KE, et al.: Prognostic factors in papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas: p53 expression is a significant indicator of prognosis. Laryngoscope 108(2): 243-249, 1998. Fraker DL, Skarulis M, Livolsi V: Thyroid tumors. In: DeVita VT Jr, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds.: Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 5th ed., 1997, pp 1629-1652. <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?DBID=pdq & TYPE=search & SFMT\ =pdq_statement/1/0/0 & Z208=208_01252H " >http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchc\ gi.exe?DBID=pdq & TYPE=search & SFMT=pdq_statement/1/0/0 & Z208=208_01252H</A> <A HREF= " http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/thyroid/index.htm " >Thyroid Cancer, CancerLinksUSA.com</A> http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/thyroid/index.htm The CancerLinksUSA.com is a site founded to provide support and information to cancer patients and their caregivers. <A HREF= " http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/C19/C19.874.html " >Thyroid Diseases</A> http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/C19/C19.874.html Has MANY links to thyroid info. sites including Baylor College of Medicine, Harvard, Loyola, Med.College of Wisconsin, Nat'l Cancer Center of Japan, U. of Illinios, UPENN Oncolink, U. Pittsburgh Med. Ctr., Virginia SOM, and some others for info. about Thyroid Cancers. It also has info. about other Thyroid conditions and other links including to The American Assoc. of Clinical Endocrinologists, Vanderbilt, U. of Iowa, Stanford, Canadian Med. Assoc. and U. Florida. <A HREF= " http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/res_home.asp?st=wi & ct=43 " >Thyroid Cancer : Resource Center</A> - American Cancer Society http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/res_home.asp?st=wi & ct=43 Basic overview kind of Info. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ " >Welcome to PubMed</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ National Library of Medicine. Search Topics with Medline, Journals and more. <A HREF= " http://medlineplus.gov/ " >Medline Plus</A> http://medlineplus.gov/ Health topics, Drug Info., Dictionaries, Professional Directories, and more ! <A HREF= " http://www.geocities.com/Athens/3626/thyroid.html " >Thyroid Related Web sites </A> http://www.geocities.com/Athens/3626/thyroid.html A bunch more Thyroid sites and some search engines, including Medline. <A HREF= " http://www.the-thyroid-society.org/ " >The Thyroid Society</A> http://www.the-thyroid-society.org/ The Thyroid Society (General Info.) <A HREF= " http://home.ican.net/~thyroid/Guides/HG12.html " >Thyroid Foundation of Canada</A> http://www.thyroid.ca/index.html The Thyroid Foundation of Canada (Very Basic) <A HREF= " http://www.mythyroid.com/thyroid_cancer.htm " >Thyroid Cancer</A> - General Info. from Ontario. http://www.mythyroid.com/thyroid_cancer.htm The site is maintained by Dr. J Drucker, Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto. <A HREF= " http://endrcr06.mda.uth.tmc.edu/Sherman/Thyroidectomy/thyroid.htm " >Thyroid Surgery</A> http://endrcr06.mda.uth.tmc.edu/Sherman/Thyroidectomy/thyroid.htm MD Patient Info. AOL Keyword: Medline <A HREF= " http://www.the-thyroid-society.org/info.html " >The Thyroid Society - Additional Info</A> http://www.the-thyroid-society.org/info.html More links/info. <A HREF= " http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroidca.html " >Thyroid cancer: diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.</A> http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroidca.html Overview and general info. <A HREF= " http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter18/18-cancerframe.htm " >Thyroid Disease Resource Text</A> - Including Thyroid Cancer. http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter18/18-cancerframe.htm " THYROID DISEASE MANAGER© is intended to provide physicians, researchers, and trainees around the world with an authoritative, complete and current analysis of all aspects of human thyroid physiology and thyroid disease. " <A HREF= " http://www.cansearch.org/ " >National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship</A> http://www.cansearch.org/ TREATMENT ISSUES <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m & form=6 & uid=895403\ 4 & Dopt=r " >TSH Suppression and Prognosis</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m & form=6 & uid=8954034 & Dopt=r J Clin Endocrinol Metab Degree of thyrotropin suppression as a prognostic determinant in differentiated thyroid cancer. and <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9777742 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >TSH Suppression Study</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9777742 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Thyrotropin suppression and disease progression in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: results from the National Thyroid Cancer Treatment ative Registry. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=1517360 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >MD Past Experience with Treatment Options</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=1517360 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992 Sep;75(3):714-720 The results of various modalities of treatment of well differentiated thyroid carcinomas: a retrospective review of 1599 patients. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9164219 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Survival of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Studied in 500 Patients.</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9164219 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query_old?uid=10626858 & form=\ 6 & db=m & Dopt=b " >Treatment of Papillary in Children</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query_old?uid=10626858 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Study: Extensive surgery improves recurrence-free survival for children and young patients with class I papillary thyroid carcinoma. <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/pdqfull.html " >Thyroid Cancer: General Info.</A> http://www.indyrad.iupui.edu/public/lectures/HTML/NM-RM/NUCMED/THY09.HTM <A HREF= " http://endocrine-surgery.com/hyper1.html " >Hyperthyroidism Thyrotoxicosis/Hyperthyroid Symptoms</A> http://endocrine-surgery.com/hyper1.html <A HREF= " http://endocrine-surgery.com/hypo1.html " >Hypothyroid Symptoms</A> http://endocrine-surgery.com/hypo1.html <A HREF= " http://endocrine-surgery.com/thyroiditis.html " >Thyroiditis Explained</A> http://endocrine-surgery.com/thyroiditis.html TESTING INFO. <A HREF= " http://endocrineweb.com/tests.html " >Interpretation of Thyroid Tests Thyroid Tests Explained</A> http://endocrineweb.com/tests.html <A HREF= " http://www.endocrineweb.com/fna.html " >FNA Biopsy Explained</A> http://www.endocrineweb.com/fna.html <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8608781 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Thyroglobulin Info.</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8608781 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Thyroglobulin measurement. Techniques, clinical benefits, and pitfalls. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_\ uids=11041454 & dopt=Abstract " >Thyrogen Study</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=11041454 & dopt=Abstract Thyroid 2000 Sep;10(9):767-78 Using recombinant human TSH in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer: current strategies and future directions. Mazzaferri EL, Kloos RT Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. <A HREF= " http://www.genzyme.com/thyrogen/pi.htm " >Genzyme Corporation - Thyrogen</A> http://www.genzyme.com/thyrogen/pi.htm THYROGEN Info. " Across the two clinical studies, the Thyrogen scan failed to detect remnant and/or cancer localized to the thyroid bed in 16% (20/124) of patients in whom it was detected by a scan after thyroid hormone withdrawal. In addition, the Thyrogen scan failed to detect metastatic disease in 24% (9/38) of patients in whom it was detected by a scan after thyroid hormone withdrawal. " <A HREF= " http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/2/619?maxtoshow= & HITS\ =10 & " >Thyrogen Study</A> The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 86, No. 2 619-625, 2001 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/2/619?maxtoshow= & HITS=10 & " We conclude that preparing patients by rhTSH is diagnostically equivalent to preparing them by THW. " <A HREF= " http://www.mflint.com/thyrogen/thyrogen.htm " >Thyrogen Brochure</A> http://www.mflint.com/thyrogen/thyrogen.htm <A HREF= " http://www.nejm.org/content/1997/0337/0013/0888.asp " >Original Articles -- NEJM 1997; 337: 888-896 -- September 25, 1997</A> http://www.nejm.org/public/1997/0337/0013/0888/1.htm (Thyrogen Related Study) RADIOACTIVE IODINE / RADIATION <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & I " >Sa\ livary and lacrimal gland dysfunction (sicca syndrome) after radioiodine therapy.</A> J Nucl Med 2001 May;42(5):738-43 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & I <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8896926 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Short Term Hazards</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8896926 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Potential Short Term Complications of Low Dose I-131. <A HREF= " http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/lowio.pdf " >http://www.c\ c.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/lowio.pdf</A> A Low Iodine Diet often prescribed before I-131 ablation. <A HREF= " http://www.mskcc.org/document/pedrad.htm " >Radiation Exposure and Thyroid Cancer</A> http://www.mskcc.org/document/pedrad.htm Info. about Nuclear Testing in the 1950s and 1960s and increased risk. and http://rex.nci.nih.gov/massmedia/Fallout/contents.html <A HREF= " http://www.prop1.org/prop1/radiated/states.htm " >U.S. Radiation Sites</A> http://www.prop1.org/prop1/radiated/states.htm Interesting site. A little unsettling. <A HREF= " http://www-dceg.ims.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/atlas/mapview " >Atlas of Cancer Mortality -- View Maps</A> http://www-dceg.ims.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/atlas/mapview See Maps and Data re: Thyroid Cancer Mortality and Distribution from NIH. MEDULLARY <A HREF= " http://www.endocrineweb.com/camed.html " >Medullary Thyroid Cancer Overview.</A> http://www.endocrineweb.com/camed.html <A HREF= " http://web.jet.es/bturner/ " >The MTC Site</A> http://web.jet.es/bturner/fset.htm Medullary Info. Site <A HREF= " http://www.nejm.org/content/1994/0331/0013/0870.asp " >Medullary Info. -- NEJM 1994</A> http://www.nejm.org/public/1994/0331/0013/0870/1.htm <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9681853 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Recurrent Medullary Thyroid Cancer</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9681853 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Surgical management of patients with persistent or recurrent Medullary thyroid cancer. ANAPLASTIC <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=1695118 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Anaplastic MD </A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=1695118 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=7883548 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Anaplastic 24 Yr. Experience</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=7883548 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b FOLLICULAR and HURTHLE CELL <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9735140 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Follicular and Hurthle Cell Neoplasms</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9735140 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Management of Follicular and Hurthle Cell Neoplasms of the Thyroid Gland. <A HREF= " http://endocrineweb.com/hurthle.html " >Hurthle Cell Carcinoma: Diagnosis and Treatment</A> http://endocrineweb.com/hurthle.html THYROID DISEASE AND PREGNANCY <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?SFMT=clit_detailed/1/0/1 & \ TYPE=fetch & RECKEY=C6/399814000/3120 & PASSTHRU=:srchform:SRCH:ip:64.12.104.186::HO\ ME:::SEARCH::::recno:3 " >Thyroid Disease and Female Reproduction</A> Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Panagia Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. 2000 http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?SFMT=clit_detailed/1/0/1 & TYPE=fetch & RECKEY=C6/399814000/3120 & PASSTHRU=:srchform:SRCH:ip:64.12.104.186::HOME:::SEARCH::::recno:3 <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?SFMT=clit_detailed/1/0/1 & \ TYPE=fetch & RECKEY=C6/337265427/2773 & PASSTHRU=:srchform:SRCH:ip:64.12.104.186::HO\ ME:::SEARCH::::recno:6 " >Pregnancy following Thyroid Cancer</A> Clinic of Endocrinological and General Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. 2000 http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?SFMT=clit_detailed/1/0/1 & TYPE=fetch & RECKEY=C6/337265427/2773 & PASSTHRU=:srchform:SRCH:ip:64.12.104.186::HOME:::SEARCH::::recno:6 <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?SFMT=clit_detailed/1/0/1 & \ TYPE=fetch & RECKEY=C6/113416161/2516 & PASSTHRU=:srchform:SRCH:ip:64.12.104.186::HO\ ME:::SEARCH::::recno:14 " >Management of differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed during pregnancy.</A> Eur J Endocrinol, 1999 Thyroid Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK. http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/srchcgi.exe?SFMT=clit_detailed/1/0/1 & TYPE=fetch & RECKEY=C6/113416161/2516 & PASSTHRU=:srchform:SRCH:ip:64.12.104.186::HOME:::SEARCH::::recno:14 OTHER ISSUES <A HREF= " http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/gi/pages/mmail.htm " >Thyroid Disease Newsletter #5 - September 5, 1997 - Thyroid Disease</A> http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/gi/pages/mmail.htm Inconsistencies of Thyroid Hormone Replacements. [Federal Register: August 14, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 157)] - FDA <A HREF= " http://thyroid.miningco.com/bliodin.htm " >Thyroid Disease / The Low Iodine Diet -- The Mining Company</A> http://thyroid.tqn.com/bliodin.htm A Pre-Scan Low Iodine Diet. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9579237 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Bone Density and Replacement Thyroxine</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9579237 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Effect of replacement doses of thyroxine on bone mineral density. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9661603 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Bone Density Not Reduced</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9661603 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b ....Bone density is not reduced by suppressive doses of thyroxine, but is increased by cyclic intravenous pamidronate. <A HREF= " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9678534 & form=6 & db=\ m & Dopt=b " >Bone Density Info.</A> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9678534 & form=6 & db=m & Dopt=b Markers of bone turnover in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with and following withdrawal of thyroxine suppressive therapy. <A HREF= " http://www.hbdi.org/ " >Human Biological Database Interchange</A> http://www.hbdi.org/ Help Thyroid Disease Research. " HBDI carries out its mission by recruiting interested families with affected members who are asked to fill out a confidential questionnaire that contains medical and genealogical information about their immediate and extended families. A panel of scientists reviews this information and selects families for further participation. Selected family members are requested to donate a small sample of blood. The blood is used to produce cell lines and DNA is extracted. These biomaterials are placed in a repository and made available at cost to scientists worldwide. Researchers use these biomaterials in their genetic and other studies to understand and potentially prevent disease. " SUPPORT GROUPS - ONLINE Subscribe to a Great Email mailing list Support Group ! ThyCa Discussion Group (general group for overall thyroid cancer discussion & support): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thyca/join Instructions: If you are already registered w/ Yahoo, then all you need to do is go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thyca/join & subscribe to Thyca, Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Of course, you can set your delivery options as you wish. If you are not yet registered w/ Yahoo, you need to go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thyca/join & click on the New Member link to register. (This is a simple & quick process, as well as free; you will get a Yahoo password.) Then, go back to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thyca/join & subscribe to Thyca, Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Set your delivery options as you wish; you can go back to Yahoo & change them at any time. Upon subscribing, you will get first a confirmation e-mail from Yahoo (which you must reply to in order to activate your new list membership) & then an automated welcome message from Yahoo. This will tell you how to post to the list. This list has some MD contributors and is great for obtaining helpful info. and support. Medullary Support Group: Medullary-subscribe Anaplastic Support Group: Anaplastic-subscribe Pediatric Support Group: Ped_thyca-subscribe Advanced Thyroid Cancer Support Group: adv-thyca-subscribe <A HREF= " http://www.tile.net:2001/lists/thyroidonc.html " >THYROID-ONC: The Thyroid Cancer Online Support Group</A> http://www.tile.net:2001/lists/thyroidonc.html Summary: THYROID-ONCThe Thyroid Cancer Online Email Support Group Country: USSite: L-Soft international, Inc. org You can join this group by sending the message " sub THYROID-ONC your name " to listserv@... Subscribe to a GENERAL TOPIC Thyroid Email List Support Group at LISTSERV@... and post " Subscribe Thyroid " (without quotes). Beware, this list covers ALL thyroid conditions and deluged me with mail unrelated to Thyroid Cancer when I subscribed to try it out. <A HREF= " aol://2719:3-1072-Glennas%20Garden/ " >Glennas Garden </A><===== Keyword: AHCHAT, then click on Glenna's Garden. (On America Online) Live Thyroid Cancer Support Chat, Monday 8-9PM. Talk with those who've been there, and sometimes MDs. you might also wish to check... <A HREF= " http://www.fda.gov/ " >FDA</A> www.fda.gov <A HREF= " http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/unithroid/unithroid.htm " >Unithroid</\ A> FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/unithroid/unithroid.htm " ...an oral levothryroxine sodium drug product that has been determined to be safe and effective by the FDA and that also meets FDA standards for manufacturing processes, purity, potency, and stability. " The first one to be approved by the FDA. <A HREF= " http://www.synthroid.com/noframes/prescribing/index.html " >SYNTHROID Prescribing Information</A> http://www.synthroid.com/noframes/prescribing/index.html SYNTHROID Info. <A HREF= " http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/cytomel.html " >Cytomel Company Site</A> http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/cytomel.html (There is some controversy about the length of Cytomel's " half life " . Hours or days ?) <A HREF= " http://www.genzyme.com/thyrogen/pi.htm " >Genzyme Corporation - Thyrogen</A> http://www.genzyme.com/thyrogen/pi.htm THYROGEN Info. <A HREF= " http://www.rxlist.com/ " >RxList - The Internet Drug Index</A> http://www.rxlist.com/ <A HREF= " http://www.merck.com/pubs/ " >MERCK Manual and Publications</A> http://www.merck.com/pubs/ Merck Manual (Full Reference Texts) (Look it up !) <A HREF= " http://www.graylab.ac.uk/omd/index.html " >On-line Medical Dictionary</A> http://www.graylab.ac.uk/omd/index.html <A HREF= " http://www.m-w.com/ " >Welcome to Merriam-Webster</A> Dictionary http://www.m-w.com <A HREF= " http://www.quackwatch.com/ " >QuackWatch Home Page</A> http://www.quackwatch.com/ A MUST READ ! Before you consider " Alternative Medicine " , or just about any kind of treatment, just take a look at this site. I found it fascinating. " Quackwatch, Inc., a member of Consumer Federation of America, is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies. " <A HREF= " http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ " >Clinical Trials.gov</A> http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NEW Searchable U.S. Government Clinical Trials Database. <A HREF= " http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/pdq.htm#clinical_trial " >PDQ -- NCI's Comprehensive Cancer Database</A> http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/pdqfull.html " PDQ contains the world's most comprehensive cancer clinical trials database. It includes approximately 1,700 abstracts of trials that are open and approved for patient accrual (accepting patients), including trials for cancer treatment, diagnosis, supportive care, screening, and prevention. In addition, you can access approximately 10,300 abstracts of closed clinical trials that have been completed or are no longer accepting patients. However, these closed clinical trials are not currently available on CancerNet. " <A HREF= " http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov/ " >NCI: Cancer Trials</A> http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov/ Search for Clinical Trials. http://www.arc.com/cancernet/cancernet.html Clinical Trial Searches and Other Cancer Info. <A HREF= " http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/stat.htm " >Cancer Statistics</A> <A HREF= " http://www.facs.org/about_college/acsdept/cancer_dept/programs/ncdb/whatsn\ cdb.html " >http://www.facs.org/about_college/acsdept/cancer_dept/programs/ncdb/wh\ atsncdb. html</A> <A HREF= " http://www-dceg.ims.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/atlas/site-discuss?site=thy " >Atlas of Cancer Mortality in the United States: 1950-94</A> Geographic Patterns by Type of Cancer http://www-dceg.ims.nci.nih.gov/cgi-bin/atlas/site-discuss?site=thy <A HREF= " http://www.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm " >AMA - On-Line Doctor Finder</A> http://www.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm American Medical Association info.on most any doctor in the country. <A HREF= " http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/8_6.htm " >Hospice Info.</A> http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/8_6.htm <A HREF= " http://cancerhelp.8m.com/ " >CancerHelp - Comprehensive Cancer Resources On The Internet</A> http://cancerhelp.8m.com CancerHelp (Huge Number of cancer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Amy, One great thing you can do is to begin to prepare and freeze the foods you will be allowed to eat once on the low-iodine diet (approximately a month after surgery, you will be asked to go on this specialized diet). Read as much as you can about it (there is a great deal of info on the web), resolve any conflicting information you have (ask here), and begin to accumulate recipes that you think you might enjoy. Prepare ahead of time whatever you can freeze, and get everything from the store you think you will need (except for the fresh fruit and veggies) so that when the time comes (and you will probably be getting a little sluggish by then) you will be ready in terms of what you'll eat.... a low iodine cookbook link can be found on the home page of <A HREF= " www. thyca.org " >www. thyca.org</A> Other low-iodine links can be found in that huge list I sent you. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have someone to cook for you? If so, just print this out and hand it to them! Also, there are plenty of dishes you eat regularly that are allowed on the diet. As long as they don't have any of the " no-no " ingredients in them, and as long as you use non-idozed salt instead of iodized salt, then you are safe! You might want to start with those dishes you're familiar with and see if they will be safe while on the LID. If you work outside of the home, be prepared to take a bit of time off after surgery (usually about a week) and another couple of weeks while hypo (although some people work during this time). My experience has shown me that most of my friends rallied around me after surgery, but the toughest part of this journey for me was being forced to go hypothyroid. My friends had already gone back to their busy lives by then, thinking that the worst for me was over. My hypo symptoms come in waves, usually brought on by stress. For that reason, I stopped working at my fifth week after my TT. I felt better the week I was at home with no meds vs, the week leading up to that with Cytomel (a pill your endo will probably put you on for about a month after your TT which will help you feel better while your neck heals, but take you off the last two weeks prior to you RAI treatment). One more thing...educate bosses and family about the symptoms of hypothyroidism so that they will understand your limitations. Some people sail through it, while others stumble through it. Most are somewhere in between. I hope you fare well and recover quickly! Hope this helps! Debbi (Wash., DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI anyday now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Amy, One great thing you can do is to begin to prepare and freeze the foods you will be allowed to eat once on the low-iodine diet (approximately a month after surgery, you will be asked to go on this specialized diet). Read as much as you can about it (there is a great deal of info on the web), resolve any conflicting information you have (ask here), and begin to accumulate recipes that you think you might enjoy. Prepare ahead of time whatever you can freeze, and get everything from the store you think you will need (except for the fresh fruit and veggies) so that when the time comes (and you will probably be getting a little sluggish by then) you will be ready in terms of what you'll eat.... a low iodine cookbook link can be found on the home page of <A HREF= " www. thyca.org " >www. thyca.org</A> Other low-iodine links can be found in that huge list I sent you. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have someone to cook for you? If so, just print this out and hand it to them! Also, there are plenty of dishes you eat regularly that are allowed on the diet. As long as they don't have any of the " no-no " ingredients in them, and as long as you use non-idozed salt instead of iodized salt, then you are safe! You might want to start with those dishes you're familiar with and see if they will be safe while on the LID. If you work outside of the home, be prepared to take a bit of time off after surgery (usually about a week) and another couple of weeks while hypo (although some people work during this time). My experience has shown me that most of my friends rallied around me after surgery, but the toughest part of this journey for me was being forced to go hypothyroid. My friends had already gone back to their busy lives by then, thinking that the worst for me was over. My hypo symptoms come in waves, usually brought on by stress. For that reason, I stopped working at my fifth week after my TT. I felt better the week I was at home with no meds vs, the week leading up to that with Cytomel (a pill your endo will probably put you on for about a month after your TT which will help you feel better while your neck heals, but take you off the last two weeks prior to you RAI treatment). One more thing...educate bosses and family about the symptoms of hypothyroidism so that they will understand your limitations. Some people sail through it, while others stumble through it. Most are somewhere in between. I hope you fare well and recover quickly! Hope this helps! Debbi (Wash., DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI anyday now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hi Amy; You've come to a great place for information and support, Welcome. As surgeries go, the thyroidectomy is not too bad... worse than a piece of cake, but easier than say, abdominal surgery, and for me at least MUCH less painful than knee surgery. Many folks on this list haven't had to have much pain medication afterwards, and its typically a short hospital stay (although my parathyroids acted up and i came home and went back which wasn't the most fun in the world but wasn't all that horrible either, just inconvenient) Spend time getting ready ahead for your surgery, round up some extra pillows at home,and maybe a dog bone or roll pillow for behind your neck - many find it hard to get comfortable after the surgery because your neck and shoulders get all twisted around and you'll be achy and uncomfortable. Put in a supply of slithery foods easy to eat. Be prepared to not be allowed to drive or lift for a week or so. Its a very scary diagnosis, and facing surgery is never any pleasant experience, but you'll find the more information you get and the more worries you share, the easier it will be to cope. Good Luck barb Barb Burri dx pap 7/1/99 TT 8/13/99, RAI 63mci 4/26/00 - CLEAN SCAN 12/15/00 - .175 synthroid - and 1/2 on Sundays.......... barburri@... // bburri@... // www.burri.com hailing from Plaistow NH (42 miles Due North of Boston) > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hi Amy; You've come to a great place for information and support, Welcome. As surgeries go, the thyroidectomy is not too bad... worse than a piece of cake, but easier than say, abdominal surgery, and for me at least MUCH less painful than knee surgery. Many folks on this list haven't had to have much pain medication afterwards, and its typically a short hospital stay (although my parathyroids acted up and i came home and went back which wasn't the most fun in the world but wasn't all that horrible either, just inconvenient) Spend time getting ready ahead for your surgery, round up some extra pillows at home,and maybe a dog bone or roll pillow for behind your neck - many find it hard to get comfortable after the surgery because your neck and shoulders get all twisted around and you'll be achy and uncomfortable. Put in a supply of slithery foods easy to eat. Be prepared to not be allowed to drive or lift for a week or so. Its a very scary diagnosis, and facing surgery is never any pleasant experience, but you'll find the more information you get and the more worries you share, the easier it will be to cope. Good Luck barb Barb Burri dx pap 7/1/99 TT 8/13/99, RAI 63mci 4/26/00 - CLEAN SCAN 12/15/00 - .175 synthroid - and 1/2 on Sundays.......... barburri@... // bburri@... // www.burri.com hailing from Plaistow NH (42 miles Due North of Boston) > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Barb, thanks for the suggestion of the neck pillow. Never would have thought of that! Is it hard to swallow following the surgery? Amy Re: Hi, I'm new Hi Amy; You've come to a great place for information and support, Welcome. As surgeries go, the thyroidectomy is not too bad... worse than a piece of cake, but easier than say, abdominal surgery, and for me at least MUCH less painful than knee surgery. Many folks on this list haven't had to have much pain medication afterwards, and its typically a short hospital stay (although my parathyroids acted up and i came home and went back which wasn't the most fun in the world but wasn't all that horrible either, just inconvenient) Spend time getting ready ahead for your surgery, round up some extra pillows at home,and maybe a dog bone or roll pillow for behind your neck - many find it hard to get comfortable after the surgery because your neck and shoulders get all twisted around and you'll be achy and uncomfortable. Put in a supply of slithery foods easy to eat. Be prepared to not be allowed to drive or lift for a week or so. Its a very scary diagnosis, and facing surgery is never any pleasant experience, but you'll find the more information you get and the more worries you share, the easier it will be to cope. Good Luck barb Barb Burri dx pap 7/1/99 TT 8/13/99, RAI 63mci 4/26/00 - CLEAN SCAN 12/15/00 - .175 synthroid - and 1/2 on Sundays.......... barburri@... // bburri@... // www.burri.com hailing from Plaistow NH (42 miles Due North of Boston) > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Barb, thanks for the suggestion of the neck pillow. Never would have thought of that! Is it hard to swallow following the surgery? Amy Re: Hi, I'm new Hi Amy; You've come to a great place for information and support, Welcome. As surgeries go, the thyroidectomy is not too bad... worse than a piece of cake, but easier than say, abdominal surgery, and for me at least MUCH less painful than knee surgery. Many folks on this list haven't had to have much pain medication afterwards, and its typically a short hospital stay (although my parathyroids acted up and i came home and went back which wasn't the most fun in the world but wasn't all that horrible either, just inconvenient) Spend time getting ready ahead for your surgery, round up some extra pillows at home,and maybe a dog bone or roll pillow for behind your neck - many find it hard to get comfortable after the surgery because your neck and shoulders get all twisted around and you'll be achy and uncomfortable. Put in a supply of slithery foods easy to eat. Be prepared to not be allowed to drive or lift for a week or so. Its a very scary diagnosis, and facing surgery is never any pleasant experience, but you'll find the more information you get and the more worries you share, the easier it will be to cope. Good Luck barb Barb Burri dx pap 7/1/99 TT 8/13/99, RAI 63mci 4/26/00 - CLEAN SCAN 12/15/00 - .175 synthroid - and 1/2 on Sundays.......... barburri@... // bburri@... // www.burri.com hailing from Plaistow NH (42 miles Due North of Boston) > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hi Amy! I know exactly where you are coming from, like you I am the mother of two and was diagnosed with papillary cancer. I had a total thyroidectomy on July 23rd and will have my RAI treatment next month. We all have experienced the fears and concerns you are going through. For me the surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be. Not too much pain afterword. More of just discomfort and stiffness. You will have a sore throat. Ice chips were a great help after my surgery. You may feel sick to your stomach, if so the nurse can give you something. Don't be afraid to ask if you need it! You may want to have chewable calcium pills at home when you return from the hospital in the event you need calcium supplements, they are much easier on your throat. A great tip I recieved from another board member was to wear shirts that button up the front instead of pull- over for the first week after surgery. They were much easier to work with. Also, if you have long hair like I do, I would recommend having it braided or bringing something to pull your hair up to the hospital. It will help keep it clean and keep it out of the way. Please know that we are all here for you and I would be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. (Remember this is all fresh in my mind because I just went through it) Feel free to email me! Colleen > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and hearing your stories. > Amy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hi Amy! I know exactly where you are coming from, like you I am the mother of two and was diagnosed with papillary cancer. I had a total thyroidectomy on July 23rd and will have my RAI treatment next month. We all have experienced the fears and concerns you are going through. For me the surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be. Not too much pain afterword. More of just discomfort and stiffness. You will have a sore throat. Ice chips were a great help after my surgery. You may feel sick to your stomach, if so the nurse can give you something. Don't be afraid to ask if you need it! You may want to have chewable calcium pills at home when you return from the hospital in the event you need calcium supplements, they are much easier on your throat. A great tip I recieved from another board member was to wear shirts that button up the front instead of pull- over for the first week after surgery. They were much easier to work with. Also, if you have long hair like I do, I would recommend having it braided or bringing something to pull your hair up to the hospital. It will help keep it clean and keep it out of the way. Please know that we are all here for you and I would be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. (Remember this is all fresh in my mind because I just went through it) Feel free to email me! Colleen > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and hearing your stories. > Amy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hi Amy! I know exactly where you are coming from, like you I am the mother of two and was diagnosed with papillary cancer. I had a total thyroidectomy on July 23rd and will have my RAI treatment next month. We all have experienced the fears and concerns you are going through. For me the surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be. Not too much pain afterword. More of just discomfort and stiffness. You will have a sore throat. Ice chips were a great help after my surgery. You may feel sick to your stomach, if so the nurse can give you something. Don't be afraid to ask if you need it! You may want to have chewable calcium pills at home when you return from the hospital in the event you need calcium supplements, they are much easier on your throat. A great tip I recieved from another board member was to wear shirts that button up the front instead of pull- over for the first week after surgery. They were much easier to work with. Also, if you have long hair like I do, I would recommend having it braided or bringing something to pull your hair up to the hospital. It will help keep it clean and keep it out of the way. Please know that we are all here for you and I would be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. (Remember this is all fresh in my mind because I just went through it) Feel free to email me! Colleen > Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and hearing your stories. > Amy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Go to www.thyca.org (probably the site where you found instructions for signing onto this list) and read the section for NEWBIES. It will help you think of questions you may want to ask your Dr. and you'll know more about what to expect. The 4th Annual ThyCa Conference is in Sept (info can be found on the same website) and I can't emphasize how much this conference will help anyone who is newly diagnosed or who has any questions about their treatment or care. If you can make it to the DC area for the Conference, it would be wonderful. Since you will most likely be on the road to hypo hell at that point ....don't worry....we are experienced with taking care of hypo people at the Conference! Marilyn (dx '94-pap w/lung metastases - 5 pos scans/435mCi's - scans 6 & 7 clean) Amy wrote: >Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just >diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total >thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. >My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a >scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and >hearing your stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Go to www.thyca.org (probably the site where you found instructions for signing onto this list) and read the section for NEWBIES. It will help you think of questions you may want to ask your Dr. and you'll know more about what to expect. The 4th Annual ThyCa Conference is in Sept (info can be found on the same website) and I can't emphasize how much this conference will help anyone who is newly diagnosed or who has any questions about their treatment or care. If you can make it to the DC area for the Conference, it would be wonderful. Since you will most likely be on the road to hypo hell at that point ....don't worry....we are experienced with taking care of hypo people at the Conference! Marilyn (dx '94-pap w/lung metastases - 5 pos scans/435mCi's - scans 6 & 7 clean) Amy wrote: >Hi, my name is Amy and I'm a 30yr old mother of two. I was just >diagnosed last week with papillary carcinoma and will have a total >thyroidectomy next Wednesday. Needless to say, I am scared to death. >My dr assures me I have nothing to worry about, but still...it's a >scary word. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and >hearing your stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hard to swallow ? a little right away, there is some swelling in the neck and a lot of stiffness and I found the anesthesia made my throat sore, and it feels like if you cough your head will fall off, which is why I liked slithery foods, jello, popsicles, pudding, slippery noodles, soup etc the first few days, my whole throat felt scratchy and i was sure that toast or something similarly dry would make me choke... barb > Barb, thanks for the suggestion of the neck pillow. Never would have thought of that! Is it hard to swallow following the surgery? > Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Hard to swallow ? a little right away, there is some swelling in the neck and a lot of stiffness and I found the anesthesia made my throat sore, and it feels like if you cough your head will fall off, which is why I liked slithery foods, jello, popsicles, pudding, slippery noodles, soup etc the first few days, my whole throat felt scratchy and i was sure that toast or something similarly dry would make me choke... barb > Barb, thanks for the suggestion of the neck pillow. Never would have thought of that! Is it hard to swallow following the surgery? > Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Amy, I understand about being worried regarding the RAI therapy. I am very close to getting mine, have a child, and share your worries. I am sure that many of us here have children, and that there are guaranteed safe measures we can take to protect our families. Ian will submit posts occasionally regarding nuclear medicine, and he's got the answers if you've got questions when you are at that point. For right now, focus on your well-being for the surgery. Good luck! Keep us all posted... Debbi In a message dated 8/18/01 10:03:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time, lionsdove@... writes: > Subj: Re: Re: Hi, I'm new > Date: 8/18/01 10:03:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time > From: lionsdove@... (Amy ) > Reply-to: <A HREF= " mailto:Thyca " >Thyca </A> > To: Thyca > > > > > Debbie, thank you. You are a wealth of info...as is everyone here (so far > that I've met). I love the thyca.org website and refer to it often. I just > got my diagnosis a week ago and have done so much research. I'm really > worried about the RAI therapy, because I do have two small kids. > Amy > Re: Re: Hi, I'm new > > > Amy, > > One great thing you can do is to begin to prepare and freeze the > foods > you will be allowed to eat once on the low-iodine diet (approximately a > month > after surgery, you will be asked to go on this specialized diet). Read > as > much as you can about it (there is a great deal of info on the web), > resolve > any conflicting information you have (ask here), and begin to accumulate > recipes that you think you might enjoy. Prepare ahead of time whatever > you > can freeze, and get everything from the store you think you will need > (except > for the fresh fruit and veggies) so that when the time comes (and you > will > probably be getting a little sluggish by then) you will be ready in terms > of > what you'll eat.... > > a low iodine cookbook link can be found on the home page of <A HREF= " http://www. thyca.org/ " >http://www. > thyca.org/</A> > > Other low-iodine links can be found in that huge list I sent you. > > Perhaps you are lucky enough to have someone to cook for you? If so, > just > print this out and hand it to them! Also, there are plenty of dishes you > eat > regularly that are allowed on the diet. As long as they don't have any > of > the " no-no " ingredients in them, and as long as you use non-idozed salt > instead of iodized salt, then you are safe! You might want to start with > those dishes you're familiar with and see if they will be safe while on > the > LID. > > If you work outside of the home, be prepared to take a bit of time > off > after surgery (usually about a week) and another couple of weeks while > hypo > (although some people work during this time). My experience has shown me > that most of my friends rallied around me after surgery, but the toughest > part of this journey for me was being forced to go hypothyroid. My > friends > had already gone back to their busy lives by then, thinking that the > worst > for me was over. My hypo symptoms come in waves, usually brought on by > stress. For that reason, I stopped working at my fifth week after my TT. > I > felt better the week I was at home with no meds vs, the week leading up > to > that with Cytomel (a pill your endo will probably put you on for about a > month after your TT which will help you feel better while your neck > heals, > but take you off the last two weeks prior to you RAI treatment). > > One more thing...educate bosses and family about the symptoms of > hypothyroidism so that they will understand your limitations. Some > people > sail through it, while others stumble through it. Most are somewhere in > between. I hope you fare well and recover quickly! > > Hope this helps! > > Debbi (Wash., DC) > Age 41 > dx pap thyca 5/01 > TT 7/01 > 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes > RAI anyday now > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 To Amy and others facing surgery soon: I think this site can be helpful for those who are willing to try some online mediation and visualization exercises. It was particularly helpful to me just prior to surgery when my nerves were very frazzled from all the worrying. I am fairly certain that most of the meditation exercises here are non-denominational. I hope this won't offend anyone here, and I apologize in advance if I have. <A HREF= " http://www.belief.net/indexpage.asp?pageloc=204 " >http://www.belief.net/ind\ expage.asp?pageloc=204</A> Debbi (Washington, DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 To Amy and others facing surgery soon: I think this site can be helpful for those who are willing to try some online mediation and visualization exercises. It was particularly helpful to me just prior to surgery when my nerves were very frazzled from all the worrying. I am fairly certain that most of the meditation exercises here are non-denominational. I hope this won't offend anyone here, and I apologize in advance if I have. <A HREF= " http://www.belief.net/indexpage.asp?pageloc=204 " >http://www.belief.net/ind\ expage.asp?pageloc=204</A> Debbi (Washington, DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 To Amy and others facing surgery soon: I think this site can be helpful for those who are willing to try some online mediation and visualization exercises. It was particularly helpful to me just prior to surgery when my nerves were very frazzled from all the worrying. I am fairly certain that most of the meditation exercises here are non-denominational. I hope this won't offend anyone here, and I apologize in advance if I have. <A HREF= " http://www.belief.net/indexpage.asp?pageloc=204 " >http://www.belief.net/ind\ expage.asp?pageloc=204</A> Debbi (Washington, DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Thanks Debbie. I saved the link to check out later. Amy Re: Re: Hi, I'm new To Amy and others facing surgery soon: I think this site can be helpful for those who are willing to try some online mediation and visualization exercises. It was particularly helpful to me just prior to surgery when my nerves were very frazzled from all the worrying. I am fairly certain that most of the meditation exercises here are non-denominational. I hope this won't offend anyone here, and I apologize in advance if I have. <A HREF= " http://www.belief.net/indexpage.asp?pageloc=204 " >http://www.belief.net/ind\ expage.asp?pageloc=204</A> Debbi (Washington, DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Thanks Debbie. I saved the link to check out later. Amy Re: Re: Hi, I'm new To Amy and others facing surgery soon: I think this site can be helpful for those who are willing to try some online mediation and visualization exercises. It was particularly helpful to me just prior to surgery when my nerves were very frazzled from all the worrying. I am fairly certain that most of the meditation exercises here are non-denominational. I hope this won't offend anyone here, and I apologize in advance if I have. <A HREF= " http://www.belief.net/indexpage.asp?pageloc=204 " >http://www.belief.net/ind\ expage.asp?pageloc=204</A> Debbi (Washington, DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2001 Report Share Posted August 18, 2001 Thanks Debbie. I saved the link to check out later. Amy Re: Re: Hi, I'm new To Amy and others facing surgery soon: I think this site can be helpful for those who are willing to try some online mediation and visualization exercises. It was particularly helpful to me just prior to surgery when my nerves were very frazzled from all the worrying. I am fairly certain that most of the meditation exercises here are non-denominational. I hope this won't offend anyone here, and I apologize in advance if I have. <A HREF= " http://www.belief.net/indexpage.asp?pageloc=204 " >http://www.belief.net/ind\ expage.asp?pageloc=204</A> Debbi (Washington, DC) Age 41 dx pap thyca 5/01 TT 7/01 2 cm tumor/no spread to nodes RAI soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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