Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 Hi Yes, it is definitely a scary diagnosis....just those words " thyroid cancer " alone have so much power. I was recently diagnosed on Dec. 9th, when they found my papillary thyca during surgery. I don't think the reality hit me until about three days later when I got home. I found this support group right away and was so surprised to see all the people that are going through this..all at different places in their disease process. I still have the RAI to go through, so I can't share anything about that. Please know that this group is wonderful as an outlet and that you simply are NOT alone! My prayers are with you. in SC Diagnosed today! I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 -Hello. God bless you. You are not alone. Wea are here. Believe me nobody is going to understand or support you more than we will. Is my own experience.I know that you are scare to dead. Let your feelings out then start to read, learn and get answers to all the questions that come to your mind. By the way you are in the rigth spot. Another people will send you some links. Unfortunatelly I'm not hat organized. I wish I could give you a hug. Pat-- In Thyca , " " <mychel@c...> wrote: > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 , I went to the doc for a physical, and then to the Obgyn for my annual and the nurse found a lump on my thyroid. ( go figure that the doctor a few hours before did not feelit) but i had a ultrasound then a scan and sure enough a lump was there, it was a cold nodule so my ENT wanted it removed. I was told half my thyroid would come out and if they found out it was cancer they would remove the whole thyroid. Sure enough I woke up from surgery with NO thyroid. I had Pap cancer, but the nodule was contained and all was removed. My surgery was fine and i was up and feeling normal a few days later. My endo wanted me to be on no meds and when my THS level got to a 35 i was to have a RAI ( radioactive Idione ) treatment. It is a pill, and i was to be in the hospital over night. I had no major reaction to it, and a few days later I had a whole body scan which showed some uptake in the thyroid bed only. and now i go back in 6 months and have a scan again to see if all the uptake is gone. I found so many people helpful on this board. I am not the expert, but I had a really positive experience. ( so i like to share it with people) everyone was really nice. The word cancer scared the wits out of me, but the whole proceedure was smooth and i had no major probloms. Even going hypothyroid ( getting to the 35) i was not too bad. ( some people have a hard time going hypo) after the RAI treatment i was put on meds. Some docs will put you on meds after the surgery to help you feel better, mine wanted me to go hypo, then have the RAI then go on meds... anyway, it is not as bad as it seems, and as i said before the word cancer is the hardest part. if you want to talk or e-mail me personally my e-mail is coyoteefann@... i also took photos of my scar and truly it is not bad.... I am 33 years old and married and a mother of 2 small children. i survived. ( it is not over i am still waiting for the magic words CLEAN SCAN) but so far so good. Don't be scared. it will be ok.... Jodi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond > belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this > group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery > soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of > all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > You did just fine, , and you're in the perfect spot!! I know how scary this is - keep in mind that Thyca is generally very treatable, and you will most likely live a long life and die from something else. Take this one step at a time, and start now getting copies of ALL your records - blood work, hospital/doctor/surgical reports, reports of FNAs and ultrasounds, pathology, etc. Your first step is surgery, which is usually not too bad as surgeries go :-). You'll be hospitalized overnight most likely, so that they can check your blood calcium levels. I had a sore throat for a few days, but never needed anything stronger than extra strength tylenol. You'll have some lifting restrictions for a while after. Look for a surgeon who has had a lot of experience in removing thyroids, and make an appointment with an endocrinologist who is experienced with thyroid cancer as soon as you can after surgery - they will be your main doctor in dealing with this. Here are some links to a few posts that may give you a bit of a background. Also, at the end of my post are some links - for now, take a look at the " Radioactive Girl " post. It's a letter I sent to family and friends, and explains a bit of what we go through. I've just been diagnosed - now what? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/18478 Some acronyms and abbreviations http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/18465 kabob will probably send you some more info - she keeps her eye out for new folks. If you don't get something from her soon, email me privately and I'll send her stuff to you - it was invaluable to me when I was starting on this journey. Do lots of reading on this site, but don't let what you read scare you. Gain as much knowledge as you can - you'll feel more in control. And ask us any questions that come up. You WILL get through this, believe me! There are lot of us here who've been down the same road, and we'll be here to help you through. You're not alone. We understand the fears and the uncertainty. Cheers, Alisa Currently - 140mcg Levoxyl 2/15/2002: Nodule found 2/27/2002: FNA 3/4/2002: Hysterectomy/oopherectomy-possible ovarian cancer - BENIGN!! 4/9/2002: TT - Stage 2 pap 2.5 x 2 x 1.6 cm nodule, dx Hashimotos 5/28/2002: WBS (2 mCi) and 100 mCi RAI --- 6/6/2002: WBS - No mets 12/16/02: WBS (5 mCi): clean scan - no thyroid tissue in body!!! Age: 49 -- Location: near Seattle WA --- Check out my posts: Radioactive Girl - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/19472 My LID - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15872 My RAI - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15873 LID thoughts, tips, ideas - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/25430 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond > belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this > group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery > soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of > all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > You did just fine, , and you're in the perfect spot!! I know how scary this is - keep in mind that Thyca is generally very treatable, and you will most likely live a long life and die from something else. Take this one step at a time, and start now getting copies of ALL your records - blood work, hospital/doctor/surgical reports, reports of FNAs and ultrasounds, pathology, etc. Your first step is surgery, which is usually not too bad as surgeries go :-). You'll be hospitalized overnight most likely, so that they can check your blood calcium levels. I had a sore throat for a few days, but never needed anything stronger than extra strength tylenol. You'll have some lifting restrictions for a while after. Look for a surgeon who has had a lot of experience in removing thyroids, and make an appointment with an endocrinologist who is experienced with thyroid cancer as soon as you can after surgery - they will be your main doctor in dealing with this. Here are some links to a few posts that may give you a bit of a background. Also, at the end of my post are some links - for now, take a look at the " Radioactive Girl " post. It's a letter I sent to family and friends, and explains a bit of what we go through. I've just been diagnosed - now what? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/18478 Some acronyms and abbreviations http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/18465 kabob will probably send you some more info - she keeps her eye out for new folks. If you don't get something from her soon, email me privately and I'll send her stuff to you - it was invaluable to me when I was starting on this journey. Do lots of reading on this site, but don't let what you read scare you. Gain as much knowledge as you can - you'll feel more in control. And ask us any questions that come up. You WILL get through this, believe me! There are lot of us here who've been down the same road, and we'll be here to help you through. You're not alone. We understand the fears and the uncertainty. Cheers, Alisa Currently - 140mcg Levoxyl 2/15/2002: Nodule found 2/27/2002: FNA 3/4/2002: Hysterectomy/oopherectomy-possible ovarian cancer - BENIGN!! 4/9/2002: TT - Stage 2 pap 2.5 x 2 x 1.6 cm nodule, dx Hashimotos 5/28/2002: WBS (2 mCi) and 100 mCi RAI --- 6/6/2002: WBS - No mets 12/16/02: WBS (5 mCi): clean scan - no thyroid tissue in body!!! Age: 49 -- Location: near Seattle WA --- Check out my posts: Radioactive Girl - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/19472 My LID - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15872 My RAI - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15873 LID thoughts, tips, ideas - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/25430 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2003 Report Share Posted January 2, 2003 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond > belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this > group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery > soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of > all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > You did just fine, , and you're in the perfect spot!! I know how scary this is - keep in mind that Thyca is generally very treatable, and you will most likely live a long life and die from something else. Take this one step at a time, and start now getting copies of ALL your records - blood work, hospital/doctor/surgical reports, reports of FNAs and ultrasounds, pathology, etc. Your first step is surgery, which is usually not too bad as surgeries go :-). You'll be hospitalized overnight most likely, so that they can check your blood calcium levels. I had a sore throat for a few days, but never needed anything stronger than extra strength tylenol. You'll have some lifting restrictions for a while after. Look for a surgeon who has had a lot of experience in removing thyroids, and make an appointment with an endocrinologist who is experienced with thyroid cancer as soon as you can after surgery - they will be your main doctor in dealing with this. Here are some links to a few posts that may give you a bit of a background. Also, at the end of my post are some links - for now, take a look at the " Radioactive Girl " post. It's a letter I sent to family and friends, and explains a bit of what we go through. I've just been diagnosed - now what? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/18478 Some acronyms and abbreviations http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/18465 kabob will probably send you some more info - she keeps her eye out for new folks. If you don't get something from her soon, email me privately and I'll send her stuff to you - it was invaluable to me when I was starting on this journey. Do lots of reading on this site, but don't let what you read scare you. Gain as much knowledge as you can - you'll feel more in control. And ask us any questions that come up. You WILL get through this, believe me! There are lot of us here who've been down the same road, and we'll be here to help you through. You're not alone. We understand the fears and the uncertainty. Cheers, Alisa Currently - 140mcg Levoxyl 2/15/2002: Nodule found 2/27/2002: FNA 3/4/2002: Hysterectomy/oopherectomy-possible ovarian cancer - BENIGN!! 4/9/2002: TT - Stage 2 pap 2.5 x 2 x 1.6 cm nodule, dx Hashimotos 5/28/2002: WBS (2 mCi) and 100 mCi RAI --- 6/6/2002: WBS - No mets 12/16/02: WBS (5 mCi): clean scan - no thyroid tissue in body!!! Age: 49 -- Location: near Seattle WA --- Check out my posts: Radioactive Girl - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/19472 My LID - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15872 My RAI - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15873 LID thoughts, tips, ideas - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/25430 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi ; Welcome to the group no one wants to have to join. You've come to a great place for support and information. First off, take a deep breath, this is going to be a pretty scary time for you right now - mind boggling frightening, but you will get through it, and we'll help you along the way. The first step is typically a thryoidectomy - find a good surgeon - was it an endo? or your primary care doc who diagnosed you? or an ENT surgeon. Take a look at the www.thyca.org site - specifically http://www.thyca.org/newly_diagnosed.htm there is a good list of questions to ask (and having a list helps - i find i get so nervous everything i wanted to ask flies right out of my head). Ask lots of questions to the surgeon - you want someone who does lots of these. In terms of surgery, many folks find the thyroidectomy to be not too bad. Scary, sure, it is major surgery. But in terms of recovery and pain afterwards, I found it easier than knee surgery. Typically you're in the hospital overnight after a few hours of surgery, and home the next day. Often there will be precautions on driving or lifting heavy things for about a week. I found putting in a stock of slithery foods for when I got home was helpful (jello, sherbert, puddings... nice easy to eat treats) Your throat might be sore, as much from the anesthesia as the surgery but with a sore neck it all feels wierd. I also found a dog-bone neck pillow to be helpful, it suported my neck comfortably when lieing down and made it easier to rest. Line up some help at home for after surgery to help with driving and lifting things like cat litter and groceries. Another thing i found very useful, because I'm the sort who doesn't relax and obsesses about everything, were the preparing for surgery audio tapes by Belleruth Naparsek, they have visualizations and meditations that I found very useful in getting my mind around surgery and feeeling relaxed and prepared to deal with it. After surgery, you most likely will go thru a period of no thyroid hormone to prepare for RAI. Sometimes folks get a short acting version of thyroid hormone called Cytomel to ease the discomfort of being hypo - but even though being hypo is no fun, its temporary. Don't worry about all that yet, get set for surgery first. But be sure to ask your docs about their plans for follow up etc. Ask us lots of questions... most of us have been down this road, and we're happy to help guide your way and welcome barb tt 8/99 RAI 4/00 Clean Scans 12/00, 5/02 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi ; Welcome to the group no one wants to have to join. You've come to a great place for support and information. First off, take a deep breath, this is going to be a pretty scary time for you right now - mind boggling frightening, but you will get through it, and we'll help you along the way. The first step is typically a thryoidectomy - find a good surgeon - was it an endo? or your primary care doc who diagnosed you? or an ENT surgeon. Take a look at the www.thyca.org site - specifically http://www.thyca.org/newly_diagnosed.htm there is a good list of questions to ask (and having a list helps - i find i get so nervous everything i wanted to ask flies right out of my head). Ask lots of questions to the surgeon - you want someone who does lots of these. In terms of surgery, many folks find the thyroidectomy to be not too bad. Scary, sure, it is major surgery. But in terms of recovery and pain afterwards, I found it easier than knee surgery. Typically you're in the hospital overnight after a few hours of surgery, and home the next day. Often there will be precautions on driving or lifting heavy things for about a week. I found putting in a stock of slithery foods for when I got home was helpful (jello, sherbert, puddings... nice easy to eat treats) Your throat might be sore, as much from the anesthesia as the surgery but with a sore neck it all feels wierd. I also found a dog-bone neck pillow to be helpful, it suported my neck comfortably when lieing down and made it easier to rest. Line up some help at home for after surgery to help with driving and lifting things like cat litter and groceries. Another thing i found very useful, because I'm the sort who doesn't relax and obsesses about everything, were the preparing for surgery audio tapes by Belleruth Naparsek, they have visualizations and meditations that I found very useful in getting my mind around surgery and feeeling relaxed and prepared to deal with it. After surgery, you most likely will go thru a period of no thyroid hormone to prepare for RAI. Sometimes folks get a short acting version of thyroid hormone called Cytomel to ease the discomfort of being hypo - but even though being hypo is no fun, its temporary. Don't worry about all that yet, get set for surgery first. But be sure to ask your docs about their plans for follow up etc. Ask us lots of questions... most of us have been down this road, and we're happy to help guide your way and welcome barb tt 8/99 RAI 4/00 Clean Scans 12/00, 5/02 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi ; Welcome to the group no one wants to have to join. You've come to a great place for support and information. First off, take a deep breath, this is going to be a pretty scary time for you right now - mind boggling frightening, but you will get through it, and we'll help you along the way. The first step is typically a thryoidectomy - find a good surgeon - was it an endo? or your primary care doc who diagnosed you? or an ENT surgeon. Take a look at the www.thyca.org site - specifically http://www.thyca.org/newly_diagnosed.htm there is a good list of questions to ask (and having a list helps - i find i get so nervous everything i wanted to ask flies right out of my head). Ask lots of questions to the surgeon - you want someone who does lots of these. In terms of surgery, many folks find the thyroidectomy to be not too bad. Scary, sure, it is major surgery. But in terms of recovery and pain afterwards, I found it easier than knee surgery. Typically you're in the hospital overnight after a few hours of surgery, and home the next day. Often there will be precautions on driving or lifting heavy things for about a week. I found putting in a stock of slithery foods for when I got home was helpful (jello, sherbert, puddings... nice easy to eat treats) Your throat might be sore, as much from the anesthesia as the surgery but with a sore neck it all feels wierd. I also found a dog-bone neck pillow to be helpful, it suported my neck comfortably when lieing down and made it easier to rest. Line up some help at home for after surgery to help with driving and lifting things like cat litter and groceries. Another thing i found very useful, because I'm the sort who doesn't relax and obsesses about everything, were the preparing for surgery audio tapes by Belleruth Naparsek, they have visualizations and meditations that I found very useful in getting my mind around surgery and feeeling relaxed and prepared to deal with it. After surgery, you most likely will go thru a period of no thyroid hormone to prepare for RAI. Sometimes folks get a short acting version of thyroid hormone called Cytomel to ease the discomfort of being hypo - but even though being hypo is no fun, its temporary. Don't worry about all that yet, get set for surgery first. But be sure to ask your docs about their plans for follow up etc. Ask us lots of questions... most of us have been down this road, and we're happy to help guide your way and welcome barb tt 8/99 RAI 4/00 Clean Scans 12/00, 5/02 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Barb, Thank you for all the helpful information! You asked who diagnosed me......I was actually diagnosed by accident! I was referred to a Surgeon due to a questionable mammogram, and when the hospital sent the films to him, they sent every film I had ever had taken (which was not too many). As he was looking for the recent mammogram, he found a thyroid sonogram they had run 5 years ago (on a quest to figure out why my hormones are messed up). As he looked at the old sonogram, he saw what he thought were little cysts. He asked me what they said about that sono back then, and I told him no one ever called me with results, so I assumed it was normal (since I am not a worrier, for the most part). Well, he decided to run another sono to see if those cysts had changed over the 5 years, and the new sono came back suggesting 3 masses with " malignant characteristics " . So then off for the thyroid scan, which showed they were " cold " ; again suggesting they are cancerous, as I am now told. Then the biopsy was done Monday and the results came yesterday. All of that happened so fast that I never even gave it a thought that it might be CANCER. All I was told along the way is that they needed yet another test to make sure what it was. So.....after that long winded reply.....I was diagnosed by a surgeon. Little did I know until yesterday that this Surgeon is actually a Surgical Oncologist! If I had of known that when they sent my mammogram over to him, I would have freaked! LOL Not to turn religious here, but as you can see, it was a " God Thing " as to how I was diagnosed. :-) I will ask some questions as soon as I can form some intelligent ones. I have so much reading to do, and I certainly appreciate all of you that have sent me good information. Also, I noticed that you and some others have gone through your surgery a few years ago, and I am most grateful that you have hung around to help those of us that are being diagnosed now. THANKS! Re: Diagnosed today! Hi ; Welcome to the group no one wants to have to join. You've come to a great place for support and information. First off, take a deep breath, this is going to be a pretty scary time for you right now - mind boggling frightening, but you will get through it, and we'll help you along the way. The first step is typically a thryoidectomy - find a good surgeon - was it an endo? or your primary care doc who diagnosed you? or an ENT surgeon. Take a look at the www.thyca.org site - specifically http://www.thyca.org/newly_diagnosed.htm there is a good list of questions to ask (and having a list helps - i find i get so nervous everything i wanted to ask flies right out of my head). Ask lots of questions to the surgeon - you want someone who does lots of these. In terms of surgery, many folks find the thyroidectomy to be not too bad. Scary, sure, it is major surgery. But in terms of recovery and pain afterwards, I found it easier than knee surgery. Typically you're in the hospital overnight after a few hours of surgery, and home the next day. Often there will be precautions on driving or lifting heavy things for about a week. I found putting in a stock of slithery foods for when I got home was helpful (jello, sherbert, puddings... nice easy to eat treats) Your throat might be sore, as much from the anesthesia as the surgery but with a sore neck it all feels wierd. I also found a dog-bone neck pillow to be helpful, it suported my neck comfortably when lieing down and made it easier to rest. Line up some help at home for after surgery to help with driving and lifting things like cat litter and groceries. Another thing i found very useful, because I'm the sort who doesn't relax and obsesses about everything, were the preparing for surgery audio tapes by Belleruth Naparsek, they have visualizations and meditations that I found very useful in getting my mind around surgery and feeeling relaxed and prepared to deal with it. After surgery, you most likely will go thru a period of no thyroid hormone to prepare for RAI. Sometimes folks get a short acting version of thyroid hormone called Cytomel to ease the discomfort of being hypo - but even though being hypo is no fun, its temporary. Don't worry about all that yet, get set for surgery first. But be sure to ask your docs about their plans for follow up etc. Ask us lots of questions... most of us have been down this road, and we're happy to help guide your way and welcome barb tt 8/99 RAI 4/00 Clean Scans 12/00, 5/02 > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. > > Love, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 , As you said about reality hitting you.......I am afraid reality is going to hit me soon. I am numb right now; like it isn't really happening. This has all happened so fast! I was told and then had the visit with the surgeon all in a 3 hour period yesterday! I didn't have time to look up anything, or even compose a list of questions to ask. I see that this group has some great resources, but I didn't have time to utilize them before my pre-op visit. Maybe I can have another pre-op visit to ask the questions I never thought to ask??? For example, I didn't even ask if I would have to take any medication after surgery. I assume I will, since they are removing my thyroid, but I was too shocked yesterday to even think straight. Oh well.....I have 2 weeks to inform my self and prepare mentally and emotionally. Right now I am a wreck! Diagnosed today! I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi , First off...what sort of Thyroid Cancer were you diagnosed with? What hospital are you going to? Yes, you will be on meds for the rest of your life. Its not so bad though. My best friend always jokes and asks me " did you take your Thyroid today? " I was diagnosed a year ago and had my surgery about 11 months ago. Be prepared that the meds take a some time to kick in once you are on them, about two weeks. Noone told me that and I was very upset. You will feel alittle sluggish and achey! Take some time out of work if you can. They have to be understanding. I know this is scary but it will be ok. How did they discover this? Most importantly ...you arent alone. We all understand. > >Reply-To: Thyca >To: <Thyca > >Subject: Re: Diagnosed today! >Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 11:46:48 -0600 > >, > >As you said about reality hitting you.......I am afraid reality is going to >hit me soon. I am numb right now; like it isn't really happening. This >has all happened so fast! I was told and then had the visit with the >surgeon all in a 3 hour period yesterday! I didn't have time to look up >anything, or even compose a list of questions to ask. I see that this >group has some great resources, but I didn't have time to utilize them >before my pre-op visit. Maybe I can have another pre-op visit to ask the >questions I never thought to ask??? For example, I didn't even ask if I >would have to take any medication after surgery. I assume I will, since >they are removing my thyroid, but I was too shocked yesterday to even think >straight. > >Oh well.....I have 2 weeks to inform my self and prepare mentally and >emotionally. Right now I am a wreck! > > > > Diagnosed today! > > > I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond >belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, >so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need >to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. > > I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you >have. > > Love, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 , This is a place where you can find all the help and information you can absorb. Take your time, and read when and what you want to, and ask your questions and repeat them if you want. It's been 9 months since my thyroid lit up on a PET scan for possible breast cancer mets (metastasis). I've experienced most of the hard symptoms, but can finally say I feel like I am making great progress toward health. You are just opening the door to this home for thyca patients. Your stay in this house will allow you access to rooms for comfort, information, and resources. Your questions and statements will help you walk from the bedroom where you can take solace in holding just enough information to get you through your present state, to the kitchen where you will talk about the illness and ask all the questions your family is asking, to the library where you can quietly open books, and websites to further detailed information, and then to the bus stop on the corner where you can catch the ride to the support groups and conventions. This house has as many rooms as you need it to have. You can get and give just a little information; or you can get and give the whole ball of wax, or the whole encyclopedia. You can write to the whole group; and at times you can write just to one person. When you feel an information overload coming on you can always close the door and return tomorrow. You will find the members of this group to be welcoming and eager to share facts with you, and eventually some fun too. You are scared, and that is normal; you have just opened the door to the unknown. You may or may not need a total thyroidectomy (TT). The scariest thing for me (I had a TT) was the thought of losing an organ without which I wouldn't live for long. I remember when my uterus and ovaries were removed, and I faced the choice of taking estrogen - or not taking it. This is different; those of us who have the TT don't have the choice not to take the thyroid supplement. But we are able to make some choices regarding which supplement, and we are able to make countless other decisions and choices about all other aspects of our treatment. From reading this list I encountered countless others who had already been faced with this scary prospect --- and who were surviving and thriving. Soon you will be as well. Thanks for writing, and welcome. Create an illuminating day. -- Still reclaiming myself, insha'allah, Munira, Childhood facial/neck/chest Radiation 3/15/02 PET Scan neg for breast cancer mets - showed thyroid 5/31/02 US - 10mmX9mmX7mm left nodule 6/7/02 FNA US - pap? 8/2/02 TT pap 1cm left & isthmus, +inflammatory tissue from radiation = 5 hr surgery; 1 para, 1 benign node 10/11/02 Discontinued Cytomel 10/18/02 began LID 1025/02 24hr urine collection - 10 mg?/liter = normal iodine content 11/6 RAI 150mrd Reply-To: Thyca Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2003 22:57:55 -0600 To: Thyca Subject: Diagnosed today! I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer today. I am frightened beyond belief, so I need help. I am not sure how to send messages to this group, so I hope I am in the right spot. I have to have surgery soon, but I need to know what to expect, how to prepare, and most of all, how to cope. I am too emotional to write more, so please send me any advice you have. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 >Maybe I can have >another pre-op visit to ask the questions I never thought to ask??? Tee hee. That would be nice. But seriously, you can ALWAYS call the doctor's office with more questions. Or ask us. > For example, I didn't even ask if I would have to take any > medication after surgery. I assume I will, since they are removing > my thyroid, but I was too shocked yesterday to even think straight. I know that feeling. You will take medication eventually. You'll take a replacement for the hormone the thyroid makes, every day for the rest of your life. You'll be off these meds initially after surgery for about 6 weeks while preparing for RAI (radioiodine) treatment). One step at a time. > Oh well.....I have 2 weeks to inform my self and prepare mentally > and emotionally. Right now I am a wreck! It will pass. You'll get through this - it's perfectly understandable that you're a wreck right now! Cheers, Alisa Currently - 140mcg Levoxyl 2/15/2002: Nodule found 2/27/2002: FNA 3/4/2002: Hysterectomy/oopherectomy-possible ovarian cancer - BENIGN!! 4/9/2002: TT - Stage 2 pap 2.5 x 2 x 1.6 cm nodule, dx Hashimotos 5/28/2002: WBS (2 mCi) and 100 mCi RAI --- 6/6/2002: WBS - No mets 12/16/02: WBS (5 mCi): clean scan - no thyroid tissue in body!!! Age: 49 -- Location: near Seattle WA --- Check out my posts: Radioactive Girl - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/19472 My LID - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15872 My RAI - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15873 LID thoughts, tips, ideas - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/25430 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have now known for one week, and my thyroidectomy is scheduled for next Thursday at 7am. Yesterday was the first day that I didn't cry. Now I'm mostly scared of the surgery, and the possible complications. They don't tell you a lot of info before, do they? I called my endo to ask some questions, and he said to make an appointment for 2 weeks after the surgery. I just want to get through the surgery now. When is your's scheduled? Hang in there. This is such a great support network. I can't tell you how much it has helped me get through week one. Take Care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have now known for one week, and my thyroidectomy is scheduled for next Thursday at 7am. Yesterday was the first day that I didn't cry. Now I'm mostly scared of the surgery, and the possible complications. They don't tell you a lot of info before, do they? I called my endo to ask some questions, and he said to make an appointment for 2 weeks after the surgery. I just want to get through the surgery now. When is your's scheduled? Hang in there. This is such a great support network. I can't tell you how much it has helped me get through week one. Take Care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Hi Alisa, My surgery is the 9th. I've read so many responses from you, including the one you wrote me that first day. It people like you that are getting the rest of us through this. Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 > Hi, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have now known for one > week, and my thyroidectomy is scheduled for next Thursday at 7am. , is that Thursday the 9th or the 16th? > Yesterday was the first day that I didn't cry. Yeah, I hear you. This is really scary, I know. We've all shed our share of tears. > Now I'm mostly scared of the surgery, and the possible > complications. They don't tell you a lot of info before, do they? This is one of the biggest frustrations for all of us, but it's very tempered by having the combined info and experiences you'll get from folks here. They were my lifeline through my surgery and RAI experiences! Surgery is always a scary thing (I know that having gone through 2 last year within 5 weeks of one another), but most people DON'T have complications from TTs. We have the surgery, stay in the hospital overnight to have our parathyroids checked (they should take blood calcium levels every 6 hours or so while you're there), and are sent home. Oh, you'll most likely have a drain next to your little smile of an incision, so don't freak out if you see that. They took mine out the next morning. > I called my endo to ask some questions, and he said to make an > appointment for 2 weeks after the surgery. I just want to get > through the surgery now. That's great timing to see the endo! Hang in there - we'll be waiting to hear how you're doing. Get home and rest and take things easy while you recoup! Cheers, Alisa Currently - 140mcg Levoxyl 2/15/2002: Nodule found 2/27/2002: FNA 3/4/2002: Hysterectomy/oopherectomy-possible ovarian cancer - BENIGN!! 4/9/2002: TT - Stage 2 pap 2.5 x 2 x 1.6 cm nodule, dx Hashimotos 5/28/2002: WBS (2 mCi) and 100 mCi RAI --- 6/6/2002: WBS - No mets 12/16/02: WBS (5 mCi): clean scan - no thyroid tissue in body!!! Age: 49 -- Location: near Seattle WA --- Check out my posts: Radioactive Girl - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/19472 My LID - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15872 My RAI - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/15873 LID thoughts, tips, ideas - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thyca/message/25430 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Hi , I am scheduled for Friday the 17th at noon. I doubt you will be back on the computer by then, so I hope everything goes just perfect with your surgery. Maybe we can compare stories some time afterwards. If you find that magical answer that calms you done, please pass it on to me. :-) Re: Diagnosed today! Hi, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have now known for one week, and my thyroidectomy is scheduled for next Thursday at 7am. Yesterday was the first day that I didn't cry. Now I'm mostly scared of the surgery, and the possible complications. They don't tell you a lot of info before, do they? I called my endo to ask some questions, and he said to make an appointment for 2 weeks after the surgery. I just want to get through the surgery now. When is your's scheduled? Hang in there. This is such a great support network. I can't tell you how much it has helped me get through week one. Take Care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Welcome, I am 7 days out of surgery and it is not a piece of cake. I don't want to scare you but I have nothing but trouble afterwards. I have done everything they say and I got a bad affection in it. Everyone on here tell you it is a piece of cake, Don't always listen to that! Everyone has something different. Patty DEC 27 TT Jan 2 put in drain tube Jan 3 put on 13 different med. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Welcome, I am 7 days out of surgery and it is not a piece of cake. I don't want to scare you but I have nothing but trouble afterwards. I have done everything they say and I got a bad affection in it. Everyone on here tell you it is a piece of cake, Don't always listen to that! Everyone has something different. Patty DEC 27 TT Jan 2 put in drain tube Jan 3 put on 13 different med. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Patty, Do you have any suggestions to avoid the hardships you are going through? Is there anything in particular that you would have done different that you might tell me about? Re: Re: Diagnosed today! Welcome, I am 7 days out of surgery and it is not a piece of cake. I don't want to scare you but I have nothing but trouble afterwards. I have done everything they say and I got a bad affection in it. Everyone on here tell you it is a piece of cake, Don't always listen to that! Everyone has something different. Patty DEC 27 TT Jan 2 put in drain tube Jan 3 put on 13 different med. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Patty, Do you have any suggestions to avoid the hardships you are going through? Is there anything in particular that you would have done different that you might tell me about? Re: Re: Diagnosed today! Welcome, I am 7 days out of surgery and it is not a piece of cake. I don't want to scare you but I have nothing but trouble afterwards. I have done everything they say and I got a bad affection in it. Everyone on here tell you it is a piece of cake, Don't always listen to that! Everyone has something different. Patty DEC 27 TT Jan 2 put in drain tube Jan 3 put on 13 different med. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Patty, Do you have any suggestions to avoid the hardships you are going through? Is there anything in particular that you would have done different that you might tell me about? Re: Re: Diagnosed today! Welcome, I am 7 days out of surgery and it is not a piece of cake. I don't want to scare you but I have nothing but trouble afterwards. I have done everything they say and I got a bad affection in it. Everyone on here tell you it is a piece of cake, Don't always listen to that! Everyone has something different. Patty DEC 27 TT Jan 2 put in drain tube Jan 3 put on 13 different med. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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