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POG
POG Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Thyroid Cancer #1
Two months ago a CT scan for a lung nodule (not diagnosed just monitored) found a hypodensity with undifferentiated margins in left lobe of thyroid. First doctor lost all my records. When I finally got to specialist with records this week ENT with specializationin thyroid disease did an ultrasound in office and found multi nodular thyroid (12-24 nodules) and one solitary dominant nodule not seen on previous scan. It was larger than rest and palpable. He didn't tell me how large. Did a FNA (biopsy) in office and found the nodule firm and fixed. I am waiting for results. No symptoms and healthy...well maybe a little coughing/shortness of breath occassionally however I am 55. Should I be concerned? I guess my biggest concern is that I understand thyroid cancer is very curable because of the RAI treatments. My concern is that I am severely allergic to RAI. I came very close to dying in my early 20's due to severe allergic shock reaction (very rare). They called a code and luckily I was in a hospital getting a routine xray with contrast dye so immediate emergency care and three days in critical care saved me. Does this mean if cancer is found it would be less treatable because I cannot tolerate the RAI? If anyone has any thoughts or ideas I would be grateful. Waiting for results until next week is distracting to say the least.

Comments

  • gailaj
    gailaj Member Posts: 36
    #2
    wait and see
    Hi POG. I know it's a cliche, but the waiting is the hardest part. I can only speak from my own experience -- my nodule turned out to be small, papillary thyroid cancer, so they did a total thyroidectomy (March 08) and I did not even require RAI, they chose to monitor with ultrasound and thyroglobulin tests. The bigger problem for me at this stage has been regulating the thyroid medication, but even that seems to have stabilized.

    I know it's easy to say now that I'm through the surgery, but try not to get ahead of yourself. Also, hopefully thirty years later (and with the knowledge now of your allergic reaction), doctors can prevent you having such an extreme reaction and/or suggest alternatives.

    Hope this helps -- and wishing you quick and positive results!
  • POG
    POG Member Posts: 10
    #3
    gailaj said:

    wait and see
    Hi POG. I know it's a cliche, but the waiting is the hardest part. I can only speak from my own experience -- my nodule turned out to be small, papillary thyroid cancer, so they did a total thyroidectomy (March 08) and I did not even require RAI, they chose to monitor with ultrasound and thyroglobulin tests. The bigger problem for me at this stage has been regulating the thyroid medication, but even that seems to have stabilized.

    I know it's easy to say now that I'm through the surgery, but try not to get ahead of yourself. Also, hopefully thirty years later (and with the knowledge now of your allergic reaction), doctors can prevent you having such an extreme reaction and/or suggest alternatives.

    Hope this helps -- and wishing you quick and positive results!

    Thank You
    You are exactly correct. I am getting ahead of myself. Thank you for taking the time to remind me of that fact. I am now thinking positive thoughts and focusing on other parts of my life. I will take one step at a time from now on...your story and optimism was a big help.

    Take good care and enjoy...Patty
  • gailaj
    gailaj Member Posts: 36
    #4
    You're welcome
    ...so glad to have helped at least a little, Patty. Hope you get news soon.
    Gail

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