Tenderness/pain in thyroid bed way past TT-this happen to anyone else?

momtoboys
momtoboys Member Posts: 11
in Thyroid Cancer #1
Hi,
I had two surgeries in Nov 2010 to complete TT. I was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma-follicular variant. Cancer was encapsulated and very small. No lymph node involvement. In March 2011 I elected to do an ablation dose of radioactive iodine. Whole body scan was clear and thyroglobulin was very low. Saw the doctor again in July 2011 and all looked fine with blood work numbers. In August I started experiencing some other random symptoms and have since been diagnosed with lupus. Not surprised-had Hashimotos prior to TT and my brother was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 4yrs old.

Earlier this week, I experienced tenderness/slight pain in the thyroid bed area. Also, pain when swallowing and having to clear my throat. Lasted about 3-4 days. I spoke with my doctor's nurse and I am scheduled to have blood drawn this week with an appoint the last week of January. I detected a sense of urgency from the doctor.

Has this happened to any of you?
Could it be leftover thyroid tissue?
Can the thyroid regenerate?
Wouldn't the radioactive iodine ablate any remaining thyroid tissue?
I have not had a sonogram since prior to surgery-is this normal?
Could it be lymph node involvement?
I know my ANA antibody levels are up...thought it was the lupus-could thyroid cancer cause this to track up?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Marlo

Comments

  • sunnyaz
    sunnyaz Member Posts: 582
    #2
    Hi Marlo
    I have not experienced this and I did have a recurrence to the lymph nodes (twice). If you had RAI most of your Thyroid tissue is probably gone. I doubt that there are very many nodes in the bed where your Thyroid was, but it is possible. My nodes were in different sections of my neck away from the Thyroid bed. I did not have any pain when my nodes were found. I don't know that they were affected or that pain may be associated at the early stage of lymph node involvement. My educated guess is that it is not related but an Ultrasound would be a good idea. They should check your Thyroglobulin and Thyroglubulin antibodies as well. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Lupus. I know that can be a miserable disease. Sounds like Auto-Immunity is a hereditary factor in your family. I am keeping you in my prayers.
    Blessings,
    Julie-SunnyAZ

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