Anyone else had numerous lymph nodes removed in addition to their thyroid?
Comments
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Thank you so much, is rai inMLG said:cathy ma...answer to your questions
When I found out I had thyroid cancer, they scheduled me for a total thyroidectomy (TT) with lymph node removal. They already knew it was in all my thyroid and lymph nodes before surgery.
After you have surgery you have to go thru radiation to kill off any remaining cells and thyroid tissue that is left after surgery.
You can't be on thyroid meds until after your surgery because you have to be depleted of the hormone so the radioactive med will be taken up by any remaining cancer cells or thyroid tissue. (They don't even want you to have any good thyroid tissue in your body.)
Radiation is 6 weeks after surgery and unfortunately not very fun to go thru. Thyroid hormone is what stabalizes your metabolism. So, if you are loosing thryoid hormone as the 6 weeks goes along, you will have symptoms of hypothyroidism.
At the end of 6 weeks your son will have to take a high dose of radioactive iodine (RAI) to kill things off. I was nauseated during that week (they give you meds to help) and around my eyes got real puffy.
After that 5-7 days you can then be put on thyroid medicine.
The process of radiation is called ablation...killing off cancer cells.
What you would want to do is go to a thyroid cancer website and look for symptoms of what your son might experience after surgery while waiting to go on thyroid meds.
A lot of people talk about it on this site and everybody is different, but for me it was a very exhausing difficult time that I don't want to go thru again.cath
Thank you so much, is rai in pill form? and i been hearing about isolation? what is that all about. My son is only 18, his friends are so important to him and very supported, do they need to stay away? Surgery on 4/20, plus lymph node removeal on r side, then 3 months later, lymph node removal on left. Iam so sad, because thyroid blood test have all been fine over the years, he had no symptons ever!Thyroid working fine, now who knows, afraid he wont want to do all this follow up, stubborn teen!! cathy0 -
thank you so very much forMLG said:cathy ma...answer to your questions
When I found out I had thyroid cancer, they scheduled me for a total thyroidectomy (TT) with lymph node removal. They already knew it was in all my thyroid and lymph nodes before surgery.
After you have surgery you have to go thru radiation to kill off any remaining cells and thyroid tissue that is left after surgery.
You can't be on thyroid meds until after your surgery because you have to be depleted of the hormone so the radioactive med will be taken up by any remaining cancer cells or thyroid tissue. (They don't even want you to have any good thyroid tissue in your body.)
Radiation is 6 weeks after surgery and unfortunately not very fun to go thru. Thyroid hormone is what stabalizes your metabolism. So, if you are loosing thryoid hormone as the 6 weeks goes along, you will have symptoms of hypothyroidism.
At the end of 6 weeks your son will have to take a high dose of radioactive iodine (RAI) to kill things off. I was nauseated during that week (they give you meds to help) and around my eyes got real puffy.
After that 5-7 days you can then be put on thyroid medicine.
The process of radiation is called ablation...killing off cancer cells.
What you would want to do is go to a thyroid cancer website and look for symptoms of what your son might experience after surgery while waiting to go on thyroid meds.
A lot of people talk about it on this site and everybody is different, but for me it was a very exhausing difficult time that I don't want to go thru again.cath
thank you so very much for the reply, i will check out the web site. Cathy Very helpful0 -
cathy macathy ma said:thank you so very much for
thank you so very much for the reply, i will check out the web site. Cathy Very helpful
The reason for isolation is because you could give someone the radiation. You can't even have little children sit on your lap for a short time because the radiation accumulates in the bladder.
It is for 5-7 days when you take the high dose of radiation. Like I said earlier, I didn't feel well during that time so I didn't care that I couldn't go someplace to be around people.
Plus as long as you are 5 feet away from people they can still be in the house so it wouldn't like being alone the whole time.
Also, if you want more information on the radiation, call the hospital where your son will go and get the pill and ask for the nuclear med department. The nurses and staff to ask specifics. I got something in the mail from them explaining things.
When I took mine, they had the RAI in a capsule, that capsule was in a test tube and the test tube was in what looked like an iron jar. She took the test tube out and I had to swallow the capsule w/out putting it in my hand.0 -
WhoDatFanWhoDatFan said:Hypothyroidism
Thank you both for the advice....I honestly dont remember what my thyroglobulin level is..I think the last injection I had was in December. As far as the blood work, I have another test next week. I've had more scans than I can remember the last few months(CT, PET, CXR) and everything came back negative. Currently I'm taking 175 mcg and my last TSH level was in the 20s (i think my endocronoligist wants it below 5). I did realize that depression was a side effect, but most of my sideeffects (cold intolerance, fatigue, weight gain) occured within the 1st few months, but since then I feel my energy levels are close to what they used ot be. Deppression is the only thing that has been keeping me down. I was perscibed anxiety meds and antideppresants to help, but the sadness just keeps lingering. I'm thinking about maybe talking to a therapist this summer once I get more time from being off of school.
I also have noticed the scar around where they removed the thyroid to be fading...its just the two along the side of the neck that is still red and raised. My surgeon did mention an elective procedure to remove the scar later on down the road, but I don't think my insurance will cover that.
However, I'm glad I found this website. Its good to know that others have experienced the same thing as me. The most troubling thing has been trying to find someone else to relate to-I don't know of anyone my age who has had any type of cancer, and the ones that I know who have had thyroid cancer all older women who just had a thyroidectomy and not the neck disection.
Hello, My son is 18 years old. He will be in surgery on 4/20, TT and r side lymph node removal, more lymph nodes to be removed in july on left side. Had ultra sound today for markings, and it sounds like he will be cut from ear to ear!!Loaded with lymph node evasion! The look on the endo's face scared me, after he did the ultra sound, I asked him if had seen this many lymph nodes invaded, He said it was very impessional, but not the worse one he had ever seen!!My son, like u, is worried and scared about the inscision and pain and scars..Me to, I read ur story, and u give me hope, ur still here, alive and getting on with ur life, thats all I can hope for.. The depression, I also worry about, esp in teens, wish us luck, and I wish you only the best, look at u in this pic, smiling!!! Keep it up, Thanks for sharing...Cathy0 -
PuffyMLG said:cathy ma...answer to your questions
When I found out I had thyroid cancer, they scheduled me for a total thyroidectomy (TT) with lymph node removal. They already knew it was in all my thyroid and lymph nodes before surgery.
After you have surgery you have to go thru radiation to kill off any remaining cells and thyroid tissue that is left after surgery.
You can't be on thyroid meds until after your surgery because you have to be depleted of the hormone so the radioactive med will be taken up by any remaining cancer cells or thyroid tissue. (They don't even want you to have any good thyroid tissue in your body.)
Radiation is 6 weeks after surgery and unfortunately not very fun to go thru. Thyroid hormone is what stabalizes your metabolism. So, if you are loosing thryoid hormone as the 6 weeks goes along, you will have symptoms of hypothyroidism.
At the end of 6 weeks your son will have to take a high dose of radioactive iodine (RAI) to kill things off. I was nauseated during that week (they give you meds to help) and around my eyes got real puffy.
After that 5-7 days you can then be put on thyroid medicine.
The process of radiation is called ablation...killing off cancer cells.
What you would want to do is go to a thyroid cancer website and look for symptoms of what your son might experience after surgery while waiting to go on thyroid meds.
A lot of people talk about it on this site and everybody is different, but for me it was a very exhausing difficult time that I don't want to go thru again.cath
MLG, I am new here to this site and have some questions I am hoping you can answer. I had all of my thyroid taken out as well as 11 nodes. All cancerous. I am going through the T131 right now. SUCKS! I will agree that being hypothyroid has been worse for me than the surgery for sure.
I am SUPER puffy! My eyes, my neck, my face....also my eyeballs seem to have shrunk? Does that make sense? There is what looked like eye buggers for lack of a better descricption in my eyes and when I went to wipe them away I saw that is is actually to lining of my eyeballs and it appears to be loose and flappy?
Did you have this happen to you? And the puffys? I have iced, I obviously have not had salt....not sure how long this all lasts and what to do to try and speed the process up.
I just want this all behind me now. I am exhausted and angry and want to get back to the old me. I am shooting for the positive but everytime I look in the mirror it hits again cause I dont look like myself AT ALL.
Thanks0 -
Puffy...QueenvwrQueenvwr said:Puffy
MLG, I am new here to this site and have some questions I am hoping you can answer. I had all of my thyroid taken out as well as 11 nodes. All cancerous. I am going through the T131 right now. SUCKS! I will agree that being hypothyroid has been worse for me than the surgery for sure.
I am SUPER puffy! My eyes, my neck, my face....also my eyeballs seem to have shrunk? Does that make sense? There is what looked like eye buggers for lack of a better descricption in my eyes and when I went to wipe them away I saw that is is actually to lining of my eyeballs and it appears to be loose and flappy?
Did you have this happen to you? And the puffys? I have iced, I obviously have not had salt....not sure how long this all lasts and what to do to try and speed the process up.
I just want this all behind me now. I am exhausted and angry and want to get back to the old me. I am shooting for the positive but everytime I look in the mirror it hits again cause I dont look like myself AT ALL.
Thanks
Yes, the puffiness can happen.
When I was going hypo, those 6 weeks, I was a CNA at a hospital and couldn't even work 4 hrs. I paid for it the next day.
The muscle fatigue and pain was awful. I didn't sleep a lot, just ached to the bone and when I would get up to even wash dishes, I got extremely fatigued.
And of course, you know that it gets worse as the days go on.
My eye/face puffiness didn't come until I got the radiation pill(150)
I got nauseated even though on nausea meds. Had to call dr on 3rd day and get a different med. (Should have done it earlier)
About the 3rd or 4th day I woke up and wondered what looked different w/my face. My mom thought I had been crying because my eyes were puffed up. (Of course, that did happen too.)
Once that week was done and I started my meds it went away.
I also had extremely dry mouth and certain things tasted metalic. (while on radiation)
That dry mouth lasted awhile and was glad it wasn't permanent.
One thing I learned afterward was that a person could have dental problems due to radiation. If I have to go thru it again, I will talk to my dentist to talk about any preventative things I might do.
I don't know if the puffiness is actually due to being hypo or radiation. I would think about going to an eye dr about the loose/flappiness about your eyes.
How many weeks are you into hypo? or have you already had your radiation?
We'll get through this "good cancer".
Michelle0 -
PuffyMLG said:Puffy...Queenvwr
Yes, the puffiness can happen.
When I was going hypo, those 6 weeks, I was a CNA at a hospital and couldn't even work 4 hrs. I paid for it the next day.
The muscle fatigue and pain was awful. I didn't sleep a lot, just ached to the bone and when I would get up to even wash dishes, I got extremely fatigued.
And of course, you know that it gets worse as the days go on.
My eye/face puffiness didn't come until I got the radiation pill(150)
I got nauseated even though on nausea meds. Had to call dr on 3rd day and get a different med. (Should have done it earlier)
About the 3rd or 4th day I woke up and wondered what looked different w/my face. My mom thought I had been crying because my eyes were puffed up. (Of course, that did happen too.)
Once that week was done and I started my meds it went away.
I also had extremely dry mouth and certain things tasted metalic. (while on radiation)
That dry mouth lasted awhile and was glad it wasn't permanent.
One thing I learned afterward was that a person could have dental problems due to radiation. If I have to go thru it again, I will talk to my dentist to talk about any preventative things I might do.
I don't know if the puffiness is actually due to being hypo or radiation. I would think about going to an eye dr about the loose/flappiness about your eyes.
How many weeks are you into hypo? or have you already had your radiation?
We'll get through this "good cancer".
Michelle
My muscles do ache for sure...the fatigue is what gets me the most. I was a very strong woman, maybe not in the best of shape
( but strong non the less and now I feel like mush. My puffiness started before radiation I guess. My hubby just corrected me. I thought it was just since I took it but he says I have been complaining about it for about 2 weeks now. I had radition ( 150) on monday ( 26th)....I was 19 days hypo and when they tested me on the 20th I was at a 125?? Still not sure what it all means...just know that I want my life back!
I was given permission to start my meds again the same day as radiation so I am on my 4th day with that now. No change in the puffiness though.
I went through the extreme dry mouth...that was horrible! It is getting better each day now. I asked the DR. about it and they said they were not sure what caused it. ? Everything tastes terrible and so Idont eat much and yet I have gained about 7 lbs in the last 3 weeks.
The eye thing bothers me. I have another scan on the 5th and I am going to ask again about my eyeballs.
You didnt say how your appt went? I hope you are ok and all is clean.
Thank you so much for responding! It feels great to have someone to talk to who knows what I am going through.
Vicki0 -
QueenvwrQueenvwr said:Puffy
My muscles do ache for sure...the fatigue is what gets me the most. I was a very strong woman, maybe not in the best of shape( but strong non the less and now I feel like mush. My puffiness started before radiation I guess. My hubby just corrected me. I thought it was just since I took it but he says I have been complaining about it for about 2 weeks now. I had radition ( 150) on monday ( 26th)....I was 19 days hypo and when they tested me on the 20th I was at a 125?? Still not sure what it all means...just know that I want my life back!
I was given permission to start my meds again the same day as radiation so I am on my 4th day with that now. No change in the puffiness though.
I went through the extreme dry mouth...that was horrible! It is getting better each day now. I asked the DR. about it and they said they were not sure what caused it. ? Everything tastes terrible and so Idont eat much and yet I have gained about 7 lbs in the last 3 weeks.
The eye thing bothers me. I have another scan on the 5th and I am going to ask again about my eyeballs.
You didnt say how your appt went? I hope you are ok and all is clean.
Thank you so much for responding! It feels great to have someone to talk to who knows what I am going through.
Vicki
I posted about my appt. under another post...new papillary cancer
It is something how everyone is different. I was hypo for 6 full weeks. Did I understand that you were only 19 days and then radiation.
Plus, I couldn't go on my meds until after radiation and body scan. 5-7 days after taking radiation pill.
I read under another post that the drs need to be careful and not let you get too far hypo...never heard of that from my dr and he didn't do any bloodwork during that time I was going hypo.
I was like you, not an athlete but felt strong and the hypo thing is something you can't explain to anyone.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Michelle0 -
Thyroid cancer and scar
Dear Tim:
I read your story. I had thyroid cancer this past December. I have a huge scar also. I thought it would bother me, but relax it's just the neck area not your face. You are great looking and who cares if you have a scar on your neck. It's not on your face!
You sound like you have so much going for you with school. The comments made are by rude individuals. I would just comment that they are
Very lucky they do not have a problem with their thyroid. That shuts them up very fast.
The feelings are normal, but speak with your doctor about that also. My scar is large but I feel thankful to be here. When I felt down, I thought of someone much worse than me, then I felt great. Now I do not pity me. I wear low cut shirts again and make believe the scar isnot even there.
I have no problem telling everyone I had thyroid surgery.
Ignore tactless people who say horrible things.
I could care less of the scar. I am cute and sweet and the scar is just an added feature. Think of the scar as that. You are good looking.
Stop the steroid injections. Those are the worst and probably bothering your feeling numb. Talk to your physician. If you are doing that because of the scar only. Stop.
Go out with your friends have a blast. Stop worrying about this scar. ENJOY life at your age. I have two sons your age, and I would give them the same advise.
BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE UP. YOU ARE GREAT LOOKING WITH A WONDERFUL SMILE? GET A DATE! GO OUT AND LIVE EACH MOMENT of every day. don't waste anymore time.
You are what you are "inside". And that scar is a sign of strength by you. Embrace life and fun. Call your friends and tell them, it's about time to get out and have fun again that you are ready. You will feel so great when you do this..do not let a scar stop you from enjoying things. I want to hear back you went out.
Put on that fantastic smile and good looking face with personality I am sure to match, and go out with your friends, have some dates get out!
Let me know how you are doing.
Linda Hudson
If you are on facebook, let me know what your name is to say hello and check on you.0 -
Thyroid cancer and scar
Dear Tim:
I read your story. I had thyroid cancer this past December. I have a huge scar also. I thought it would bother me, but relax it's just the neck area not your face. You are great looking and who cares if you have a scar on your neck. It's not on your face!
You sound like you have so much going for you with school. The comments made are by rude individuals. I would just comment that they are
Very lucky they do not have a problem with their thyroid. That shuts them up very fast.
The feelings are normal, but speak with your doctor about that also. My scar is large but I feel thankful to be here. When I felt down, I thought of someone much worse than me, then I felt great. Now I do not pity me. I wear low cut shirts again and make believe the scar isnot even there.
I have no problem telling everyone I had thyroid surgery.
Ignore tactless people who say horrible things.
I could care less of the scar. I am cute and sweet and the scar is just an added feature. Think of the scar as that. You are good looking.
Stop the steroid injections. Those are the worst and probably bothering your feeling numb. Talk to your physician. If you are doing that because of the scar only. Stop.
Go out with your friends have a blast. Stop worrying about this scar. ENJOY life at your age. I have two sons your age, and I would give them the same advise.
BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE UP. YOU ARE GREAT LOOKING WITH A WONDERFUL SMILE? GET A DATE! GO OUT AND LIVE EACH MOMENT of every day. don't waste anymore time.
You are what you are "inside". And that scar is a sign of strength by you. Embrace life and fun. Call your friends and tell them, it's about time to get out and have fun again that you are ready. You will feel so great when you do this..do not let a scar stop you from enjoying things. I want to hear back you went out.
Put on that fantastic smile and good looking face with personality I am sure to match, and go out with your friends, have some dates get out!
Let me know how you are doing.
Linda Hudson
If you are on facebook, let me know what your name is to say hello and check on you.0 -
Thyroid cancer and scar
Dear Tim:
I read your story. I had thyroid cancer this past December. I have a huge scar also. I thought it would bother me, but relax it's just the neck area not your face. You are great looking and who cares if you have a scar on your neck. It's not on your face!
You sound like you have so much going for you with school. The comments made are by rude individuals. I would just comment that they are
Very lucky they do not have a problem with their thyroid. That shuts them up very fast.
The feelings are normal, but speak with your doctor about that also. My scar is large but I feel thankful to be here. When I felt down, I thought of someone much worse than me, then I felt great. Now I do not pity me. I wear low cut shirts again and make believe the scar isnot even there.
I have no problem telling everyone I had thyroid surgery.
Ignore tactless people who say horrible things.
I could care less of the scar. I am cute and sweet and the scar is just an added feature. Think of the scar as that. You are good looking.
Stop the steroid injections. Those are the worst and probably bothering your feeling numb. Talk to your physician. If you are doing that because of the scar only. Stop.
Go out with your friends have a blast. Stop worrying about this scar. ENJOY life at your age. I have two sons your age, and I would give them the same advise.
BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE UP. YOU ARE GREAT LOOKING WITH A WONDERFUL SMILE? GET A DATE! GO OUT AND LIVE EACH MOMENT of every day. don't waste anymore time.
You are what you are "inside". And that scar is a sign of strength by you. Embrace life and fun. Call your friends and tell them, it's about time to get out and have fun again that you are ready. You will feel so great when you do this..do not let a scar stop you from enjoying things. I want to hear back you went out.
Put on that fantastic smile and good looking face with personality I am sure to match, and go out with your friends, have some dates get out!
Let me know how you are doing.
Linda Hudson
If you are on facebook, let me know what your name is to say hello and check on you.0 -
Thyroid cancer and scar
Dear Tim:
I read your story. I had thyroid cancer this past December. I have a huge scar also. I thought it would bother me, but relax it's just the neck area not your face. You are great looking and who cares if you have a scar on your neck. It's not on your face!
You sound like you have so much going for you with school. The comments made are by rude individuals. I would just comment that they are
Very lucky they do not have a problem with their thyroid. That shuts them up very fast.
The feelings are normal, but speak with your doctor about that also. My scar is large but I feel thankful to be here. When I felt down, I thought of someone much worse than me, then I felt great. Now I do not pity me. I wear low cut shirts again and make believe the scar isnot even there.
I have no problem telling everyone I had thyroid surgery.
Ignore tactless people who say horrible things.
I could care less of the scar. I am cute and sweet and the scar is just an added feature. Think of the scar as that. You are good looking.
Stop the steroid injections. Those are the worst and probably bothering your feeling numb. Talk to your physician. If you are doing that because of the scar only. Stop.
Go out with your friends have a blast. Stop worrying about this scar. ENJOY life at your age. I have two sons your age, and I would give them the same advise.
BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE UP. YOU ARE GREAT LOOKING WITH A WONDERFUL SMILE? GET A DATE! GO OUT AND LIVE EACH MOMENT of every day. don't waste anymore time.
You are what you are "inside". And that scar is a sign of strength by you. Embrace life and fun. Call your friends and tell them, it's about time to get out and have fun again that you are ready. You will feel so great when you do this..do not let a scar stop you from enjoying things. I want to hear back you went out.
Put on that fantastic smile and good looking face with personality I am sure to match, and go out with your friends, have some dates get out!
Let me know how you are doing.
Linda Hudson
If you are on facebook, let me know what your name is to say hello and check on you.0 -
Proud of scarLin3850 said:Thyroid cancer and scar
Dear Tim:
I read your story. I had thyroid cancer this past December. I have a huge scar also. I thought it would bother me, but relax it's just the neck area not your face. You are great looking and who cares if you have a scar on your neck. It's not on your face!
You sound like you have so much going for you with school. The comments made are by rude individuals. I would just comment that they are
Very lucky they do not have a problem with their thyroid. That shuts them up very fast.
The feelings are normal, but speak with your doctor about that also. My scar is large but I feel thankful to be here. When I felt down, I thought of someone much worse than me, then I felt great. Now I do not pity me. I wear low cut shirts again and make believe the scar isnot even there.
I have no problem telling everyone I had thyroid surgery.
Ignore tactless people who say horrible things.
I could care less of the scar. I am cute and sweet and the scar is just an added feature. Think of the scar as that. You are good looking.
Stop the steroid injections. Those are the worst and probably bothering your feeling numb. Talk to your physician. If you are doing that because of the scar only. Stop.
Go out with your friends have a blast. Stop worrying about this scar. ENJOY life at your age. I have two sons your age, and I would give them the same advise.
BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE UP. YOU ARE GREAT LOOKING WITH A WONDERFUL SMILE? GET A DATE! GO OUT AND LIVE EACH MOMENT of every day. don't waste anymore time.
You are what you are "inside". And that scar is a sign of strength by you. Embrace life and fun. Call your friends and tell them, it's about time to get out and have fun again that you are ready. You will feel so great when you do this..do not let a scar stop you from enjoying things. I want to hear back you went out.
Put on that fantastic smile and good looking face with personality I am sure to match, and go out with your friends, have some dates get out!
Let me know how you are doing.
Linda Hudson
If you are on facebook, let me know what your name is to say hello and check on you.
Hi there. Linda I just read your post. I too have a scar ear to ear. I do not hide it even though friends have given many lovely scarves to do so with. I wear my hair up if I feel like it. Even though is only been a few months since the last surgery the scar has faded - most people dont notice it. The ones that do usually have the same scar. Its amazing how you have that instant bond with someone - you see the scar and you know exactly what that person has been through.
Tim - I dont know how your doing now - I do hope you are well and enjoying life.
Cheers
Andrea0 -
Hi,
I know you posted ages
Hi,
I know you posted ages ago but i've only just found this site, thought i'd reply anyway.
Mostly because i've never read of anyone else having a scar like this, mine is ear to ear too and is still thick after 6 years. I went through having people stare at my neck too, but luckily I didn't mind too much. Although i was misdiagnosed for 3 years so my tumours were huge, i suppose got used to people looking, especially whilst at school, because i was diagnosed at 12.
Anyway, I had a total thyroidectomy and biliteral neck dissection so had my lymph nodes out. And even after 6 years my neck is still numb in places and constantly tingles, i can't lift my arms too much either. It is annoying sometimes, but my surgeon says i have so much nerve damage it wont get better.
I went through a phase of being down because my cancer had starting spreading to my lungs and although its inactive they cant get rid of it so i have chest pain and breathlessness. I dont want to go on but i now have lots of issues, my tumour crushed my windpipe so i get pain there, 5 iodine ttreatments have damaged my saliva glands and being in intensive care has given me joint problems.
I really hope that you are ok now, as it is draining and quite a lonely time. Jo0 -
Fayth...Fayth said:Hi,
I know you posted ages
Hi,
I know you posted ages ago but i've only just found this site, thought i'd reply anyway.
Mostly because i've never read of anyone else having a scar like this, mine is ear to ear too and is still thick after 6 years. I went through having people stare at my neck too, but luckily I didn't mind too much. Although i was misdiagnosed for 3 years so my tumours were huge, i suppose got used to people looking, especially whilst at school, because i was diagnosed at 12.
Anyway, I had a total thyroidectomy and biliteral neck dissection so had my lymph nodes out. And even after 6 years my neck is still numb in places and constantly tingles, i can't lift my arms too much either. It is annoying sometimes, but my surgeon says i have so much nerve damage it wont get better.
I went through a phase of being down because my cancer had starting spreading to my lungs and although its inactive they cant get rid of it so i have chest pain and breathlessness. I dont want to go on but i now have lots of issues, my tumour crushed my windpipe so i get pain there, 5 iodine ttreatments have damaged my saliva glands and being in intensive care has given me joint problems.
I really hope that you are ok now, as it is draining and quite a lonely time. Jo
how are you doing now, 6 years after diagnosis? what do your doctors say?
How is your thyroglobulin?0 -
Tim
I realize by now- nearly 3 years later than your post- Your problem has probably lessened somewhat- the scar healed, and hormones stabilized. HOWEVER, I want to share some ideas that may help even now if depression ever creeps up again- for you or anyone facing thyroid surgery, post surgery and issues. Sometimes growing up is faced with enough normal stress without feeling people are staring at your scar and battling depression.
I bought some guided imagery tapes, by Belleruth Naparstek- the one I bought is - Meditations to Promote Successful Surgery.. which I downloaded into my ipod. Resources for Mind body and spirit. I got mine thru a Canadian distributor, but its from the US. (www.healthjourneys.com)
To heal your body it helps to use your head.. it says. Some nights when you cant sleep and thoughts are running rampant- fear, whatever.. play Affirmations.. Instantly its like a warm mother over your shoulder calming you down and the music lulls me to sleep. There is a section that prepares you for surgery when nerves are the worst, and post surgery- and one CD- strictly for after.. music only. to summon peace whenever you need it- just pop it in your ears and its calming your brain with positive thoughts. In thyroid hormone issues- its hard to remember why you are not feeling happy. For the scar- google Scar Away strips and Scar guard. It works on old scars too. Employ some trendy light statement scarves> shredded jerseys- whatever!..light turtlenecks. Make it your cool look. Remember too- You are a champ. You did the opposite from trying to kill yourself- You EARNED that scar, as a testament to your lifeforce within you. Im NOT your age Tim, if thats what you wanted to hear from, but there is this new thing now. Dear 23 year old self( What I would tell myself at age 23 from the perspective of time) So dear 23 yr old self-Id say- DIG DEEPER. Friends who admire your strength, courage and overcoming are the ones who count in the many happy years ahead. best of luck Tim, Carol from Canada0
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