Finished Chemo Nov 2nd-had thyroid ultrasound test today for nodules and two were solid--multiple no
I am so disappointed.
I had a thyroid ultrasound test today, because in the summer months thyroid nodules were seen as an "indidental" on a ct. My oncologist had said he was not very concerned many people have them and we would take a look at it after chemo.
I had an ultrasound today and it showed multiple thyroid nodules-all pretty small, and of the largest, 2 were predominantly solid, and 1 was cystic.
I know solid is what they are looking for, (as in not good) and what will need to be examined further.
My oncologist is on vacation this week, and back next week. My oncologist's nurse said she will talk with him next week, and he will likely confer with another doctor (probably thyroid/throat doc) as to what next steps are and if there is cause for concern. I am guessing it will require a fine needle biopsy, as I looked it up on mayoclinc.com.
I am scared. I had my hysterectomy in March and went thru all year of radiation and chemo, and now this.......
My nurse said it would not likely be a spread of my uterine cancer, that she has never seen a case of it spreading to the thyroid. And she said thyroid cancer is highly curable. She said just because two were solid does not mean they are cancerous, could very well be benign. She stressed they are small nodules.
Also yesterday I found out my employer is going to terminate my employment as I have been on disability for a certain amount of months. I was crushed. They called me yesterday. Just last week they had advised they were looking forward to my return.So I will have to pay triple for cobra to continue my insurance, which will be good for 18 months. They said when I am ready to return, I can apply for a job if there is an opening.
So this has been a tough week for me.
Cindy
Comments
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Cindy, sorry you have had such a rough week
You have been through so much and now being terminated does not help. Have you applied for social security disability? I am sorry to hear you have multiple nodules on your thyroid, too. I pray they will turn out to be benign. Hope you have some more of those Christmas movies to help you relax. In peace and caring.0 -
Cindy, I am so sorry to hear
Cindy, I am so sorry to hear you must deal with both these issues at this 'festive' time of year. For now though, you are HERE and so BE FESTIVE -- Every day is a gift! I too was terminated from my executive position when I was ready to return to work. (I say 'ready' but more 'needed to' than fully recovered, lol.) Yikes, it's been nearly 3 years since then and I'm still alive and kicking. I do hope thyroid issues turn out to be just a blip in your ongoing recovery progress. I've had to deal with both breast and uterine cancers - Stage IV both.
Positive thoughts going your way, Annie0 -
About Thyroid
Sorry to hear you are going through such a tough time. Let's wait and see what the Doc says. I feel comforted what the nurse said. About work. Can they fire you whilst on disability? Please look into that, I don't think that is legal. Cindy, I have a scripture for you from the Bible, I hope it will give you some measure of comfort. When Isaiah had an assignment from God and he expressed some fear, these are the words that God had said to him ((Isaiah 41:10)"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness".) I constantly repeat these words whenever I am feeling down and worried. It really helps me. Hope it makes you feel better. My comfort and positive thought comes your way.june0 -
Thanks allnempark said:About Thyroid
Sorry to hear you are going through such a tough time. Let's wait and see what the Doc says. I feel comforted what the nurse said. About work. Can they fire you whilst on disability? Please look into that, I don't think that is legal. Cindy, I have a scripture for you from the Bible, I hope it will give you some measure of comfort. When Isaiah had an assignment from God and he expressed some fear, these are the words that God had said to him ((Isaiah 41:10)"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness".) I constantly repeat these words whenever I am feeling down and worried. It really helps me. Hope it makes you feel better. My comfort and positive thought comes your way.june
Thank you everyone for the encouragement.
Not sure about the work thing. My company sent the formal termination letter and stated it is their policy to terminate if out 9 months in any 12 month period.
I will be happy if the thyroid turns out to be not a big deal.
Someone mentioned a needle biopys is no fun-so that scared me.
Cindy0 -
Thanks allnempark said:About Thyroid
Sorry to hear you are going through such a tough time. Let's wait and see what the Doc says. I feel comforted what the nurse said. About work. Can they fire you whilst on disability? Please look into that, I don't think that is legal. Cindy, I have a scripture for you from the Bible, I hope it will give you some measure of comfort. When Isaiah had an assignment from God and he expressed some fear, these are the words that God had said to him ((Isaiah 41:10)"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness".) I constantly repeat these words whenever I am feeling down and worried. It really helps me. Hope it makes you feel better. My comfort and positive thought comes your way.june
Thank you everyone for the encouragement.
Not sure about the work thing. My company sent the formal termination letter and stated it is their policy to terminate if out 9 months in any 12 month period.
I will be happy if the thyroid turns out to be not a big deal.
Someone mentioned a needle biopys is no fun-so that scared me.
Cindy0 -
CINDYhopeful girl 1 said:Thanks all
Thank you everyone for the encouragement.
Not sure about the work thing. My company sent the formal termination letter and stated it is their policy to terminate if out 9 months in any 12 month period.
I will be happy if the thyroid turns out to be not a big deal.
Someone mentioned a needle biopys is no fun-so that scared me.
Cindy
I can't believe that you were terminated. that really stinks!
You are not going to believe this but I also had thyroid nodules that were discovered with treatment. I could not believe it also. I said what else. It seemed for awhile there that I got nothing but bad news. I was sent to a head and neck oncology surgeon. I too have multiple lesions both sides. I had ultra sound with needle biopsies. All proved to be negative. But I know that it is just one more thing to worry about.
The head and neck MD still wants to remove the thyroid but I am not anxious about it. Right now it is a watch and wait. The Md states that uterine CA does not metassize to the thyroid. As a result he stated that this was the last thing I should worry about. He repeats scans every 6 months and I see him every 3 months ofr an exam.
So please try not to worry I know that you will be OK.
SUE0 -
Susafinasusafina said:CINDY
I can't believe that you were terminated. that really stinks!
You are not going to believe this but I also had thyroid nodules that were discovered with treatment. I could not believe it also. I said what else. It seemed for awhile there that I got nothing but bad news. I was sent to a head and neck oncology surgeon. I too have multiple lesions both sides. I had ultra sound with needle biopsies. All proved to be negative. But I know that it is just one more thing to worry about.
The head and neck MD still wants to remove the thyroid but I am not anxious about it. Right now it is a watch and wait. The Md states that uterine CA does not metassize to the thyroid. As a result he stated that this was the last thing I should worry about. He repeats scans every 6 months and I see him every 3 months ofr an exam.
So please try not to worry I know that you will be OK.
SUE
Sue,
Oh my gosh, I can't believe you had the same issue, finding out about thyroid nodules with treatment. That is how I feel, what now? What else? Just when I thought I could return to a more normal way of life.
I am guessing my oncologist will send me to another oncologist as well. I was told by my oncologist's nurse he will have to confer with another doctor on the results and they will call me next week.
Please tell me about the needle biopsy? Is it awful? Is the needle small? Do they numb it? Does it hurt? Why does the head and neck MD want to remove the thyroid? My test showed my thyroid was prominant in size.It showed the adjacent lymph nodes were NOT enlarged (so I was glad to read that).
Which doctor decided that you can wait on the removal of the thyroid, your gyno oncologist or the head/neck oncologist? I was told also that uterine cancer does not spread to the thyroid-I was told that they have not seen one case of that at their facility.
I did read and hear that thyroid nodules are very common.
Can you please email another post on my questions?
Thank you.
Hugs,
Cindy0 -
Hi guys - please do some research before removing tyroid glandhopeful girl 1 said:Susafina
Sue,
Oh my gosh, I can't believe you had the same issue, finding out about thyroid nodules with treatment. That is how I feel, what now? What else? Just when I thought I could return to a more normal way of life.
I am guessing my oncologist will send me to another oncologist as well. I was told by my oncologist's nurse he will have to confer with another doctor on the results and they will call me next week.
Please tell me about the needle biopsy? Is it awful? Is the needle small? Do they numb it? Does it hurt? Why does the head and neck MD want to remove the thyroid? My test showed my thyroid was prominant in size.It showed the adjacent lymph nodes were NOT enlarged (so I was glad to read that).
Which doctor decided that you can wait on the removal of the thyroid, your gyno oncologist or the head/neck oncologist? I was told also that uterine cancer does not spread to the thyroid-I was told that they have not seen one case of that at their facility.
I did read and hear that thyroid nodules are very common.
Can you please email another post on my questions?
Thank you.
Hugs,
Cindy
I wouldn't rush to remove the thyroid gland. Lets do some more research. Right now I think mine is acting up. It's one year since surgery. What now???? I keep feeling as if some thing small is in my throat I tried everything but nothing helps the weird feeling. Love to the warriors.0 -
Now my gyno surgeon/oncologist wants me to see thyroid surgeonnempark said:Hi guys - please do some research before removing tyroid gland
I wouldn't rush to remove the thyroid gland. Lets do some more research. Right now I think mine is acting up. It's one year since surgery. What now???? I keep feeling as if some thing small is in my throat I tried everything but nothing helps the weird feeling. Love to the warriors.
Friends,
My oncologist's nurse called me today about the thyroid nodules on the ultrasound.
My oncologist wants me to go see a thyroid surgeon for evaluation. I asked if he was an endocrinologist and I was advised that no he is a thyroid surgeon.
I have not had any further tests or thyroid bloodwork panel, so this seems premature to me, unless the surgeon orders that. I know that do ultrasound scans to test for hot or cold nodules, and also the fine needle biopsy.
I just finished my treatments for chemo (a year of surgery, chemo and radiaton) for the uterine cancer, and my bloodcounts still need to climb even higher. I don't think my body is ready for another surgery.
I asked the nurse does this mean it looks like I will need surgery, and she said it is to be evaluated.
Also I don't know if this guy is an oncology surgeon.
I am supposed to wait for a call back from the secretary to set up an appointment to see this other doctor.
Cindy0 -
Cindy:hopeful girl 1 said:Now my gyno surgeon/oncologist wants me to see thyroid surgeon
Friends,
My oncologist's nurse called me today about the thyroid nodules on the ultrasound.
My oncologist wants me to go see a thyroid surgeon for evaluation. I asked if he was an endocrinologist and I was advised that no he is a thyroid surgeon.
I have not had any further tests or thyroid bloodwork panel, so this seems premature to me, unless the surgeon orders that. I know that do ultrasound scans to test for hot or cold nodules, and also the fine needle biopsy.
I just finished my treatments for chemo (a year of surgery, chemo and radiaton) for the uterine cancer, and my bloodcounts still need to climb even higher. I don't think my body is ready for another surgery.
I asked the nurse does this mean it looks like I will need surgery, and she said it is to be evaluated.
Also I don't know if this guy is an oncology surgeon.
I am supposed to wait for a call back from the secretary to set up an appointment to see this other doctor.
Cindy
Did you call the
Cindy:
Did you call the thyroid surgeon? Call his office and ask what kind of surgeon he is (ie. onc/surgeon). At least you can review his/her stats before your appointment. You must be feeling so uneasy about all of this. But don't let your uneasiness stop you from asking questions. It seems that you are not getting the answers you want. Call your gyn/onc and speak to the doctor directly if the nurse can't help you or ask for an appointment again with your gyn/onc to get the answers. Ask the doctor outright why they want you to see a thyroid surgeon.
I had a physician assistant call me and tell me about a positive biopsy I had and that she wanted to schedule me for radiation. I said I am not doing any treatment unless I speak with the doctor. I then made an appointment with the doctor to review my findings and options that I may have. In the long run {and after switching doctors) although I did have surgery, I did not need radiation. And if you do not understand something, keep asking. You will feel so much better about any decisions that you will have to make. If you feel they can't explain everything to you in words you can understand or making it clear, I would get a second opinion.
When you take control, your uneasiness will go away. Yes, a doctor may still say you need surgery {or not], and like any surgery, it is scary, but you will be in control and less "freaked" out.
My best to you Cindy. I am glad you had a great Christmas holiday. Sending you hugs and prayers for a peaceful mind.
Kathy0 -
Thyroid issues Fine Needle BiopsyKaleena said:Cindy:
Did you call the
Cindy:
Did you call the thyroid surgeon? Call his office and ask what kind of surgeon he is (ie. onc/surgeon). At least you can review his/her stats before your appointment. You must be feeling so uneasy about all of this. But don't let your uneasiness stop you from asking questions. It seems that you are not getting the answers you want. Call your gyn/onc and speak to the doctor directly if the nurse can't help you or ask for an appointment again with your gyn/onc to get the answers. Ask the doctor outright why they want you to see a thyroid surgeon.
I had a physician assistant call me and tell me about a positive biopsy I had and that she wanted to schedule me for radiation. I said I am not doing any treatment unless I speak with the doctor. I then made an appointment with the doctor to review my findings and options that I may have. In the long run {and after switching doctors) although I did have surgery, I did not need radiation. And if you do not understand something, keep asking. You will feel so much better about any decisions that you will have to make. If you feel they can't explain everything to you in words you can understand or making it clear, I would get a second opinion.
When you take control, your uneasiness will go away. Yes, a doctor may still say you need surgery {or not], and like any surgery, it is scary, but you will be in control and less "freaked" out.
My best to you Cindy. I am glad you had a great Christmas holiday. Sending you hugs and prayers for a peaceful mind.
Kathy
Hi, 16 yes ago I had Fine needle biopsy, small tumors were found, did thyroidectomy at Sloane Kettering. This past July diagnosed vas Endometrial Cancer. No treatment after surrey as tumors were 1centimeter.
FNA fine needle aspiration, was really no big deal. They put a local anesthetic on spot. Needle thin, they did ultrasound at same time to locate best spot to go in.
The Head and Neck Surgery Dept took it out and resected the Parathyroid that hangs on to the now gone thyroid.
I take Elthyroxin pills nightly to replace what thyroid produces.
There is a famous Chicago study that show there is a high preponderance of women over 40-80 have thyroid cancer, most don't operate as it is very slow growing. Similar to Prostrate Ca for men. Here and there some are more aggressive than the majority.
Don't worry, it is a picnic compared to what you've been thru already--hysterectomy, oopherectomy, chemo and radiation!
Enjoy the holidays and every day.
Sara Zipora0 -
Thyroid biopsySara Zipora said:Thyroid issues Fine Needle Biopsy
Hi, 16 yes ago I had Fine needle biopsy, small tumors were found, did thyroidectomy at Sloane Kettering. This past July diagnosed vas Endometrial Cancer. No treatment after surrey as tumors were 1centimeter.
FNA fine needle aspiration, was really no big deal. They put a local anesthetic on spot. Needle thin, they did ultrasound at same time to locate best spot to go in.
The Head and Neck Surgery Dept took it out and resected the Parathyroid that hangs on to the now gone thyroid.
I take Elthyroxin pills nightly to replace what thyroid produces.
There is a famous Chicago study that show there is a high preponderance of women over 40-80 have thyroid cancer, most don't operate as it is very slow growing. Similar to Prostrate Ca for men. Here and there some are more aggressive than the majority.
Don't worry, it is a picnic compared to what you've been thru already--hysterectomy, oopherectomy, chemo and radiation!
Enjoy the holidays and every day.
Sara Zipora
Hi Cindy,
Sorry it took me so long to answer. I am trying to dig out of our 30 inch snow storm!
The thyroid biopsy wasn't that bad. They did an ultrasound first. I did not like it because you have to lay on your back with your neck extended. It is just an uncomfortable position but there was no pain. After that the Md reviewed it and did the biopsy again with the ultrasound. I was not given any numbing agent. The needle is very thin and really did not hurt. After obtaining the sample a pathologist in the next room examines it and determines if ther are enough cells to review. They usually have to take 3 or 4 samples before they get enough cells to make a diagnosis. Mine took 4 sticks. Then they covered the areq with one bandaid. That was it. It did not even leave a mark.
I also had some blood drawn to determine how my thyroid functio, was. All was normal. The thyroid specialist is usually a head and neck surgeon who specializws in the thyroid gland.Now I go about every 3 months to him just to keep tabs on me and my thyroid. I had one follow up ultraound and another blood draw. He also assured me that uterine ca does not spread to the thyroid and that beign lesions generally do not turn cancerous.
The problem is that the nodules can grow and cause problems with swallowing and breaahing because of its location. That is why they keep an eye on it. I keep telling the surgeon that as long as it doesn't get bigger it is staying put.
As I always say a surgeon is always going to tell you to take it out because that is how he makes money!
No one seems to be worried but for me it is just another thing to be concerned about. Do we ever get a break from worrying.
Also after thyroid surgery you have to be on synthroid and calcium for the rest of your life!UGH more dang pills!!!
Happy New YeaR TO ALL. MAY WE ALL BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND DANCING WITH NED!!!!!!0 -
Susafinasusafina said:Thyroid biopsy
Hi Cindy,
Sorry it took me so long to answer. I am trying to dig out of our 30 inch snow storm!
The thyroid biopsy wasn't that bad. They did an ultrasound first. I did not like it because you have to lay on your back with your neck extended. It is just an uncomfortable position but there was no pain. After that the Md reviewed it and did the biopsy again with the ultrasound. I was not given any numbing agent. The needle is very thin and really did not hurt. After obtaining the sample a pathologist in the next room examines it and determines if ther are enough cells to review. They usually have to take 3 or 4 samples before they get enough cells to make a diagnosis. Mine took 4 sticks. Then they covered the areq with one bandaid. That was it. It did not even leave a mark.
I also had some blood drawn to determine how my thyroid functio, was. All was normal. The thyroid specialist is usually a head and neck surgeon who specializws in the thyroid gland.Now I go about every 3 months to him just to keep tabs on me and my thyroid. I had one follow up ultraound and another blood draw. He also assured me that uterine ca does not spread to the thyroid and that beign lesions generally do not turn cancerous.
The problem is that the nodules can grow and cause problems with swallowing and breaahing because of its location. That is why they keep an eye on it. I keep telling the surgeon that as long as it doesn't get bigger it is staying put.
As I always say a surgeon is always going to tell you to take it out because that is how he makes money!
No one seems to be worried but for me it is just another thing to be concerned about. Do we ever get a break from worrying.
Also after thyroid surgery you have to be on synthroid and calcium for the rest of your life!UGH more dang pills!!!
Happy New YeaR TO ALL. MAY WE ALL BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND DANCING WITH NED!!!!!!
Sue,
You made me smile with your post! Noting that all surgeons are going to want to take it out because that is how they make their money. I agree, if it doesn't get large enough to press on anything and they are monitoring it-let it stay there. I would do the same thing if mine is ok. Now was your thyroid enlarged also, or just the nodules? I am not sure how many nodules I have. I did have the blood work done this week, and most of it is back, and came back normal, but that cancer marker test for the thyroid is not back yet-they send that one offsite for processing. My appointment with thyroid surgeon is for Jan 28th but I am going to see if they can bump it up any sooner-that is a long time to wait. His nurse will talk to him when he returns from vacation mid next week. Also nurse said they may need to order another test first she doesn't know. Sounds like you did not have the thyroid scan to check for hot or cold nodules. That gives them more info also.
I know, it is so much to worry about. It is enough to worry about just the uterine cancer returning or spreading let alone to toss in the thyroid to monitor as well.
Let us definitely hope for good improved health for all this year and to be dancing in ned. I felt like I haven't had any dancing yet-because as soon as I finished chemo for uterine cancer treatment, this thyroid thing now has to be investigated.
By the way, what is your CA125 number? Is that a reliable marker for you?
Happy and safe healthy New Year to you.
Cindy0 -
Susafinasusafina said:Thyroid biopsy
Hi Cindy,
Sorry it took me so long to answer. I am trying to dig out of our 30 inch snow storm!
The thyroid biopsy wasn't that bad. They did an ultrasound first. I did not like it because you have to lay on your back with your neck extended. It is just an uncomfortable position but there was no pain. After that the Md reviewed it and did the biopsy again with the ultrasound. I was not given any numbing agent. The needle is very thin and really did not hurt. After obtaining the sample a pathologist in the next room examines it and determines if ther are enough cells to review. They usually have to take 3 or 4 samples before they get enough cells to make a diagnosis. Mine took 4 sticks. Then they covered the areq with one bandaid. That was it. It did not even leave a mark.
I also had some blood drawn to determine how my thyroid functio, was. All was normal. The thyroid specialist is usually a head and neck surgeon who specializws in the thyroid gland.Now I go about every 3 months to him just to keep tabs on me and my thyroid. I had one follow up ultraound and another blood draw. He also assured me that uterine ca does not spread to the thyroid and that beign lesions generally do not turn cancerous.
The problem is that the nodules can grow and cause problems with swallowing and breaahing because of its location. That is why they keep an eye on it. I keep telling the surgeon that as long as it doesn't get bigger it is staying put.
As I always say a surgeon is always going to tell you to take it out because that is how he makes money!
No one seems to be worried but for me it is just another thing to be concerned about. Do we ever get a break from worrying.
Also after thyroid surgery you have to be on synthroid and calcium for the rest of your life!UGH more dang pills!!!
Happy New YeaR TO ALL. MAY WE ALL BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND DANCING WITH NED!!!!!!
Sue,
You made me smile with your post! Noting that all surgeons are going to want to take it out because that is how they make their money. I agree, if it doesn't get large enough to press on anything and they are monitoring it-let it stay there. I would do the same thing if mine is ok. Now was your thyroid enlarged also, or just the nodules? I am not sure how many nodules I have. I did have the blood work done this week, and most of it is back, and came back normal, but that cancer marker test for the thyroid is not back yet-they send that one offsite for processing. My appointment with thyroid surgeon is for Jan 28th but I am going to see if they can bump it up any sooner-that is a long time to wait. His nurse will talk to him when he returns from vacation mid next week. Also nurse said they may need to order another test first she doesn't know. Sounds like you did not have the thyroid scan to check for hot or cold nodules. That gives them more info also.
I know, it is so much to worry about. It is enough to worry about just the uterine cancer returning or spreading let alone to toss in the thyroid to monitor as well.
Let us definitely hope for good improved health for all this year and to be dancing in ned. I felt like I haven't had any dancing yet-because as soon as I finished chemo for uterine cancer treatment, this thyroid thing now has to be investigated.
By the way, what is your CA125 number? Is that a reliable marker for you?
Happy and safe healthy New Year to you.
Cindy0 -
HAppy New Year CINDYhopeful girl 1 said:Susafina
Sue,
You made me smile with your post! Noting that all surgeons are going to want to take it out because that is how they make their money. I agree, if it doesn't get large enough to press on anything and they are monitoring it-let it stay there. I would do the same thing if mine is ok. Now was your thyroid enlarged also, or just the nodules? I am not sure how many nodules I have. I did have the blood work done this week, and most of it is back, and came back normal, but that cancer marker test for the thyroid is not back yet-they send that one offsite for processing. My appointment with thyroid surgeon is for Jan 28th but I am going to see if they can bump it up any sooner-that is a long time to wait. His nurse will talk to him when he returns from vacation mid next week. Also nurse said they may need to order another test first she doesn't know. Sounds like you did not have the thyroid scan to check for hot or cold nodules. That gives them more info also.
I know, it is so much to worry about. It is enough to worry about just the uterine cancer returning or spreading let alone to toss in the thyroid to monitor as well.
Let us definitely hope for good improved health for all this year and to be dancing in ned. I felt like I haven't had any dancing yet-because as soon as I finished chemo for uterine cancer treatment, this thyroid thing now has to be investigated.
By the way, what is your CA125 number? Is that a reliable marker for you?
Happy and safe healthy New Year to you.
Cindy
I know you are worried like crazy. It seems we never catch a break. Like Gilda Radner said "Its always something" My CA-125 is % thaank God! It is reliable for me according my doc's They also started me on Arimedex. This is an aromatase inhibitor since my tumoe was estrogen receptor postiive.
I hope you get to see the throid doc soon so your mind can rest easy for a change.
SUE0 -
Susafinasusafina said:HAppy New Year CINDY
I know you are worried like crazy. It seems we never catch a break. Like Gilda Radner said "Its always something" My CA-125 is % thaank God! It is reliable for me according my doc's They also started me on Arimedex. This is an aromatase inhibitor since my tumoe was estrogen receptor postiive.
I hope you get to see the throid doc soon so your mind can rest easy for a change.
SUE
Sue,
Did you say your CA125 is zero zero? Really? That's incredible? I never heard of it at zero. Wow!
When did they start you on arimedex? Does that block estrogren? Did you have your ovaries removed or no? Are there any side effects? What does aromatase inhibitor mean?
Yes, I hope I can get that thyroid doc appt bumped up so I can move on and hopefully not have to worry about anything else until my gyno oncology follow up end of Feb with my oncologist and radiation oncologist-I see them both at the same appointment.
Thyroid doc gets back from vacation mid week, so they are going to see if they can get me in any earlier. I have the feeling he is another doc who is in high demand, like my doc.
My manager emailed me she would like to hire me back (I think you saw my post that my employer terminated me since I have been out on disability) but needs to hire someone soon. I let her know the situation. That thyroid is the only issue-if my doc releases me now I would need to go for these appointments, or I would be released after thryoid issue is investigated. I am so hoping I can get rehired back. I have been with my company a long time. That is quite a stressor.I now will have to pay COBRA insurance.
Well, I wish you a happy new year and keep in touch.
Cindy0 -
Hi Cindyhopeful girl 1 said:Susafina
Sue,
Did you say your CA125 is zero zero? Really? That's incredible? I never heard of it at zero. Wow!
When did they start you on arimedex? Does that block estrogren? Did you have your ovaries removed or no? Are there any side effects? What does aromatase inhibitor mean?
Yes, I hope I can get that thyroid doc appt bumped up so I can move on and hopefully not have to worry about anything else until my gyno oncology follow up end of Feb with my oncologist and radiation oncologist-I see them both at the same appointment.
Thyroid doc gets back from vacation mid week, so they are going to see if they can get me in any earlier. I have the feeling he is another doc who is in high demand, like my doc.
My manager emailed me she would like to hire me back (I think you saw my post that my employer terminated me since I have been out on disability) but needs to hire someone soon. I let her know the situation. That thyroid is the only issue-if my doc releases me now I would need to go for these appointments, or I would be released after thryoid issue is investigated. I am so hoping I can get rehired back. I have been with my company a long time. That is quite a stressor.I now will have to pay COBRA insurance.
Well, I wish you a happy new year and keep in touch.
Cindy
Hi how are you doing?
Sorry I guess was tired last night. My CA125 was 5. It started out before everything as 14. As treatment ensued it varisd from 3 to 5. All my docs are thrilled with it. ME too! They told it could vary every time and not to worry. Yeah easy for them to say. Sometimes I feel that I live from scan to scan or test to test. I wonder does it ever get easier?
I am so sorry about the stuff with your job. You work all of your life and when push comes to shove you get screwed. You are only as good as the present. Do you feel well enough to work? Don't push yourself too hard.
I am glad you were talking about your thyroid. I forgot that I have an appointment with my head and neck doc on Wednesday. It is just for an exam to check it. I will scream if there are any changes.
Arimedex is suppossed to supress all estrogen. Most breat cancer patients take tamoxifin and sometimes then arimedex for 5 years. My docs are studying the effects with it on uterine patients. The studies suggest 1 year instead of 5. They feel that most gyn cancers are fed by estrogen so since mine was they want me on it. I did have everything removed, but estrogen is also secreted by the adrenal glands and also hides if fat cells. Since I am overweight the docs wanted me to give it a try.
There are some side effects. joint pain or an increase in liver enzymes so it has to be monitored. It can be a tough drug but so far I have been OK.
I will tell you what my hyroid doc says.
The saga continues....
Hugs,
SUE0 -
Thyroid
I think they would be more likely to do a technetium scan than a fine needle biopsy because follicular cancer cannot be diagnosed by fnb. On technetium scans, cold nodules are generally cancerous, while warm or hot nodules are generally something else.
If you have cancer, they will probably do a thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine ablation. Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid) is not as bad as hysterectomy, epsecially in terms of pain (no post-op gas). Radioactive iodine ablation involves 3-7 days in an isolation room. You go on a low iodine diet for a couple of weeks and don't take any thyroid medication for several weeks. Then they put you in the room and have you swallow 1-3 large capsules that contain radioactive iodine. Any thyroid tissue or thyroid cancer will absorb the radioacive iodine and be killed. The cure rate for all thyroid cancers combined is 94 percent. You'll have to take thyroid hormone to replace what your thyroid makes so your body functions right and you'll be on extra, called suppression, to prevent any thyroid cancer or thyroid tissue from growing or doing anything else. And you'll get a radioactive iodine scan every year for a couple of years, and then once every 5-10 years, depending on bloodwork results. As cancer goes, thyroid cancer is not a bad one because it is very curable and the treatment isn't painful (unless you have recurrent or very advanced stage cancer when they do external radiation.
You might want to post on the thyroid cancer forum, as there will be a lot of suvivors that can help you over there.0 -
Thank you for the infoSynthroid Cytomel said:Thyroid
I think they would be more likely to do a technetium scan than a fine needle biopsy because follicular cancer cannot be diagnosed by fnb. On technetium scans, cold nodules are generally cancerous, while warm or hot nodules are generally something else.
If you have cancer, they will probably do a thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine ablation. Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid) is not as bad as hysterectomy, epsecially in terms of pain (no post-op gas). Radioactive iodine ablation involves 3-7 days in an isolation room. You go on a low iodine diet for a couple of weeks and don't take any thyroid medication for several weeks. Then they put you in the room and have you swallow 1-3 large capsules that contain radioactive iodine. Any thyroid tissue or thyroid cancer will absorb the radioacive iodine and be killed. The cure rate for all thyroid cancers combined is 94 percent. You'll have to take thyroid hormone to replace what your thyroid makes so your body functions right and you'll be on extra, called suppression, to prevent any thyroid cancer or thyroid tissue from growing or doing anything else. And you'll get a radioactive iodine scan every year for a couple of years, and then once every 5-10 years, depending on bloodwork results. As cancer goes, thyroid cancer is not a bad one because it is very curable and the treatment isn't painful (unless you have recurrent or very advanced stage cancer when they do external radiation.
You might want to post on the thyroid cancer forum, as there will be a lot of suvivors that can help you over there.
Thank you for the post. You provided alot of good information.
I just have to wait for my appointment now, and hopefull it will get bumped up sooner....and perhaps get any tests the technetium scan and or fine needle biopsy in advance.
In peace and healing....0 -
Suesusafina said:Hi Cindy
Hi how are you doing?
Sorry I guess was tired last night. My CA125 was 5. It started out before everything as 14. As treatment ensued it varisd from 3 to 5. All my docs are thrilled with it. ME too! They told it could vary every time and not to worry. Yeah easy for them to say. Sometimes I feel that I live from scan to scan or test to test. I wonder does it ever get easier?
I am so sorry about the stuff with your job. You work all of your life and when push comes to shove you get screwed. You are only as good as the present. Do you feel well enough to work? Don't push yourself too hard.
I am glad you were talking about your thyroid. I forgot that I have an appointment with my head and neck doc on Wednesday. It is just for an exam to check it. I will scream if there are any changes.
Arimedex is suppossed to supress all estrogen. Most breat cancer patients take tamoxifin and sometimes then arimedex for 5 years. My docs are studying the effects with it on uterine patients. The studies suggest 1 year instead of 5. They feel that most gyn cancers are fed by estrogen so since mine was they want me on it. I did have everything removed, but estrogen is also secreted by the adrenal glands and also hides if fat cells. Since I am overweight the docs wanted me to give it a try.
There are some side effects. joint pain or an increase in liver enzymes so it has to be monitored. It can be a tough drug but so far I have been OK.
I will tell you what my hyroid doc says.
The saga continues....
Hugs,
SUE
Sue,
I always enjoy your posts.
5 is a really great CA125 number. Mine was 5 since after radiation and remained 5 for chemos 4, 5, and 6. It now did go to a 7 on my bloodtest last week, but I was advised the same as you-not to worry-that it can vary alittle bit up and down.
Glad that my thryoid talk reminded you of your appointment. I hope there are no changes for you. You made me laugh when you said you will yell if anything has changed.
I would feel the same way!
Wasn't the uterine cancer enough? We all went thru' quite a lot with that alone!
I sure hope I can get my appointment bumped up sooner, as it stands I can't get in to see the thyroid doc until the end of the month. My gyno-oncology nurse called to see if they can bump it up, so when the doc returns from vacation hopefully they can do something for me.
As far as work, my manager says she does want to hire me back. So if I can just get this thyroid thing taken care of asap, I can perhaps get lucky and get rehired back. \
Let me know how your appointment goes on Wednesday.
Hugs!0
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