support please - awaiting biopsy
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support please - awaiting biopsy
| Tue, 12-21-2004 - 9:16pm |
Hi - My name is MaryAnn. When I went to my gyno on Nov. 8th he discovered that I had a large lump on my thyroid on the left side. He thought maybe a goiter - sent me for an ultrasound and it showed a LARGE complex cyst on the left 3.6cm and 2 nodules on the left. One is 1.2cm and the other is very small. Also showed 2 small cysts very very small. I was so scared - started reading the internet about thyroid cancer/cysts, etc. and got myself really worked up. I called an endo as he told me to do and had to wait 3 weeks to see him. He was very highly recommended and took my insurance which 2 others did not. By the time I went in to see him, I was a wreck. The gyno had done blood work which was all fine. He told me I had to have a FNA - called the hospital that day and they could not do it for 3 1/2 weeks....the endo really wanted me to go to the hospital to have this one particular radiologist do the test - guided with ultrasound. I had the biopsy Friday - was not pleasant at all - but I think the anticipation was worse than anything. They did 3 biopsies of each and the larger one was mostly solid - which scared me too but he said it meant nothing. The nurse has been doing these for 7 years and she told me the nodules did not look suspicious at all. But, from everything I read, it says you cannot tell cancer from the look of them on ultrasound. The doctor said he has done about 600 this year alone and only a few were cancerous and the women had risk factors. Regardless, I am sooooooooooo scared. I am 46 years young!! and this has really thrown me for a loop. I go on Thursday for my results to the doctor. I am sick with worry - trying to stay positive and I know that thyroid cancer is rare and highly treatable, but I am still afraid. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!! Thanks so very much.

Hi Maryann43,
I don't know if it will help but quite a few of us on this board have had biopsies and so we know a little about how you're feeling.
Hi MaryAnn, did you get your results today - or is next Thursday? I know waiting for results is the hardest part of it all. There's nothing to do but sit and worry and imagine the worst. But ... that doesn't help anything at all so try to relax and rest on the the fact that very few cases are cancerous. Very Few!!!!!! Not 80% or 50% or even 30% but something like 10 or 20% - which is very few. So you are most likely in the majority right now, not the minority.
I know all this stuff is very anxiety producing. Try taking your mind off it by doing things you enjoy. Think about doing something for others, especialy since it's Christmas. That always helps to take your mind off your own troubles. I'll be sure to keep you in my prayers and you let us know as soon as you hear something, ok??? Cathy :)
Hi MaryAnn,
Just a note quick note on the possibility of surgery...
If you only have one thyroid lobe removed, you might not need thyroid hormone replacement meds.
Approximately 25 years ago, the left lobe of my thyroid was removed because of a goiter, which was suspected of being cancerous. It wasn't. I'd gone this long without medication. About two\three years ago, I noticed a lump or swelling down in the front of my throat right under my adam's apple, where the thyroid is. I was given a Radioactive scan, then FNA, and put on meds (to attempt it from growing any further) when they found no cancer. The lump has grown up towards my right ear. I've had an Ultrasound, another Radioactive scan but not a FNA. I saw an Endocrinologist who said he'd support me whether I decided to have it removed or if I wanted to take a wait and see attitude to see if there's anymore swelling. He was not the original doctor who'd seen me and we have a different insurance company even. I opted for the surgery because I already have taken the wait and see attitude and it's gotten bigger. I don't know if they are going to remove all of the remainder of the thyroid. The Endo said no, but I really don't have a lot of confidence in this man. On January 12th, I have an appointment with my GP to choose a surgeon to do the surgery.
I hope you will get good counsel with this.
Carole
MaryAnn
Hi MaryAnn,
I think your approach is right.