mom66

HI Mom66!
I know this is a scary time, but just take a deep breath and push on!
I too had a diagnosis in Sept. 2008. I chose a total thyroidectomy with I131 therapy after surgery. Interview surgeons and many of them if you choose surgery. Only one of the several I interview had done more than a couple of thyroid surgeries a year. I finally chose one who does 2-3 a month. This is important because so much damage can be done to your throat and parathyroids. I chose a total thyroidectomy because I figured if it was in one side then there was a good chance that it was in both, which it was. The diet before I131, (swallowed radioactive capsule) is hard, but your life depends on it, so suck it up and stay away from iodine, also being alone after I131 is difficult, but again worth it. You will have to do a thyroid scan after all is done to be sure all thyroid tissue in your body is destroyed, I was surprised to find out that thyroid tissue can break away from your thyroid and implant in other parts of the body, so that is also an important part of your treatment. So here I am 5 years out and rejoicing in my good health and the Lord giving me enough sense to research treatments and then giving me the courage to follow thru with all of it.
Take care Mom66, hope this helped and let me know how you are doing in the future.
Jollymon, now age 63, old lady and hope to get older!

Your saliva glands can be affected with the radioactive iodine treatments. If you do have a RAI treatment make sure to drink lots of water to help flush it out of your glands. Your voice may be affected after surgery from the tube they use during surgery and also your vocal chords may be traumatized. In most cases your voice will be back to normal in a short while.
Wishing you the best in 2014!
Elaine

Hello and welcome, we are glad you found us. Please feel free to join in the conversations. Here is a link to our cancer dx page for your type of cancer. Take a look at it to get you started on some information. You will notice at the bottom of that page 4 of our active users who have had that journey already, you may wish to contact them for their experience and wisdom. Also, I encourage you to go to the questions page now by clicking on the questions tab at the top of the page and post what is the most pressing issue you have right now. This will introduce you to the community and get you started on the help you need right now.

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GregP 3X Survivor
Team WhatNext Community Mgr

Hello mom 66- I am also a Mom diagnosed with Stage ll thyroid cancer almost 3 years ago. It was the scariest time in my life, and am sending you hugs and prayers. If there is anything I can do let me know! You will be very fatigued during the RAI treatments and before you can get back on the thyroid meds- so do whatever you can to get support for yourself and your family. I know it's not easy to ask- I tried to tell everyone I was "just fine" and didn't need help, but that only made matters worse. People want to do what they can to help you- take them up on it! Wishing you the absolute best!!

Hello! You are not alone in your journey. I was diagnosed at 51. ThyCa.org is an excellent website for information. I am almost 9 years out and knowledge has been a powerful tool for me. Ask questions. Seek a 2nd opinion if you feel the need. Some drs do not always know best. Although some may say that thyroid cancer is the "good" cancer, that is not always the case. It is still the C word. Find the ThyCa support group nearest you. They will be full of helpful info. Warmest regards.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter