I've been told I need my thyroid out

karenb · 07-04-2009, 12:33 AM

Will this help me lose weight?

I have a 'fleshy mass' and they can't rule out cancer, if that helps

inatic · 07-04-2009, 05:03 AM

no, not unless (until) your hormones (all hormones) are stable. Once removing your thyroid you will go thru a period of adjustment/adding meds in ...

All will take time.

Did you get a second opinion?

Leo41 · 07-04-2009, 05:18 AM

I've read that if the biopsy is ambiguous--i.e., they can't rule it benign but are not sure if it's malignant, the best approach is to remove it because most of the time, it turns out to be malignant.

At this point, I would not worry about losing weight but getting the thyroid removed and getting optimally medicated. That should be your priority right now--good health.

As Pam has pointed out, all that happens once you're medicated is that losing weight becomes possible, not inevitable. You won't lose without effort.

nonstickpam107 · 07-04-2009, 09:20 AM

I'm sorry that you are facing surgery...but I agree that better out than in if it IS cancer. I had to have a parathyroidectomy at one time and the ENT surgeon said "we'll take the thyroid too"...I signed paperwork that they would NOT NOT NOT remove MY thyroid UNLESS the biopsy came back cancer for SURE. I still had my thyroid after the surgery.

It will make it much more difficult to lose weight, have good energy, not have brain fog, have good skin (see? all those symptoms...for hypothyroidism! once the thyroid is no longer there...or dies from autoimmune disease) if you don't have a thyroid. You folks with no working thyroid (from Hashimoto's or surgery) have to be diligent in making sure the doctor is testing BOTH T4 and T3 and replacing both of those hormones, not just 'assuming' you will convert synthetic T4 into a proper amount of T3.

I hope the surgery goes well, that it is NOT cancer (or if it is....that it is easily removed) and prayers for you swift recovery.

Pam

clarke · 07-05-2009, 06:31 AM

Good luck to you Karen!

As far as the inconclusive, my mom had an inconclusive, then had 1/2 out and no cancer. Mine was inconclusive, turned out to be cancer. It can go either way. I don't think I would want to risk not taking it out on the chance it could be cancer-free.

If it is cancer, you really don't have much choice, it has to come out. The docs may suggest RAI, radioactive iodine to get rid of any remaining thyroid tissue. That is usually done 6-8 weeks? after surgery. Chemo and radiation don't usually work with thyroid cancer. Once that is all finished, hopefully you can get optimized on your maintenance thyroid meds and begin or continue losing. Make sure you have a good doc lined up for the thyroid hormones, your surgeon won't be taking care of that. You have time now to ask your doc what he tests and how he medicates.

Weightloss -- I was pretty much able to maintain from the time I had surgery, starting in July 2008 thru the Radioactive Iodine treatment in Nov 2008 and through Feb or March 09. I didn't necessarily feel too good, kinda blah feeling during this time, so I didn't feel much like eating a lot. Unfortunately since , I have been fighting the 8 or so extra pounds I have put on since then. In March, I switched over to Armour and began feeling real good, then starting eating like crazy. Can't stop eating or lose anything now.. hmmm.. (( note to self -- stop eating everything in sight!))

Take care, Karen...it is scary to hear the cancer word, but all-in-all, is has just been more of a "pain-in-the-neck" nuisance than a debilitating experience.

karenb · 07-05-2009, 10:14 AM

I saw the sonogram of the thyroid and what they called a nodule looked like it was bigger than the other side of the thyroid. As I've said earlier it runs in the family, on ,mom's femalse side. I'm not worried about the surgery, I've had other larger surgeries so it doesn't bother me.

I know the weight won't automatically fall off but I'm hoping it will help some.

Ilpirata · 07-06-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenb

I saw the sonogram of the thyroid and what they called a nodule looked like it was bigger than the other side of the thyroid. As I've said earlier it runs in the family, on ,mom's femalse side. I'm not worried about the surgery, I've had other larger surgeries so it doesn't bother me.

I know the weight won't automatically fall off but I'm hoping it will help some.

Just to reiterate removal of the thyroid will absolutely NOT help you lose weight. What MAY help is when they mediccate you after surgery. It will be a long process making sure the doc is testing what he should be and increasing the medication until you are OPTIMIZED. Once you are OPTIMIZED you wil be *able* to lose weight.

KJMK31 · 07-07-2009, 09:52 AM

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WENT TO SEE ONE OF THE TOP THYROID SPECIALISTS IN THE COUNTRY IN PHILADELPHIA WHO TOLD HER SOME DRS ARE TOO QUICK TO TAKE OUT THE THYROID AND IT SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT. I WOULD GET A SECOND OPINION.

nonstickpam107 · 07-09-2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJMK31

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WENT TO SEE ONE OF THE TOP THYROID SPECIALISTS IN THE COUNTRY IN PHILADELPHIA WHO TOLD HER SOME DRS ARE TOO QUICK TO TAKE OUT THE THYROID AND IT SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT. I WOULD GET A SECOND OPINION.

I couldn't agree with this more.

Pam

Jean@125 · 07-09-2009, 07:40 AM

Like has been said it won't fix the underlying problems until you are properly medicated.
My sister is having hers out soon at Johns Hopkins now that she is having trouble swallowing her food.

RenoMom · 07-14-2009, 10:25 AM

I had the right side of mine removed in March, it turned out to be cancerous. Now my Endo wants me to go back and have the left side removed and then do RAI to kill off all tissue. I'm in no hurry to get this done. Honestly the surgery was no big deal, one week at best and I was back to normal. I just started with the meds 100 mcg of Synthroid. Its been 3 weeks today and I do feel a bit better, no side effects at all. I won't get my blood work done until on it for 5 weeks then we shall see where I'm at. I have lost 7.5 pounds in the last three weeks. I have been following South Beach, though prior to the meds I would lose 2 gain 3 etc... I am glad for this loss and hope it continues.

karenb · 07-14-2009, 03:25 PM

The surgeon will remove just the left half in about a month. If the biopsy shows cancer they will remove the other part.

DH has been freaked out about all this. Turns out he knew a guy in grad school who had his out and they had a lot of problems getting him regulated.

karenb · 08-10-2009, 03:55 PM

I drove down for my preop tests. They have to be withing 30 days and it was like a week over. All the nures who asked who my doctor was said how wonderful he was. Sure made me feel good! I liked him and I think DH did but it was nice to hear it from the staff. I'm having surgery Aug 19th!

Leo41 · 08-10-2009, 04:36 PM

That is nice to hear about your doctor, Karen. Good luck on the surgery. Having a good doctor will insure that you get properly medicated afterwards.

During this stressful period immediately before and after this surgery, be sure to be nice to yourself. A little luxury never hurt anyone, and a lot of luxury is even better

clarke · 08-11-2009, 05:03 AM

Good luck Karen! Glad to hear good reports on the doc. That always adds another layer of comfort on an uncomfortable situation.

karenb · 08-13-2009, 05:51 PM

Now I'm getting a little nervous. I was reading information packet they gave me and was surprised the incision will be horizontal. I'd been thinking it would be vertical. H

How long does it take to heal?

clarke · 08-14-2009, 05:25 AM

Horizontal is better, it fits nicely in the rolls of my neck and kind of gets lost in there

. A good surgeon, and I think you said you had one, will try to hid the incision in the natural folds of the neck. It really isn't that bad... not good for a month or two, but it does fade in. Just be careful in the sun for quite awhile. I was really good in the beginning of summer and have not been as good lately. I tend to forget about it.

Trying to insert a pic of my neck - this is after 2 surgeries, 1 in July 08 and one in Sept 08. Hopefully, this isn't scary. The pic of course shows a bit more redness than there is in normal light and my neck is extended funny to get the pic. But, there are no frankenstein like cuts and stitches marks ( in fact, glue was used, no outside stitches.). The side that looks the worse it the side that they went in first, took out half, then went back and got the rest of it. I asked my teen girls if the scar is noticeable - they say if they look for it, they can see it, but normally don't notice it.

karenb · 08-14-2009, 02:56 PM

That doesn't look bad at all! A lady at the eye doctor told me many years ago her friend had hers removed and they cut her from one side to the other, looked terrible for weeks but she was fine. This answer a question I knew in college who had a big scar on her neck like that. She seemed to wear V necks to show it off!

I talked to my aunt today and she said my youngest aunt had radioactive things implanted in her neck to kill the thyroid and now takes daily pills. Mom said she thinks her mom had something wrong w/her thyroid too. Guess it runs in the women of the family. Just like our baggy eyelids!

clarke · 08-15-2009, 07:21 AM

IF you have to do the radioactive thing now, you just swallow a pill or two in the nuclear department of the hospital, then go home, quarentine yourself for a couple days, then stay about 3 ft away from people for a few more.

karenb · 08-15-2009, 08:49 AM

Does that mean I couldn't pet my cats? and Not Hug DH?
I could do that the last 2 weeks of Sept. DH and his friends go on their 'hunting trip' then. Well it started out as a hunting trip and in tents,etc but as the price of out of state licenses and no elk have risen along with age they now rent a really nice cabin that was built for forestrly workers. It's 2 story, 2 real bathrooms and kitchens. I've seen it from the ourside and it looks very nice!

clarke · 08-15-2009, 10:23 AM

Different dosages, different docs, different requirements. Generally from what I have read ( and did), it is about 2 days in a room by yourself with your own bathroom... flush twice,shower couple of times, drink a lot. In 2 days, most of the radioactive part has left your system. There is still some, so no contact with pregnant women and babies for about 1 month. Supposedly after that time, the 2 days, unless you are exchanging fluid, not too much to worry about. I did sleep alone for a week, never know when you are going to sneeze in your sleep, but just kept my distance.

I also have cats and didn't pick them up or hold them for a week. They have thyroids too. The radioactive iodine is to kill remaining thyroid tissue. You don't want any of that to get out or ingested by someone with the healthy thyroid or it might damage theirs.

Really not that bad, just a nuisance. I figure ... could be worse with chemo or radiation..Hang in there.

07-04-2009, 12:33 AM	#1
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	I've been told I need my thyroid out Will this help me lose weight? I have a 'fleshy mass' and they can't rule out cancer, if that helps

07-04-2009, 09:20 AM	#4
nonstickpam107 Thyroid Patient Advocate Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 13,937 Gallery: nonstickpam107 Stats: 230/116/120 (BF<26%) WOE: Started w/Atkins/Now BFFM Start Date: Nov. 23 2000	I'm sorry that you are facing surgery...but I agree that better out than in if it IS cancer. I had to have a parathyroidectomy at one time and the ENT surgeon said "we'll take the thyroid too"...I signed paperwork that they would NOT NOT NOT remove MY thyroid UNLESS the biopsy came back cancer for SURE. I still had my thyroid after the surgery. It will make it much more difficult to lose weight, have good energy, not have brain fog, have good skin (see? all those symptoms...for hypothyroidism! once the thyroid is no longer there...or dies from autoimmune disease) if you don't have a thyroid. You folks with no working thyroid (from Hashimoto's or surgery) have to be diligent in making sure the doctor is testing BOTH T4 and T3 and replacing both of those hormones, not just 'assuming' you will convert synthetic T4 into a proper amount of T3. I hope the surgery goes well, that it is NOT cancer (or if it is....that it is easily removed) and prayers for you swift recovery. Pam __________________ So many fireworks. So little time. "You can't get a patent on a pig part"

07-05-2009, 06:31 AM	#5
clarke Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,017 Gallery: clarke	Good luck to you Karen! As far as the inconclusive, my mom had an inconclusive, then had 1/2 out and no cancer. Mine was inconclusive, turned out to be cancer. It can go either way. I don't think I would want to risk not taking it out on the chance it could be cancer-free. If it is cancer, you really don't have much choice, it has to come out. The docs may suggest RAI, radioactive iodine to get rid of any remaining thyroid tissue. That is usually done 6-8 weeks? after surgery. Chemo and radiation don't usually work with thyroid cancer. Once that is all finished, hopefully you can get optimized on your maintenance thyroid meds and begin or continue losing. Make sure you have a good doc lined up for the thyroid hormones, your surgeon won't be taking care of that. You have time now to ask your doc what he tests and how he medicates. Weightloss -- I was pretty much able to maintain from the time I had surgery, starting in July 2008 thru the Radioactive Iodine treatment in Nov 2008 and through Feb or March 09. I didn't necessarily feel too good, kinda blah feeling during this time, so I didn't feel much like eating a lot. Unfortunately since , I have been fighting the 8 or so extra pounds I have put on since then. In March, I switched over to Armour and began feeling real good, then starting eating like crazy. Can't stop eating or lose anything now.. hmmm.. (( note to self -- stop eating everything in sight!)) Take care, Karen...it is scary to hear the cancer word, but all-in-all, is has just been more of a "pain-in-the-neck" nuisance than a debilitating experience. __________________ orig start date on Atkins 6/2003 179/155.5/145 -- content to be between 145 and 150. f/51 yo/ 5'7" Restart 9/14/09 159.5 9/21/09 156.0

07-14-2009, 10:25 AM	#11
RenoMom Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,466 Gallery: RenoMom Stats: 297/278/175 Start Date: 02-6-04	I had the right side of mine removed in March, it turned out to be cancerous. Now my Endo wants me to go back and have the left side removed and then do RAI to kill off all tissue. I'm in no hurry to get this done. Honestly the surgery was no big deal, one week at best and I was back to normal. I just started with the meds 100 mcg of Synthroid. Its been 3 weeks today and I do feel a bit better, no side effects at all. I won't get my blood work done until on it for 5 weeks then we shall see where I'm at. I have lost 7.5 pounds in the last three weeks. I have been following South Beach, though prior to the meds I would lose 2 gain 3 etc... I am glad for this loss and hope it continues. __________________ Started Synthroid 6-23 (Hypothyroid)

08-13-2009, 05:51 PM	#16
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	I made the motel reservation yesterday Now I'm getting a little nervous. I was reading information packet they gave me and was surprised the incision will be horizontal. I'd been thinking it would be vertical. H How long does it take to heal?

07-04-2009, 05:03 AM	#2
inatic Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alpharetta,Ga. Posts: 13,802 Gallery: inatic Stats: 182/135 5'4 47!yo 16/4 5 kidlets later! WOE: Coach Supervised Start Date: LowER C since 2/02 wt training 10/15/02	no, not unless (until) your hormones (all hormones) are stable. Once removing your thyroid you will go thru a period of adjustment/adding meds in ... All will take time. Did you get a second opinion?

07-04-2009, 05:18 AM	#3
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	I've read that if the biopsy is ambiguous--i.e., they can't rule it benign but are not sure if it's malignant, the best approach is to remove it because most of the time, it turns out to be malignant. At this point, I would not worry about losing weight but getting the thyroid removed and getting optimally medicated. That should be your priority right now--good health. As Pam has pointed out, all that happens once you're medicated is that losing weight becomes possible, not inevitable. You won't lose without effort.

07-05-2009, 10:14 AM	#6
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	I saw the sonogram of the thyroid and what they called a nodule looked like it was bigger than the other side of the thyroid. As I've said earlier it runs in the family, on ,mom's femalse side. I'm not worried about the surgery, I've had other larger surgeries so it doesn't bother me. I know the weight won't automatically fall off but I'm hoping it will help some.

07-07-2009, 09:52 AM	#8
KJMK31 Junior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 18 Gallery: KJMK31	I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WENT TO SEE ONE OF THE TOP THYROID SPECIALISTS IN THE COUNTRY IN PHILADELPHIA WHO TOLD HER SOME DRS ARE TOO QUICK TO TAKE OUT THE THYROID AND IT SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT. I WOULD GET A SECOND OPINION.

07-09-2009, 07:40 AM	#10
Jean@125 Guest Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: MD Posts: 1,998 Gallery: Jean@125 Stats: 166/150.8/ ? 5'2 WOE: hanging on for dear life	Like has been said it won't fix the underlying problems until you are properly medicated. My sister is having hers out soon at Johns Hopkins now that she is having trouble swallowing her food.

07-14-2009, 03:25 PM	#12
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	The surgeon will remove just the left half in about a month. If the biopsy shows cancer they will remove the other part. DH has been freaked out about all this. Turns out he knew a guy in grad school who had his out and they had a lot of problems getting him regulated.

08-10-2009, 03:55 PM	#13
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	I drove down for my preop tests. They have to be withing 30 days and it was like a week over. All the nures who asked who my doctor was said how wonderful he was. Sure made me feel good! I liked him and I think DH did but it was nice to hear it from the staff. I'm having surgery Aug 19th!

08-10-2009, 04:36 PM	#14
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	That is nice to hear about your doctor, Karen. Good luck on the surgery. Having a good doctor will insure that you get properly medicated afterwards. During this stressful period immediately before and after this surgery, be sure to be nice to yourself. A little luxury never hurt anyone, and a lot of luxury is even better

08-11-2009, 05:03 AM	#15
clarke Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,017 Gallery: clarke	Good luck Karen! Glad to hear good reports on the doc. That always adds another layer of comfort on an uncomfortable situation.

08-14-2009, 05:25 AM	#17
clarke Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,017 Gallery: clarke	Horizontal is better, it fits nicely in the rolls of my neck and kind of gets lost in there . A good surgeon, and I think you said you had one, will try to hid the incision in the natural folds of the neck. It really isn't that bad... not good for a month or two, but it does fade in. Just be careful in the sun for quite awhile. I was really good in the beginning of summer and have not been as good lately. I tend to forget about it. Trying to insert a pic of my neck - this is after 2 surgeries, 1 in July 08 and one in Sept 08. Hopefully, this isn't scary. The pic of course shows a bit more redness than there is in normal light and my neck is extended funny to get the pic. But, there are no frankenstein like cuts and stitches marks ( in fact, glue was used, no outside stitches.). The side that looks the worse it the side that they went in first, took out half, then went back and got the rest of it. I asked my teen girls if the scar is noticeable - they say if they look for it, they can see it, but normally don't notice it. Last edited by clarke; 08-14-2009 at 06:07 AM..

08-14-2009, 02:56 PM	#18
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	That doesn't look bad at all! A lady at the eye doctor told me many years ago her friend had hers removed and they cut her from one side to the other, looked terrible for weeks but she was fine. This answer a question I knew in college who had a big scar on her neck like that. She seemed to wear V necks to show it off! I talked to my aunt today and she said my youngest aunt had radioactive things implanted in her neck to kill the thyroid and now takes daily pills. Mom said she thinks her mom had something wrong w/her thyroid too. Guess it runs in the women of the family. Just like our baggy eyelids!

08-15-2009, 07:21 AM	#19
clarke Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,017 Gallery: clarke	IF you have to do the radioactive thing now, you just swallow a pill or two in the nuclear department of the hospital, then go home, quarentine yourself for a couple days, then stay about 3 ft away from people for a few more.

08-15-2009, 08:49 AM	#20
karenb Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Panhandle Between New Mexico and Oklahoma Posts: 16,188 Gallery: karenb Stats: 241.6/150	Does that mean I couldn't pet my cats? and Not Hug DH? I could do that the last 2 weeks of Sept. DH and his friends go on their 'hunting trip' then. Well it started out as a hunting trip and in tents,etc but as the price of out of state licenses and no elk have risen along with age they now rent a really nice cabin that was built for forestrly workers. It's 2 story, 2 real bathrooms and kitchens. I've seen it from the ourside and it looks very nice!

08-15-2009, 10:23 AM	#21
clarke Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,017 Gallery: clarke	Different dosages, different docs, different requirements. Generally from what I have read ( and did), it is about 2 days in a room by yourself with your own bathroom... flush twice,shower couple of times, drink a lot. In 2 days, most of the radioactive part has left your system. There is still some, so no contact with pregnant women and babies for about 1 month. Supposedly after that time, the 2 days, unless you are exchanging fluid, not too much to worry about. I did sleep alone for a week, never know when you are going to sneeze in your sleep, but just kept my distance. I also have cats and didn't pick them up or hold them for a week. They have thyroids too. The radioactive iodine is to kill remaining thyroid tissue. You don't want any of that to get out or ingested by someone with the healthy thyroid or it might damage theirs. Really not that bad, just a nuisance. I figure ... could be worse with chemo or radiation..Hang in there.

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