Wellness

[OnlyShopsOnline]

I'm scheduled for a total thyroidectomy on April 12.  I've had Hashimoto's disease for decades and there is very little left of my thyroid gland at all.  But, a small, low grade papillary thyroid cancer was found during a routine ultrasound.

I've been assured by 5 doctors, who have read my report, that this is not a dangerous or aggressive cancer.  And, millions of people live their entire lives with one like this and die in old age of something else.  I have found a wonderful surgeon at Johns Hopkins, and he and I both agree that we want all of that "garbage" out of my body.

I've been told that I'll have some neck tenderness for a day or two that will be treated with Tylenol.  And, a sore throat.  But, that I should be up and around, with the exception of exercise, heavy lifting, or driving, within 24-48 hours.  I'll be able to drive once I have full neck motion.

So, I'd like to hear some real-life experiences regarding normal recuperation after a total thyroidectomy.  I already know the risks and worst case scenarios that could happen.  I just would like to hear some normal scenarios.

Thanks!

[meallen616]

[Bird mama]

@OnlyShopsOnline

Hello and from another Hashimoto's patient, let me wish you well on your surgery and recovery.  I don't have personal experience with thryoid removal (yet).  My favorite dental assistant was diagnosed with thryroid cancer and had hers removed.  I never knew and one day we were talking thryoid and she told me her experience.  I couldn't even see a scar!  She had a favorable experience and said it was breeze (all things considered).

[Lucky Penny]

I, too, have Hashimoto's but have not elected surgery though some do even without a diagnosis of cancer. As a oncology nurse, my experience is that what your physician told you regarding your cell type being slow growing is what I have seen as well.  Your condition started out as a somewhat common autoimmune disorder in women. It put you at a slightly higher risk than the regular population of developing cancer the you have. Some physicains like to remove the thyroid gland and others do not if show no sign of a malignancy, though it needs to come out with your diagnosis.

With this being said, I teach nursing at a community hospital where I see quite a few women having this surgery that my students care for.  There are issue that can occur during the post op perioid but you will be taught what to report and you should be prepared to let the nurse know what you are feeling/expereincing because most of these issue can readily be corrected. In fact, a good nursing staff will be assessing you carefully the first 24-36 hours for any problems.  You go home soon thereafter!  Keeping you neck straight for a few days when you are home (no twisting or turning your head as you want the incision to heal), taking any medications they give you, and caring for any drains if they even use one is usually what people do at home.  The wound will look reddened (we call it angry!), but in a few months it heals leaving a fine white line that is not very noticable unless you are looking for it. 

Look to your physician and nursing staff for guidance.  I am only a nurse commenting on this board to help allay your anxiety which anyone would have!  Good luck to you!  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

[Vivian]

Two weeks after I retired, in 2008, I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. The surgery and recovery were no problem. I did have to take one dose of a radioactive substance to be sure the entire thyroid and tumor were gone. During the following week I was essentially in solitary confinement, so as not to contaminate anyone else. If you don't need that radioactive pill you won't need to be isolated.

I had to have scans every few months for the first few years and now go for yearly check-ups with my endocrinologist, who also does an ultrasound during my visit. Everything has been fine. Papillary cancer has close to a 100% cure rate. I wish you good luck and reassure you that you are VERY LIKELY to be absolutely fine. You'll take a thyroid pill once a day, and that's it.

[OnlyShopsOnline]

@meallen616  Thanks!  

[OnlyShopsOnline]

@Bird mama  Thanks for the information.  I've had several major surgeries in my lifetime and I've been told this will be much easier than any of the others. 

[NickNack]

I had my thyroid and a large nodule removed in 2005.  I don't remember a whole lot about it.  I don't think the recovery took very long.  I remember having a scar for a while, but I can't see it at this point.  I don't think you will have any trouble after the surgery.  The first few days will be painful, although not too bad.

[NickNack]

I just wanted to add to my above post.  I think you will need more than Tylenol the first day or two.

[OnlyShopsOnline]

@Vivian  Thanks!  I won't know if I'll need the RAI Tx until after my surgery. There' a possibility that I won't. But I had one years ago when my Hashimoto's made me extremely hyperthyroid. So we're in the process of turning our spare bedroom from the grandkids playroom back into a bedroom.  

My doctors have also said that some of this process may be a little easier for me because my thyroid is non-functioning, and I already know the dose of Synthroid and Cytomel that works for me. 

Im so glad your surgery went well.  I'm hoping for the same.  My doctors have assured me that this is going to be no more than a nuisance.  But hearing the word "cancer" is just so disconcerting.