Hi Katherine, I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I feel our stories are very similar. About a month ago, I too was diagnosed with PTC from a FNA of a thyroid nodule. It was cystic and last time he just drained it and completely benign, figured it would be the same again, bit of a shock when it wasn't. 3 weeks ago I had my surgery, total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. They found 6 cancers (3 in the thyroid and 3 in the lymph nodes).
My surgeon reassured me that this is usually something you die with, not of. He meant well, bless him, but I (and probably like you) couldn't think of anything but worse case scenario. The C word tends to do that!
I have another 3 week wait until I see my endocrinologist and find out what the treatment will be and when.
I think personally I'm more concerned with spread. Hopefully I can breathe a bit easier after the full body scan. Man, I hope they do one!
I thought I'd just share my experience so far and let you know there are people out there who understand how scared you are, despite the experts reassurance.
Take the time to talk with your family and let yourself take it all in. Scream, cry, throw a tantrum if you like, cancer is a crap diagnosis no matter the prognosis, you're allowed to be mad. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. It's their job to help you understand (in layman's terms!) what is happening to you.
I'm sure you will have a great outcome, it is a cancer with a great prognosis and specifically targeted treatment.
I think I have dribbled on enough now! Feel free to reach out anytime. Wishing you good health, Anna xx
