Multi focal papillary/Thyroid cancer

[Struggling_mumm]

Hi I am in week 3 of the pathology coming back as Multifocal Papilary cancer, the most common Thyroid cancer so they tell me but there is no support in Australia and even my tests are sent OS as the labcoats don't know what they are looking at. In Aug I will undergo Radioactive Iodine to help I guess kill off any thyroid cells left after my total thyroidectomy. I had that due to my Graves diesease being so out of control I lost my job. Guess the surgeon got a shock when he could feel lumps and an even bigger shock when the pathology came back as malignant with 3 tumors of recordable size (1cm and above) and a whole stack of little clusters. I am scared, have no one I can talk too and every day I have to not show just how this has effected me or what is going through my head as I have 3 kidlets that need me. Sorry for the winge 😞

[Rikki]

Hi Struggling Mummy I am sorry to hear your fear and isolation. It is a tough gig. Please dont worry about what you put on here. I think we all except each other having a moan, venting or whatever you need to do. Take it easy on yourself Rikki

[Struggling_mumm]

Having a better day, the Olympics are being a great distraction and my ragdoll Holly has decided that my bed makes the best place to play fetch. I have never had a cat so smart and uncoordinated at the same time. Laughter really is good for the soul.

[megs56]

Hi there - you sound just like me. My thyroid cancer was Herthle cell though and my life expectancy is "medium term" because the lump was 4.6cm. Have no idea why I would have it. I smoked like a chimney for many years but apparently smoking has nothing to do with it. I'm terrified too, but your type of cancer has the safest outcome, medicos say that if you have to get cancer anywhere, papillary thyroid cancer is the best one to get. Keep your chin up, you'll have bad days and good days (I had the worst day today, but I've got nowhere to go but up!). Please answer, I'd so love someone to talk to about this as nobody really understands and I don;t want to burden them.

[FeeMcDee]

Hi Struggling mummy, How did you cope being locked away whilst the RAI did its thing? I was bored and went a tad hyperactive when I got out. I took myself to the appointment (5hrs away), and took myself home again. The conversations I had with my GPS were priceless and I still giggle at them today. I had papillary thyroid cancer - stage 3, (diagnosed in early Sept 2010 and successfully removed later in Sept 2010). It is a scary time and being a mum, we worry more as we have the love and responsibility of our babies. How old are your children? I have a 12 and 9 year old. If you have any questions, or would like to chat, don't hesitate. I have just joined this, as I am in need of like minded people to understand the day to day struggles we face. A lot of my friends and family shun it off or sweep it under the carpet, rather than allow for healthy discussion in order to get the worries out in the open and off my chest. Have a good day and do something that makes you smile. Fi

[chatterdog]

Hello, I also have papillary thyroid cancer. I just turned 23. I was diagnosed when I was 18 and had surgery and RAI, was told I was extremely low risk for recurrence. So I wasn't even that worried when I asked my GP to check a swollen lymph node I found in my neck last September... but it turns out it has spread to my lymph nodes, even my specialist was shocked. I had a neck dissection almost 3 months ago which I was told would be similar to my initial thyroidectomy... but that definitely wasn't the case!! Still really struggling with day to day activities and have only just been able to go back to work full-time. I'm having a whole body scan next week to see whether I need more RAI. I have found another lymph node on the other side of my neck that's been swollen for more than a month, no idea whether I'm being completely paranoid or if it's back AGAIN. Will have to wait and see. My prognosis is still excellent, and I know most cancer patients have it a lot worse, but it's tough to go through. I know doctors mean well when they tell you it's the "best" cancer to have, but that's sort of like debating which is the "best" animal poo to eat 😉