CommunitiesThyroid CarcinomaWhat to expect with proton radiation for thyroid cancer recurrence?

What to expect with proton radiation for thyroid cancer recurrence?

DL

Community Member

a month ago

I discovered that I had Thyroid cancer back in 2016 when I felt a lump in my neck. I had my thyroid totally removed plus several lymph nodes. My surgeon said that he noticed a lymph node lodged into my chest and was unable to remove it. Afterwards I received radioactive iodine and a pet scan. Six years later, around 2022, during an ultrasound exam,they discovered a growth in my chest and neck area. My endocrinologist did not know how to proceed with treatment and recommended that I see an endocrinologist at Moffitt cancer. They discovered a Braf gene that contributed to the growth of my cancer and recommended I take Tafinlar and Melinist pills. After several months the tumor in my chest shrunk 25%. However after a surgery involving an intestinal infection, I was instructed to resume the medication as soon as possible. After going back on this medication I developed neuropathy in my hands and feet. I was instructed to immediately stop taking the medication. Since then my tumor in my neck increased to 7.7 cm and approx. 6.6 cm in my mediastinum. I am now considering proton radiation at Moffitt when the new equipment will be ready this coming June. The oncologist just wants to be able to shrink the tumor in my chest. Both my neck and chest tumors are impacting major veins and/or arteries. I developed consisted coughing and now I am occasionally coughing up some blood and feeling light headed. Hopefully the radiation treatment will help.

3 comments
Comment
CA

Community Member

a month ago

Proton radiation therapy is a specialized treatment that can be effective for tumors in challenging locations, particularly when traditional surgery isn't an option. The symptoms being experienced highlight how important it is to work with an experienced oncology team who can carefully plan the treatment to target the tumor while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Many patients find it helpful to prepare a list of questions about the treatment timeline, potential side effects, and what to expect during recovery when meeting with the radiation oncology team.

1
MI

Community Member

a month ago

Can you give name best endocrinologist to follow up on my thyroid cancer in south Florida

PM

Community Member

a month ago

Dr. David bimston

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