What to expect with papillary thyroid cancer surgery at 74?

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VL

Community Member

7 days ago

Hi! I was just diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer about three weeks ago. I’m a 74 year old registered nurse, still working part time on weekends. I had a triple bypass/open heart surgery last summer and one of my CT scans showed a thyroid nodule, but no one mentioned it to me until I changed PCPs in January. Saw an endocrinologist who said it was probably nothing, his office jerked me around about the referral for 3 months so I just had the biopsy done a month ago. That’s 10 months with no treatment! Per a recent CT scan there is no extrathyroidal extension. Fingers crossed. I have not seen any of the lab work from the biopsy, so I don’t know much, but the surgeon said stage two or three. Now I’m scheduled for surgery 6/2, hopefully a partial thyroidectomy. I guess I’ll know more after the surgery. Synthroid makes me very short of breath, and I’ve been feeling really good since healing from the bypass, doing heavy yard work, etc, so I’m concerned about a quality of life decline should I have to take Synthroid for the rest of my life. The surgeon seems to think if it’s managed properly I should not have any difficulty breathing. So that’s my story. I’m not scared, but I think metastasis will always be in the back of my mind.

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Accepted Answer

Recovery from thyroid cancer surgery varies for each person, especially when considering other health conditions and age-related factors. Many people find that working closely with their healthcare team to find the right thyroid hormone replacement approach helps minimize breathing issues and maintain good quality of life. The community here has lots of experience with different aspects of thyroid cancer treatment, so sharing updates about your journey could help others facing similar situations while also connecting you with people who understand what you're going through.

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CA

Community Member

7 days ago

Recovery from thyroid cancer surgery varies for each person, especially when considering other health conditions and age-related factors. Many people find that working closely with their healthcare team to find the right thyroid hormone replacement approach helps minimize breathing issues and maintain good quality of life. The community here has lots of experience with different aspects of thyroid cancer treatment, so sharing updates about your journey could help others facing similar situations while also connecting you with people who understand what you're going through.

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CT

Community Member

6 days ago

I had a similar situation where my primary ignored notices from my heart doctor regarding nodules on my thyroid until I pushed the issue. I had the surgery. They removed half of the thyroid. The follow up tests revealed that the remaining half of the thyroid produces enough hormones to sustain the body’s critical functions. I do not need medication for the rest of my life. Hopefully this will be the same in your situation. They will monitor your condition closely after the surgery. I hope this gives you a little comfort. I know how scary this is. Good luck. You will be fine.

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VL

Community Member

6 days ago

Thanks. Half the thyroid is what I’m hoping for.

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What to expect with papillary thyroid cancer surgery at 74?

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