Intense said:

Nothinbutjoy said:

My sister went through the process of diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer late last summer through Christmas. She's the main thyroid experience I have.

They did a surgical biopsy because of the location of interest, so only one biopsy. Then the surgery to remove her thyroid. Then her treatment. She had to eat a special diet for awhile, then take a radioactive iodine treatment that made her lose her sense of taste for about a week.

She's totally okay now (THANK YOU GOD!! ) and the only thing that indicates she had any trouble at all are the two scars on her neck from the surgeries.

THREE biopsies SUCKS to me. BUT...I don't work on thyroids I work on breasts. Not getting an adequate sample is a risk of a biopsy/puncture, but two times in a row!?! They need to step up their game. I know your medical system is different over there, but if possible, look into what your other options are. Can you change doctors? Can you go for surgical biopsy instead?

I'm so sorry you're having this experience.

Good to hear about your sister! It's kinda nervwrecking. I know 2 mothers from my son's class, my age and they live across my street, they're also neighbours and they both have thyroid cancer... One told me her blood was all ok, just like mine and the woman taking the biopsy said, don't worry, your blood is ok. So I told her what she said doesn't necessarily have to be true because of that mother.

This radiologist was going up and down and to the left and right with that needle, for what seemed ages, it really hurt. She had to stop because another radiologist told her to stop because it bled too much. He did the other biopsy, quick and almost painless, stating he had enough tissue. Last week they told me they didn't have any tissue from both biopsy's.

I probably have to look for another doctor or hospital if the third biopsy fails. I specifically asked for a thyroid specialist this time, still haven't gotten any new date and it's been a week.

My internist said they need to have the biopsy to decide if the thyroid has to be removed (and it could grow back according to her) or that I have to take radioactive iodine, not much choice there but it doesn't need to be done now, I don't have that many problems except for it being very large.

I'm really having doubts with this internist. I asked her if she was a thyroid specialist and if the hospital didn't have one. She was just an internist of hormones, not only the thyroid, my hospital didn't have any real specialist.

So, I'll just wait and see what this gives. Let's just hope it's not that painfull anymore and that they succeed.

I'd really consider not going back to the same person the third time. You've been beyond patient with them and given them plenty of opportunity to get it done right.

Keep us posted!

I'm so sorry it went so badly.

Sounds so unpleasant, I hope everything will be over soon

Best wishes!

Nothinbutjoy said:

Intense said:

Good to hear about your sister! It's kinda nervwrecking. I know 2 mothers from my son's class, my age and they live across my street, they're also neighbours and they both have thyroid cancer... One told me her blood was all ok, just like mine and the woman taking the biopsy said, don't worry, your blood is ok. So I told her what she said doesn't necessarily have to be true because of that mother.

This radiologist was going up and down and to the left and right with that needle, for what seemed ages, it really hurt. She had to stop because another radiologist told her to stop because it bled too much. He did the other biopsy, quick and almost painless, stating he had enough tissue. Last week they told me they didn't have any tissue from both biopsy's.

I probably have to look for another doctor or hospital if the third biopsy fails. I specifically asked for a thyroid specialist this time, still haven't gotten any new date and it's been a week.

My internist said they need to have the biopsy to decide if the thyroid has to be removed (and it could grow back according to her) or that I have to take radioactive iodine, not much choice there but it doesn't need to be done now, I don't have that many problems except for it being very large.

I'm really having doubts with this internist. I asked her if she was a thyroid specialist and if the hospital didn't have one. She was just an internist of hormones, not only the thyroid, my hospital didn't have any real specialist.

So, I'll just wait and see what this gives. Let's just hope it's not that painfull anymore and that they succeed.

I'd really consider not going back to the same person the third time. You've been beyond patient with them and given them plenty of opportunity to get it done right.

Keep us posted!

I will. Called the hospital today for a date, turned out they forgot to send me an appointment...

It's next Thursday

And stupid me, have to call back again tomorrow because discussing the results with my internist is supposed to be a week later and they would arrange that... I forgot to ask, I'm sure they didn't arrange that either.

So.. 4 more days... breath in... breath out

Thanks Aelis and Punky

three times is a charm... guess not, I got a fourth time for free

The fourth time was to make sure I didn't have to come back.. so glad it's over!

Intense said:

three times is a charm... guess not, I got a fourth time for free

The fourth time was to make sure I didn't have to come back.. so glad it's over!

Intense said:

three times is a charm... guess not, I got a fourth time for free

The fourth time was to make sure I didn't have to come back.. so glad it's over!

Outcome of the 4 punctures: as far as they could see it was not malignant but they have to remove the left half of the thyroid since the cells inside have the characteristics to deform and maybe become malignant over the years.

Today I had an appointment with a surgeon from my own hospital but since the waiting time was over 9 months (!) they will do the operation in another hospital which has a waiting time of only 3 months. She told me they have to cut through the neck muscles and a muscle plate? Dang, I didn't expect that my poor neck.

I have another appointment on the 14th of April with the surgeon who will do my operation and then I'll hear when it is due... you'll see that it will be around the time my Katie Melua concert is planned

This is going on since November and to be honest, I'm getting a bit tired.

But one big plus, my summer holiday is safe so I shouldn't be complaining.

Thanks again for those on here who wished me good luck, it helped!

Glad your summer holiday is safe.

My sister had to have her thyroid removed. She bounced back really quickly so hopefully your concert plans are safe.

I'm glad you're done with the biopsies. That whole process sounded like such a nightmare.

Glad to hear things are looking better... take good care!!