So....not good news from the ultrasound today. There are some nodules on the right side of my "thyroid bed" that the radiologist recommends for biopsy. There should be nothing in the thryoid bed at all since they removed my thyroid, but instead, I have nodules. I also have a cystic, "juicy" lymph node on the right side of my neck that needs to be biopsied as well.
The radiologist, not the tech, did the complete ultrasound scan, ear to ear, top to bottom of my neck. He was very thorough . He said he would be contacting "the doctor I don't like" to let him know that he recommends biopsy for these two areas.
I am relieved in a way because now I know there IS something going on. I had a feeling, just going with my gut, that there was still something there. And it is different this time around. I know the drill, have had the surgery and the radioactive iodine treatment before. Although it won't be exactly the same, I at least have some frame of reference.
By the way, this isn't a recurrence or an error on anyone's part that they didn't get it all the first time. Thyroid cancer and the lymph nodes are tricky, and it is not uncommon for thyroid cancer patients to repeat the radioactive treatment or have surgery again from what I have read. Not optimal or desired but also not too unusual.
I was very upset this morning, the reality of it, and now I am more aggravated and/or mad. Not at anyone or God, just that it is still something that I need to actively deal with. I feel like I am just now feeling better and healing from surgery, and the thought of starting over again is crazy to me.
So the next step is a biopsy. I'll keep everyone posted, but please continue to think good thoughts and send prayers when you can. Much appreciated.
Not sure about "batting a thousand"? A baseball reference...here's a batting average calculator. :)
The radiologist, not the tech, did the complete ultrasound scan, ear to ear, top to bottom of my neck. He was very thorough . He said he would be contacting "the doctor I don't like" to let him know that he recommends biopsy for these two areas.
I am relieved in a way because now I know there IS something going on. I had a feeling, just going with my gut, that there was still something there. And it is different this time around. I know the drill, have had the surgery and the radioactive iodine treatment before. Although it won't be exactly the same, I at least have some frame of reference.
By the way, this isn't a recurrence or an error on anyone's part that they didn't get it all the first time. Thyroid cancer and the lymph nodes are tricky, and it is not uncommon for thyroid cancer patients to repeat the radioactive treatment or have surgery again from what I have read. Not optimal or desired but also not too unusual.
I was very upset this morning, the reality of it, and now I am more aggravated and/or mad. Not at anyone or God, just that it is still something that I need to actively deal with. I feel like I am just now feeling better and healing from surgery, and the thought of starting over again is crazy to me.
So the next step is a biopsy. I'll keep everyone posted, but please continue to think good thoughts and send prayers when you can. Much appreciated.
Not sure about "batting a thousand"? A baseball reference...here's a batting average calculator. :)
I am so sorry to hear this. I wil be thinking about you, and parying for good results. I know what it's like to live in fear of a relapse.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the news. I'm sure it must be very frustrating. Hang in there and just keep being tough!
ReplyDelete