Hi Frankie,

Welcome to our group :-)

I was diagnosed with papilliary thyroid cancer in February 02, and
had my thyroid removed three weeks later! I was diagnosed after
moving to the USA in June 01, from England.

Due to the nature of my cancer (it was found in my lymph nodes first)
I underwent Radioactive Iodene Treatment within 8 weeks of having the
surgery, which meant I was not given any thyroid medication what-so-
ever.

I became quite ill for a while, but the RAI therapy worked and all my
scans since have been clear.

I only see my endocrinologist now for my follow ups.

Once you settle down on the right dose of medication for you (this
could take well over 6 months, and you will be tested every 6 weeks
until you get to the right level) you will undergo, annual check-ups
for the first three years or so - at least that is what happened to
me.

I have had three full body scans, annually, and now because my scans
were clear, I do not have to have another one for three years. As
far as I know, if I have two clear scans at three year intervals I
will not need another scan for 10 years after that!

My blood is tested every 6 months or so, (as I said) and I have an
annual chest X-Ray and health check. I assume this will be the norm
for the rest of my life.

As for questions to ask!!! They are endless, and you have found a
good formum to fire away at all of them :-)

Have you been told about RAI therapy? Do you know what the course of
action will be for you, once you have your thyroid out? Have you
been told about certain things to look out for after your surgery,
like watching how you move your neck?

I am curious to know where you come from, because from what I know
treatment differs slightly depending upon which country you live in.
Which state you live in (if you live in the USA) specailly when it
comes to the RAI therapy.

Hope I have not drowned you in too many words.

When is your 'op' - do you have a date yet?

Regards

Deborah Ford






--- In ThyroidDisease2@yahoogroups.com, Frankie <unicorn@g...> wrote:
>
> I was diagnosed last week with thyroid cancer and am scheduled to
> have a thyroidectomy. I have been suffering from debilitating
> fatigue for over three years, so strangely enough I am really glad
to
> have an answer finally.
>
> My endocrinologist - who is the one who *finally* diagnosed me -
has
> offered to provide follow-up care. Is this typical? Do I need an
> oncologist?
>
> Anyone have any suggestions or knows of any other questions I
should be asking?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> frankie
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]