onesickcookie - Thanks for writing. If I had been treated the way you were treated I would be very frustrated too.
First, you are entitled to know the results of your biopsy and I suggest you contact your doctor's office and ask for a copy of the report. This will provide you with clearer information on the findings.
Second, I would seek a second opinion from another physician, and would bring the biopsy report to that appointment.
The majority of thyroid tumors, or nodules, are noncancerous. Even noncancerous ones, however, can cause complications, and in order to protect your health it would be a good idea to become more familiar with thyroid conditions and treatments. This link from the Mayo Clinic provides a lot of helpful information. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-nodules/DS00491
It's not clear why your doctor would tell you that you had cancer, and then tell you something else.
The following link will give you more information about thyroid cancer, which is a highly treatable condition. http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_cancer/article.htm
When he mentioned RAI he was referring to radioactive iodine therapy, which is one of the treatment options for thyroid cancer. You can learn more about it here: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroidcancer/detailedguide/thyroid-cancer-treating-radioactive-iodine
You should not spend the next year being frustrated and anxious and wondering what's going on in your body. It will take some research, time and inconvenience, but it's in the best interest of your health to follow up on this and determine exactly what you're dealing with. Thyroid issues can be complex, whether or not cancer is present, and if your doctor isn't helping you understand exactly what you have and how you can take care of yourself then it's time to find another doctor. Please stay in touch, and let me know if you have additional questions or concerns.
Pat
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onesickcookie - Thanks for writing. If I had been treated the way you were treated I would be very frustrated too.
First, you are entitled to know the results of your biopsy and I suggest you contact your doctor's office and ask for a copy of the report. This will provide you with clearer information on the findings.
Second, I would seek a second opinion from another physician, and would bring the biopsy report to that appointment.
The majority of thyroid tumors, or nodules, are noncancerous. Even noncancerous ones, however, can cause complications, and in order to protect your health it would be a good idea to become more familiar with thyroid conditions and treatments. This link from the Mayo Clinic provides a lot of helpful information. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-nodules/DS00491
It's not clear why your doctor would tell you that you had cancer, and then tell you something else.
The following link will give you more information about thyroid cancer, which is a highly treatable condition. http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_cancer/article.htm
When he mentioned RAI he was referring to radioactive iodine therapy, which is one of the treatment options for thyroid cancer. You can learn more about it here: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroidcancer/detailedguide/thyroid-cancer-treating-radioactive-iodine
You should not spend the next year being frustrated and anxious and wondering what's going on in your body. It will take some research, time and inconvenience, but it's in the best interest of your health to follow up on this and determine exactly what you're dealing with. Thyroid issues can be complex, whether or not cancer is present, and if your doctor isn't helping you understand exactly what you have and how you can take care of yourself then it's time to find another doctor. Please stay in touch, and let me know if you have additional questions or concerns.
January 17, 2011 - 6:30pmPat
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