I have just been told that the nodule on my thyroid is testing as abnormal and the pathologist is sending the samples to University of Iowa for additional testing. My Endo, in a frank discussion is recommending total removal due to some other symptoms with breathing and voice change, etc.
Here is the worm in the oatmeal... my thyroid is normal functioning. I have to take into account that a normal gland, that is working properly will be totally removed and I will be thrown into a world of the unknown maintaining normal function by using meds that may or may not take years to regulate.
My fear of the abnormal cells "turning" to Cancer is huge. My nodule is large enough to choke me when I lay on my stomach to sleep, which I almost have to do because of my low back, hip, and knee issues. My Endo will not remove just the nodule or take partial thyroid out - I did not have the opportunity on the phone today to clarify this part of the conversation, but I will dig deeper when we talk after second tests come back.
I have read through a few questions and answers on this site and am now terrified to have the thyroid removed. I recently quite smoking and added the obligatory 25 #'s and cannot gain any more and be remotely healthy. I am a diabetic on low dosages of insulin (just started insulin and it will be adjusted), I have severe arthritis in my hip and knee (both are slated for replacement - hip is this fall). I am in constant pain with high BS readings. I am afraid of what will happen to my health with the total removal of my thyroid - yet if I leave the nodule that is abnormal...
Any suggestions out there? Any success stories? Please share as I will need to make a decision when the labs come in from University of Iowa later this week.
Thank you.