Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 17, 2013 1:43:07 GMT -5
I'll call Wed if we haven't heard. He signed a release so they can talk to me. It's in his file.....
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Dec 17, 2013 8:59:43 GMT -5
Well, we are all waiting with baited breath, which, as you know, is better than no breath at all.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Dec 17, 2013 11:16:35 GMT -5
They don't deserve another day..................Call them TODAY!
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 17, 2013 14:06:20 GMT -5
lovehearts and BG, I will call them if we haven't heard anything by noon tomorrow. The surgeon is the one who will call and I'm pretty sure he does surgery on Tuesdays...
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 17, 2013 15:58:58 GMT -5
So DH could not stand it anymore and HE called. The surgeon was with a patient and will call back. The person DH talked to told him that the result was "indeterminate" and the options were to either watch it or to remove the nodule. I hope the surgeon says we need to remove it . If they leave it up to DH, he doesn't want more surgery. Can't blame him but I want it gone... Ugh!
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Dec 17, 2013 16:04:22 GMT -5
Oh no! Maybe the surgeon will be more clear/articulate. I'm amazed anyone told him anything, they can get pretty tight mouthed at my doctor's office until the doc has said to share the info. Keeping everything crossed, just in case!
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Dec 17, 2013 16:40:30 GMT -5
Argh!
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Dec 17, 2013 16:51:00 GMT -5
Geez sounds crappy. I'm thinking good thoughts GG.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Dec 18, 2013 16:45:30 GMT -5
Did the surgeon call you back? What dork says something like that over the phone anyway?
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Dec 18, 2013 17:32:38 GMT -5
So DH could not stand it anymore and HE called. The surgeon was with a patient and will call back. The person DH talked to told him that the result was "indeterminate" and the options were to either watch it or to remove the nodule. I hope the surgeon says we need to remove it . If they leave it up to DH, he doesn't want more surgery. Can't blame him but I want it gone... Ugh! GG, I know it'll be gibberish, but you should ask about the pathology report and specifics over whether they had a good sample, whether any strange cells were found, etc. Did they just take one biopsy core? Sometimes the answer really is "indeterminate" and sometimes its just a short way of saying they wouldn't bet on something but they have a good hunch.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Dec 18, 2013 17:38:04 GMT -5
I would ask for a copy of the pathology report. You can decifer most of it using google, or ask the experts who are here. You could then ask specific questions so you fully understand. That makes it much easier to make a decision.
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Nazgul Girl
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Post by Nazgul Girl on Dec 18, 2013 18:04:15 GMT -5
I wish the best for you and your husband.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 18, 2013 18:51:53 GMT -5
He just got off the phone with the surgeon. Surgeon left it up to him whether to remove the thyroid or have an ultra sound im 6 months. I had no chance to ask questions. DH opted to wait 6 months and have the ultrasound. I know it's his call and said as much, but he knows it's not what I want him to do.... honeybbq They took 4 needle samples. The surgeon said they got enough for a sample. I think I'm going to call and ask for a copy of the report. Part of my frustration is feeling so much in the dark.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2013 19:03:54 GMT -5
GG I'm so sorry. I agree, you should ask for the report.
Remove the nodule, or remove the thyroid? Before, you were talking about a nodule. Now they are talking about removing the thyroid?
And why 6 months? Why not 3?
Hugs to you and your DH GG. I wish you both the best. And hugs to Honey too for being able and willing to help and advise more concretely than the rest of us can.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Dec 18, 2013 19:12:10 GMT -5
GG, last year my DH made a similar decision regarding future treatment. I told him I disagreed with him, but that I respected his right to make it.
that was just before I started to cry. I've told him the same thing since.....and I still cry.
hugs GG!
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 18, 2013 19:56:09 GMT -5
Debthaven, Re removing the nodule vs removing the thyroid - I got from internet research. Th only removal the surgeon discussed was the thyroid. Do we have two of them? Would he have to take meds forever if it was removed.
BG Your post reflects xactly how I feel. I do respect DH's right to make his own decision, but I hate it. And it makes me want to cry.
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Happy prose
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Post by Happy prose on Dec 18, 2013 20:09:24 GMT -5
GG...your husband may change his mind before the six months are up. In 2004, I had a thoracotomy. It was the most awful thing I ever went through. While still in the hospital, the lab results came back on another biopsy, and they told me they had to operate again. I said no. One month later at a dr visit, I changed my mind. The decision saved my life. Your husband may just be sick and tired of all the treatments/tests at this point. Hopefully he'll reconsider. You and your husband are free to message me anytime. I'll keep you in my prayers.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2013 20:16:26 GMT -5
GG, we only have one thyroid. As far as I know your DH would have to take meds for the rest of his life if it were removed, but it's a fairly common organ to remove, as far as I know.
As you know I don't have a medical background so I'm hoping somebody who does will weigh in, soon.
XOXO
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Dec 18, 2013 20:58:53 GMT -5
GG I'm so sorry, hon cry your frustrations out.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 18, 2013 21:35:10 GMT -5
Well, we discussed it more over dinner (after I calmed down a bit). He's agreed to go see an oncologist for a consult - to help him priortize treatments and make recommendations. I'll set that up tomorrow...
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Peace Of Mind
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Post by Peace Of Mind on Dec 18, 2013 21:42:56 GMT -5
Debthaven, Re removing the nodule vs removing the thyroid - I got from internet research. Th only removal the surgeon discussed was the thyroid. Do we have two of them? Would he have to take meds forever if it was removed. BG Your post reflects xactly how I feel. I do respect DH's right to make his own decision, but I hate it. And it makes me want to cry. Sorry if I'm not understanding but does it have to be removed surgically? Why not with radioactiveiodine? My SIL had her's surgically removed and the only issue was a scar from ear to ear and normal recovery required after a surgical procedure. I had mine removed with the radioactiveiodine. No pain, no scar and no issues at all but you have to be quarantined for a few days which can be done in the comforts of your own home. I highly recommend it if he has that option and I suggest that you ask the Dr. when you speak to him. I had nodules and a Goiter and many hot spots, etc. but it was not cancer. It was just a mess. Once the thyroid is gone they will start him on a low dose of synthetic thyroid meds. I was put on Synthroid. They gradually increase the dosage (requires blood tests to check the TSH levels) until they find the right dosage for the patient. And yes, he will always have to be on the meds if his thyroid is removed. It's a tiny pill that is taken daily. Best wishes for more information soon that gives you peace of mind. ETA: No - there is only one thyroid but it is butterfly shaped so there is a "wing" on each side of the throat.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Dec 18, 2013 21:47:31 GMT -5
Great idea! Sometimes it takes a little while until everyone calms down and starts to see things clearly.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 19, 2013 10:09:29 GMT -5
Peace, We don't even know that it needs to be removed at all. I don't know why the surgeon did not offer the option of removing the nodule. Unreachable?
I'd feel horrible if I pushed DH to have his thyroid removed, they analyzed it and found that it wasn't cancerous after all. And he'd have to take meds the rest of his life. It really has to be his decision.
I'm going to call this morning and set up an appt with an oncologist.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Dec 19, 2013 11:20:47 GMT -5
I can only speak for me, but if there was the slightest chance it was cancerous, I'd have it removed. My DH has been on Synthroid for years due to thyroid dysfunction. It has now gotten to the point that he has little function left. He takes 1 tiny pill per day, it's a generic and costs just a few dollars for a 30 day supply. Every 6 months the blood work is done, and if necessary, his Rx is adjusted to amount needed.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 19, 2013 11:26:58 GMT -5
Yeah, BG, if it was me and I had DH's history, the surgery would already be scheduled.... I am not a risk taker (not that he is, but he is awfully tired of surgery, needles, radiation burns, tests, and doctors in general)
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Dec 19, 2013 11:27:44 GMT -5
Mega hugs my friend
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Dec 19, 2013 11:39:32 GMT -5
My FIL chose to wait after a high PSA test. They were all freaking out and insisting my FIL have part of his colon removed meaning he'd have to wear a bag the rest of his life. He said no. DH is pissed, MIL is in tears over his refusal etc.
I think it's been 6 months to a year now and they did another PSA test. He's fine. I have no clue WTF happened with the original test (if it was me heads would be rolling). I can imagine FIL is very relieved he didn't opt for surgery.
Having your thyroid removed isn't as big a life changing event as having your colon removed, I'm just saying that opting for evaluation isn't always a bad thing. It doesn't mean potential death sentence. It's a risk but so is opting for surgery right away.
No easy answers unfortunately. Good luck.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 19, 2013 11:40:57 GMT -5
Well I made an appointment with an oncologist Jan 9. Hopefully he'll be able to assess the big picture and make recommendations. I do feel better..
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Dec 19, 2013 11:45:39 GMT -5
Glad to hear of the appt. GG, now go and enjoy your holidays.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Dec 19, 2013 12:01:34 GMT -5
Sorry if I'm not understanding but does it have to be removed surgically? Why not with radioactiveiodine? My SIL had her's surgically removed and the only issue was a scar from ear to ear and normal recovery required after a surgical procedure. I had mine removed with the radioactiveiodine. No pain, no scar and no issues at all but you have to be quarantined for a few days which can be done in the comforts of your own home. I highly recommend it if he has that option and I suggest that you ask the Dr. when you speak to him. I had nodules and a Goiter and many hot spots, etc. but it was not cancer.
They need to remove it if it's cancer as there is more control over what's removed. In your case, your tissue had gone haywire in the production of hormones, but the tissue itself wasn't causing problems. In the OP's DH case, they need to make sure that they remove any cancerous tissue and look at the areas around the tumors to see if it's spread via pathology.
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