After I was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I had surgery to remove the half of the thyroid with the tumor. When I had a recurrence 7 months later, I had a radical neck dissection, which removed the rest of my thyroid as well as many lymph nodes in my mediastinem. This was followed by I-131. I had another recurrence 18 years later which was treated with I-131, and which eliminated some, but not all, of the tumors. Surgery right now would be more dangerous than letting the cancer stay where it is, so I watch and wait.

I had a lump show up in my neck about 10 years ago. I went to see my Doctor who immediately sent for test. I had scans and a biopsy done right away. It was concluded that the lump would have to be removed. They told me if it was not cancer they would just remove the lump and that side of the thyroid. The lump was removed and that side. The lump was sent for testing and it came back that it was cancer. So I went in for another surgery to remove the rest of my thyroid and some lymph nodes just to be sure. They found a little more activity so they had me go in for another surgery just to remove more lymph nodes. I had radioactive iodine treatment and I have been feeling fine since. It was hard having 3 surgeries right after each other. My meds are adjusted from time to time and I still go for my yearly checkup with my cancer doctor.

My symptoms were a lump in my neck and sleepless nights that led to disorientation during the day from lack of sleep. Found a lump in my neck and the doctor kept an eye on it for 2 years. Did an aspiration and told me that he just didn't like what he saw. Had the left side of the thyroid out and was sent to the lab which concluded that it was thyroid cancer. Sent the sample to the nearest University and they said it wasn't. I had no idea what to do next so my surgeon sent it to the top thyroid expert and she said that if they were to poll 10 experts on my case we would have 5 doctors say it was cancer and 5 doctors say it was not. My surgeon gave me the choice of what to do next. Have the other half out or leave it in and keep an eye on it, but I would probably have to have it removed later in life. I chose to have the other half removed. It was removed 4 weeks after the first half. I did radiation on the portion in the middle to dissolve it. Since my surgery I have had 2 I131 body scans and 2 sonograms and everything seems to be ok. My doctor sees me once a year to check my levels. I am currently on synthroid 112. If you are faced with the decision of whether or not to have the surgery. Have the surgery. Mine was considered outpatient, but I did spend one night in the hospital. Oxycodone for pain, which was minimal, and a few annoying doctor visits and you will be glad you did.

I have a thyroid problem and I'm below active. Besides that I have had problems in my chest where the thyroid is. When I lay down I start to breathe funny like wheezing. I have already had this checked out last year and they said it was bronchial Asthma, but I don't really think so it only happens when I lay down. After reading about the symptoms for thyroid cancer should I get it checked out again. I do have cancer (breast) in my family.