Hi Paulette, Beth, Jennie & Shelby,
Thank you all for your well wishes with my recent surgery. I had it last Tuesday. The hospital had an earlier opening so I was called in and pretty much flew through the red tape part. Had some minor complications with surgery, fast heart beat (not an usual occurence for me but alarms the recovery team), and bleeding into my urine which still not sure what happened here but that is now fine. Also had problems with calcium levels. Was released only to have to return to the local ER for monitoring and IV calcium. Also experienced an allergic reaction the the tape on my neck which was listed on my medical information (allergic to surgical tape). Finally got home Thursday night. It was so great to be home, get a shower and get some rest. In the hospital I was getting up every 30 to 60 minutes to use the bathroom, of course, dragging my IV and draining tube. I had a sweet young nurse who was so helpful, never complained. I've was popping calcium supplements (ordered by my surgeon) like tic tacs the last day or so, everytime I would have tingling etc., didn't want to have to go back to the ER. Haven't been up long this AM so just had my Cytomel and popped a few more to get things in check.
The surgeon didn't remove the positive lymph node in the cervical region. He did remove lymph nodes in the central compartment. Wants to wait for the pathology report. If it is all papillary cancer he feels ablation therapy may address it as it is small (4mm), however, if there is multifocal involvement etc. mentioned going back in a month or so to remove it. Apparently, he explained that the surgery (level ll region) involves working around key nerves around your shoulder region and lower back and neck. Some chance of permanent damage although he had performed many of these dissections and has a low rate of this occurring. His feeling is if it isn't necessary to put me through this additional surgery he would rather not at this time if it can be avoided without compromising my outcome. I should get my path results by the end of next week. Friday, I have an appt. with surgeon's assistant for sure if I don't hear from my endo before hand. He did mention the diet however in preparation for ablation therapy. I did go out before surgery and purchase some food in this event but I'm going to starve. I'm not a cook per say and beside grilled cheese and take out my husband isn't much help here. It's Sunday and the sun is shinning although the forecast predicts showers this afternoon so I think I'll take a walk and enjoy the day. Thanks again! If any of you had to deal with lymph node involvement I would love to hear any information regarding that. I'll keep in touch!