How Many Of You Were Scared?

When you found out you had a nodule and that the doctor wanted to do a biopsy, how many of you were scared to death that you had cancer? I am still having a hard time believing that I am not going to die from this.

I didn't have a biopsy because my ENT surgeon said the FNB wasn't always accurate in getting a sample of all of the cells.  I supposedly had a 1% that the nodule/tumor was malignant. I had a TT and BINGO...it was 'tall cell' papillary.  Our bodies go through so many changes that affect our emotions with all of this.  It's natural to be scared.  People on this board are very helpful and will give you support and comfort that no one else can give us.  I'm still scared sometimes---but the board always gives me comfort, answers or advice.  I hope this helps.  Tara 

Who said you were going to die from your thyroid cancer??  Don't assume just because you were diagnosed with a cancer that you will die from it.  I was diagnosed with melanoma when I was 21, that was ancient history ago, breast cancer over 4 years ago and tall cell papillary thyroid cancer a year ago and no one said that I'm going to die from any of these diseases and I don't plan on checking out in the near future either.  There are many people living with cancer today.  Follow ups and follow up treatment, yes but that is a small price to pay for living on.  The usual case of the common type of papillary thyroid cancer in a young person has an excellent prognosis. I work with someone who had it when she was in her young 20's and now is hitting early 40's and has never had a problem other than having to adjust her meds from time to time. 

I just wanted to add that it is normal to be scared and think the worse at times but believe me there are more people out there living with cancer than you can imagine.

I guess I never thought of it like that. I doing my best to not let this get me down. I don't even know if my large nodule is cancer or not, so I suppose I am jumping the gun a bit. I started thinking that if I had not decided to go the doctor on a whim(to see if he could help me loose weight) then I wouldn't even know that I had nodule on my thyroid right now.

It's less common that it would be cancer---so try not to worry.  I also have had melanoma 3 times and now tall cell papillary.  Never do I think "I can't handle this."  Let us know what you find out---you are in my thoughts + prayers.

I have just gone through it all; and things look great. So happy that they caught it early. Two words of encouragement. (1) My surgeon, in my pre-surgery meeting, told me of a recent study that found that in a sample population those with papillary thyroid cancer live longer than those without papillary thyroid. (Maybe due to being cured and checked.) That was a very good thing to hear your doctor say. (2) I was looking through the NY Times Book of Knowledge (or something like that title... big book). In the medical section they had the rate of US deaths from various cancers. Big numbers for breast, lung and prostrate. Went all the way down to a few thousand for eye cancer and other real obscure cancers. Thyroid wasn't even on the list. Didn't even make the list!! So even if there are errors in these things, you're still RELATIVELY well off. Let serenity reign. You'll need an even head and optimism to get through the hypo/LID/RAI period... which is a cure for what ails you. If it wasn't caught I'd be here today with a thyroid swelling up and choking off that tight neck area. Want cancer... of course not. But now that I'm cured... it's a beautiful day. RedStar

 

On 6/14/2008 TXMomOfFaith wrote:

When you found out you had a nodule and that the doctor wanted to do a biopsy, how many of you were scared to death that you had cancer? I am still having a hard time believing that I am not going to die from this.

                         Hi!

                            It is only human to feel somewhat scared. But what you're scared of is the unknown. Once the bio is done you will know what you are dealing with. Remember knowledge is power and that power can overcome the fear in you.My prayers will be for it to be nothing but if not then to give you faith and hope to overome it.  Take Care   John

I have found the not knowing and the waiting to be the worse.  Too much time to allow you mind to go amuck.  So, I know it is difficult.  It was a good thing that you went to the doctor.  It is always best to treat things early.  I found out matter of fact myself.  Went in for a check up for something unrelated only to find I had several nodules that needed further investigation.  Are they going to do a FNA (fine needle aspiration) on the nodule?? 

Me! I was scared! My nodule ended up being Papillary Carcinoma, over 1 CM and had TT and RAI last month. It isn't so much that I am scared anymore--knowledge *is* power, and you will find you rise to the challenges you face-- but I am very much "changed" about how I approach and interpret things. Not better, not worse but I am different. I admire those here who have great outlooks and try to learn from them.