Thyroid Cancer Too

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eandomom
eandomom Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I just got the results from my PET scan after being treated with surgery and chemo for my breast cancer - - - the breast cancer is gone (YEAH!)  However, they found a cancerous thyroid nodule.  I am searching for any information on what it means when you have two cancers at once.  Survival chances, chances of a third cancer. . . .anything, or even stories of anyone going through the same thing. 

Thanks

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  • JanetinVirginia
    JanetinVirginia Member Posts: 1,516
    edited January 2011

    Hi eandomom - I had thyroid cancer nearly 40 years ago (yes 40) when I was 19.  It was papillary and only had surgery.  I've taken synthroid (thyroid replacement meds) ever since.  There are other more aggressive types of thyroid cancers with different treatments.  Fast forward to last fall when I was diagnosed w/IDC.  It was interesting - when I had the BRCA test done (which turned out negative) the genetic counselor told me there are suspected genetic links between thyroid cancers and breast cancers.  Cleveland Clinic is doing a study about those genetic links.  (You don't have to actually go to Cleveland Clinic - they send a kit, you have blood drawn and send back to them.)  So you might be interested in asking about that.  Won't change anything - but has genetic implications for family members - if they should be followed closely for either type of cancer.

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  • eandomom
    eandomom Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2011

    Thanks.  My is pappillary also. . . thankful for that, and I am young, which while it is n't good for breast cancer, is good for thyroid cancer. . . I will look into the Clevland Clinic.  T

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited January 2011

    eandomom -    My BC dx was May 2009 -  papillary thyroid cancer dx in Oct 2010. I had a partial thyroidectomy and am now taking Armour (natural desiccated thyroid supplement). There are actually several ladies on this forum who have had Thyca either before or after BC. 

    Janet - thanks for the information on the Cleveland clinic, I would be interested in learning more about the correlation for my children.  I did have the BRCA1/2 test and was negative.

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited January 2011

    I am sorry to hear this.  I don't know much about more than one cancer at once, but I can tell you that my mom had thyroid cancer 35 years ago.  She had her thyroid out immediately.  She is turning 80 this summer and still driving me a little crazy!  (I love her!).  I just wanted to let you know from what I have learned about it, thryroid cancer is very curable.  She does go back for scans every few years.  She has had no issues.  Good luck!

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  • eandomom
    eandomom Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2011

    Can I ask you about your partial thyroidectomy - - -both my surgeon and my endo told me I should have it all out because I already have another type of cancer.. . . even though the tumor is small.

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  • eandomom
    eandomom Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2011

    Can I ask you about your partial thyroidectomy - - -both my surgeon and my endo told me I should have it all out because I already have another type of cancer.. . . even though the tumor is small.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited January 2011

    My mother had abnormal cells in her thryroid that they thought was cancer. If it wasn't removed it would have become cancer. That was 30 years ago. My mom is 73 and has been cancer free for 30 years. If she didn't point out her scar you would never even know it was there.

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited January 2011

    eandomom - my endo cancer doc (also specializes in thyca research) suggested removal of the left half after the pathology came back (literally ten minutes after I was discharged from hospital and on my way home).  He was ok either way and I was sure not ready to check back in for another surgery.  My cancer was very small, only 5mm.  There were no signs of cancer on the left half of my thyroid and I am taking supplements to help the remaining thyroid stay healthy.

    Honestly I have no idea if I made the right decision since I have to pay closer attention and be monitored frequently but I was so done after 18 months of BC treatments that I just wanted to be over with and done with cancer.  I also chose not to have the RAI therapy. All I can recommend is research, research, research and make the best decision for you...

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  • eandomom
    eandomom Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2011

    Thanks o2bhealthy - they diagnosed my cancer with a biopsy, so I haven't had any surgery  - on my thyroid that is.  I must admit,  I am surprised that there is such a SAVE YOUR BREASTS push with breast cancer, but no one has a SAVE YOUR THYROID opinion - and it still has a purpose (I nursed my two babies, my breast have done their job).  I had opted for the lumpectomy and radiation, but now there are studies linking thyroid cancer to increased breast cancer risk, and I am thinking I made a mistake. . . .

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    I had a PT scan done. It showed that there was nodules. Had biopsy and it came back inconclusive. Endo wanted it removed. He was sure it was cancer. I had it out and the results were benign. I wish I had gotten a second opinion. That was nine months ago. I am still dealing with the scar. Please get a second opinion.

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited January 2011

    i know a woman in Belgium who has a facebook page.. she's quite interesting.  She is successfully living NED after having been diagnosed with breast and thyroid cancer.

    pm me if you wish and I'll give you her name and an introduction.  she's an artist.

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited January 2011

    eadomom - thank you for validating my choice to keep part of my thyroid.  I also belong to a Thyca forum and I don't see many people choosing to have partial thyroidectomies. Like you I felt like my breasts had done their job with nursing my children but I did not want to remove all of my thyroid if I did not have to. The thyroid  impacts hormones, weight loss, metabolism, energy...

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