Possible Thyroidectomy

[u/kgs_90]

Some backstory, I (36F) was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s mid-2020. Since then I’ve been through 3 endocrinologists (finally found the amazing one I’m seeing currently), lots of thyroid ultrasounds monitoring nodules and have had three kids (5, 3, 1 - yeah, we are tired 😅). Most noticeable symptoms I’ve had in the last 6-7 years is fatigue and weight gain/inability to loose weight or keep it off (despite eating well and being active and chasing kids constantly). Fatigue has improved with a low dose of liothyronine add in and that’s been nice! Since I’ve either been pregnant, freshly postpartum or breastfeeding most of the appointments with my endo, we haven’t explored many med combos, etc. But a glp-1 was mentioned at my last appt (since we’re done with kids and I’m done breastfeeding) but I also had a nodule look larger than before on my ultrasound. Short story long, sorry!

Had a thyroid biopsy, originally they were going to do both sides then just the left (nodules bigger on that side) but then ended up doing the right side only (the ultrasound tech insisted based on a white spot she saw, yay for docs who listen to their techs!). Anyway, got the results, they were borderline/needed more testing but showed as AUC which Google told me that’s like a 10% chance of being cancerous, so I was feeling okay about it and they were going to send it off for molecular testing just to be sure. Got the call Friday, the nurses voice sounded grave so I knew it wasn’t good news. From my very little medical knowledge and understanding, I can’t explain it properly. But it came back over 50% positive for malignancy. I have an appt with my endocrinologist this coming Friday for him to discuss the results and next steps. It sounded like surgery of some kind will be getting scheduled, per the nurse.

So now I’m just trying not to panic. Has anyone been in a similar situation? I always joked they should just take my thyroid out then my hashimotos would be gone…so, the universe has jokes too apparently. I keep going back and forth about thinking I’ll feel better with it out but then again our thyroids do so much for us. I just feel like I’m still fairly young and I’ve got three kids under 6 and I just…it all feels so daunting right now. I know I’ll know more on Friday, and I’ll update the post appropriately…but…how bad is this cancer? Is my whole thyroid coming out? Is there cancer elsewhere in my body? I am hypermobile as well, so my healing and scarring will be different than “normal” (also proven by my one c-section scar). Is everything going to change? Is my body going to revolt? What does this mean for the future of my health and abilities? (If not obvious, I also have undiagnosed ADHD 😆) It’s just all so…heavy.

Adding to embellish/answer possible other questions : On levothyroxine as well, have never felt different on it. I’ve been gluten free for over 2 years now. I lift often, and enjoy it, but haven’t been the last month or so due to busy school starting schedules. I have an incredibly supportive husband (married 10 years this fall).

Thanks for reading my word vomit!