Thyroid nodule

I've got a nodule on my mind - well, actually on my thyroid; the left side, to be more precise. So what do I do about it?

After seeing my family doctor - a bit whacky, but a good doctor - I went for an ultrasound. They took me about 40 minutes past my appointed time (and that's after they asked that I get there 15 minutes early, which I did). I really hate waiting like that.

A young girl did the ultrasound, asking that I stretch out my neck with my head back. This is not a good move for me, since I've had a cervical disc removed and the bones fused together, and it was quite sore the next day. But, you do what you have to do; I want them to be able to see what they need to see. Then another woman came in and took more images. Was the first one still learning? I dunno.

Off to the endocrinologist. First, talk with the resident. Then talk with the doctor. I really liked this doctor. He shook my hand and introduced himself (no, they don't all do that), and he looked me in the eye. He asked if I had any questions (I had already asked a half dozen) and then we came up with our game plan. He did mention that this was a rather large nodule (3.7 cm) and when they're large they're more likely to be cancerous. Great.

First we do the FNA (fine needle aspiration), AKA biopsy. This can come back with 1 of 3 results.

1. positive for cancer

2. negative for cancer

3. cannot tell one way or the other

If it's positive for cancer, he would recommend removal of the entire thyroid.

If it's negative for cancer, he would recommend either a. have another ultrasound in 6-8 weeks to see if it's growing or b. remove the nodule and that half of my thyroid, put the nodule under the microscope and make sure there's no cancer.

If they're unable to tell if it's cancerous or not, he would recommend removing the nodule and that half of my thyroid, check it under the microscope. If it turns out the be cancerous, they'd have to operate again and remove the rest of the thyroid.

I think I've got that straight. He said it's likely that I'll need surgery, but we have to start with the biopsy. And if my first surgery is removing the nodule and half the thyroid, a subsequent surgery may be necessary to remove the rest of the thyroid.

I asked if I would need thyroid medication if half of my thyroid was removed. He said in some people the half thyroid works just fine, and in others it does not. We'd have to wait and see how my body reacts.

My FNA isn't scheduled until July 27. I want it to be tomorrow!

Some scary items I found online:

Patients over 40 have a more aggresive disease... and

The prognosis is better for patients under 40. Age appears to be the single most important prognosis factor. Adverse factors include age over 45, primary tumor >4 cm....

Great, I'm over 45, and my tumor is - or rather, WAS on 6/24 - 3.7 cm. That nodule's been there a while I guess. How is a person to know??

I'm stuck in WAIT mode. At least I've got a lot of books to read if I'm laid up for a while.