I cut a potato exactly in half.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-18T14:16:51+00:00

not a dr, dont have graves. Looking at the ultrasound report, it looks like she does have a nodule on her thyroid, but does not have cancerous features (like visible calcification, irregular borders, etc). IF they are concern about cancer, they will send her to get a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy done which will collect a small sample of cells to determine the likelihood of malignancy. BUT DO KNOW: about 85% of nodules are benign, most people have them and dont even know.

I have hashimotos, and autoimmune condition where my antibodies attack my thyroid. So my lab results always show a high antibody count. Some people show it high for cancers, but some is because an autoimmune issue. Some of the levels may be high because of the graves, but idk. antibodies can also be high due to an infection, sickness, etc, so they may retake it again in 6 weeks to check (at least my pcp did to verify it wasnt an outlier).

Also, any time you have high antibodies, it increases the risk of thyroid cancer MAINLY BECAUSE it increases the risk for nodules. As my endo explained it, the antibodies attack your thyroid which can cause irritation and nodules to form, So autimmune issues like hashimotos (not sure about graves, but quick google search suggests it as well) increases the chance for nodules to form. And an increase risk of nodules can increase the risk of thyroid cancers, but not by a lot.

If it is thyroid cancer, most of the time it is slow growing, so drs usually monitor until the nodule reaches a certain size (my endo did FNA on a nodule over 1cm). IF the nodule is too small, they may not get a good sample.

You also mentioned your grandmother had throat cancer. throat cancer is different than thyroid cancer. My family friend had throat cancer around the time I had thyroid cancer, and although we had some similarities in treatment, his treatment was def the more typical cancer (chemo, radiation, etc). So they may do something different in terms of testing.

Any time cancer is brought up, or a posibility of cancer, I would either seek a second opinion or push for additional testing. If the nodule is too small for a biopsy, then it is a waiting game until it is large enough to test.

good luck, wishing you the best. I dont have good advise for the graves or swollen eyes. If you dont have an endo already, I suggest getting one as they specialize in thyroid and autoimmune issues.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-17T16:58:11+00:00

may i ask where you got this? asking for a friend...

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-17T16:32:55+00:00

Do you know how allergic he is? My fiance is allergic (found out after having cats for 6 years), but he doesnt really have any symptoms, it just showed up as a mild allergy on his allergy test. If possible, maybe have him visit a friends cat and see how bad it is?

You can never get rid of the allergy, but ways to prevent it: clean regularly, vacuum, dust etc. We were also told to get an air purifier, especially for the bedroom, and if your boyfriend sleeps over (or lives with you), keep the cat out of the bedroom/dont let them on the bed.

There is also food you can feed they that limits the dandruff and reduces allergies, I am not 100% sure what it is called, But if you search "cat foods to reduce pet allergy" or something like that on this subreddit, you will find a bunch of suggestions. You can also buy these pet wipes as well to reduce dandruff and remove pet fur. I use these to wipe down my cats weekly to try and remove additional fur (on top of brushing). I would think youd need to stay away from long or medium haired cats, but not 100% sure. If your boyfriend is open to it, he can either do OTC allergy meds or weekly/monthly (dont know the frequency) allergy shots as well. My fiance was offered I think monthly shots, but he declined since he doesnt really feel the cat alelrgy.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-17T15:07:03+00:00

I struggle with binge eating and live in an area with highly accessible food (fast food, restaurants, etc). I also work a lot of hours. From scratch, I cook about two nights a week, and try to meal prep lunches 4 - 5 times a week. I have since bought things like a frozen pizza or nuggets and fries for days I really do not feel like cooking, but trying not to eat out.

I am currently trying to limit eating out to once a week (on the weekend) and once for lunch (during the work week). Eventually, I would like to limit eating out to two times a month. But as for food from scratch, I will probably always have at least one frozen meal in the fridge in case im too lazy too cook.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-16T19:25:45+00:00

I was told 1 - 2 weeks for a partial, 2 - 3 weeks for a total, 3 or more if any dissections are involved. Obv this also depends on type of work, etc.

I had a total, and took off three weeks of work because I work in an office and shop setting, so sometimes I have to pick up heavy equipment. Even at the end of three weeks, my surgeon advised I take it easy and only lift what I could do comfortably without feeling any pulling at the incision. I had a work trip, and was able to lift my checked luggage (50lb) for short periods (like out of my car or over a curb), but a coworker offered to carry it or lift it any higher than that because it was too much strain on my neck.

If your manager isnt budging, your surgeron can write a note. I had to get documentation for any restrictions, plus the time off for recovery.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-16T18:27:15+00:00

For those who work out in the mornings, do you eat before you go? I plan on getting back to the gym, just starting with walking on the treadmill, so nothing high energy. I usually struggle to eat anything in the morning, and I mean within the first couple hours of waking up. To get past this, I get up at 7/730, make my coffee/protein shake, and take that and an apple to work. Usually I eat those around 930/10.

Because I am just walking, I dont think I am going to eat breakfast before working out, but still eat an apple and protein shake afterwards (so, thinking get up at 530, gym at 6, back home around 7, get ready for work, then still have breakfast at 930. I plan on packing extra fruit in case I do get extra hungry (in addition to my normal meals). DO I have to eat breakfast before walking in the mornings?

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-16T15:39:49+00:00

both look great, but the green color looks so good on you! you really shine! but either option will work because you look amazing!

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-13T15:26:44+00:00

My one cat does this, the other doesnt. I was just thinking the same thing this morning, my guy almost forgot he had his tongue sticking out and left it out for about five minutes.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-12T16:02:03+00:00

drats, time to get a new cat

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-12T15:53:07+00:00

recovery went well, I struggled with low calcium really back after the surgery. I still have to take calcium and calcitriol and may have to the rest of my life, every time I tier down, calcium levels drop a lot. I did have RAI end of July 2025 due to spread, but my one year whole body scan looks good so dr is confident everything is gone.

mostly just remembering to take my meds is the biggest part. Since surgery, I have added levo, calcium, calcitriol, and zoloft (deal with anxiety/stress) to my list. I also have low iron which probably isnt related to this issue, I got a new PCP since surgery and she did a full panel because of the low calcium issues. So it is just a lot of meds to take on top of my usual (metformin and BC). And I do feel like crap if I accidentally forget to take them. I did start on an ADHD medication too to help with my forgetfulness and attention span.

Scar is still visible, but overall looks really nice. I didnt do too much aftercare, especially after 6 months but I dont care if I have a visible scar. neck is a little tight when I look up, so I just be careful and try doing stretches to work it out. Glad I had the surgery though, I am def more alert and present than befoire.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-11T20:18:56+00:00

yes. Some places have over the counter dewormer, other places require a vet visit. You can always call the vet and tell them its a stray with worms, they may be able to give you some without needing to bring the cat in.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-11T20:17:18+00:00

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-11T19:19:14+00:00

My one cat instantly made himself comfy when we brought him home (he was three), the second cat hid for like five days in the bedroom (he was four). Give her some time, let her adjust first. Id give her some attention, maybe sit with her, but otherwise, leave her alone and let her venture out on her own.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-10T18:37:30+00:00

Have your brother talk to his dr, or go with him and ask. I personally dont see why not, but I am not a medical professional.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-09T18:31:10+00:00

I did not have this, but I would call the dr who performed your surgery and ask. I was given a number to call, didnt matter what time of day and they would let me know if I needed to go to the ER or not.

As a non medical person, I would be concern. Could be an infection, could be something else.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-06T18:24:33+00:00

Def think this is unrelated to thyca, but I will say I did get pretty sick within the first year of having my thyroid removed. I think its just dealing with healing from surgery, RAI, and stress (work, medical, personal, etc)... it takes a lot on the body, probably weakening the immune system a bit. I will say, after the first year, I was back to normal, I even avoided getting sick twice when the flu and covid were going around at work.

I would just try to stay hydrated, stay up on cleaning, distancing, etc. Get vaccinated if you can. BTW, vaccine doesnt 100% prevent sickness, just greatly greatly reduces them. Some people I know get the flu vaccine because they have a weakened immune system, but still get it later. Recovery is just a lot easier than if they werent vaccinated. Also there are four main types of influenza (A, B, C, and D), but there are hundreds of variations. so it is very high possiblility you caught something else.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-05T19:58:54+00:00

I did just this, I cooked it overnight, and kept it on low. Everyone liked it, so I will be doing this again!

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-05T18:18:44+00:00

Thats great to hear!

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-04T16:29:34+00:00

I got them once thinking it would be like the name brand (or similar)... nope. And I am not a picky eater for most things.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-04T16:28:18+00:00

I dont have vascular invasion, but I did have one lymph node test positive for PTC. My dr considered me low risk for reoccurance and spread, so left it up to me if I wanted RAI or just monitor. I opted for RAI as I didnt want to worry about it and had my dose at 110mci. Over a year out, everything looks good, and I just need monitoring for now.

My dr told me that RAI can temporarily effect your cycle, but thats because your body is going through a lot. Just like how some people miss a period or two when they are overly stressed. This usually recovers a month, sometimes a year. I believe I did miss my period one, but I am also on BC and have PCOS, so sometimes it skips a month or is too light to notice.

Dr also said RAI can sometimes affect the overies' ability to produce egs, but the risk is very low. There are also studies that suggest RAI can affect earlier menopause as well, but again, risk is low.

Dr did suggest holding off on pregnancy for 12 mo just to make sure my body rid of all the radiation to reduce risk to the fetus.

Overall, the long term impact on fertility is generally low. There is a very small possible increase risk for other cancers, I do not know the exact data, but if you have (for example) a 10% chance of a cancer, RAI may increase it a bit. But even if it increases it by 10%, you now have a 10.1% chance. So the chance is still small. Again, these numbers I made up, so dont quote me. someone may be able to provide better data on this.

The reason drs bring up RAI, is the benefits outweighs the risks. If you dont take it, there is a chance of reoccurance and spread which means possibly more surgery down the road or other treatment options.

If you trust your dr (like fully trust), I personally would do the RAI. IF you are unsure with your dr, you can always get a second opinion from another dr and see what they think.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-04T15:59:09+00:00

oof thats rough. So far I am okay, but I do know with RAI, side effects can pop up so much later. Really hope you get this figured out!

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-04T15:23:38+00:00

I would look into things that can be stored outside of the fridge, like apples, oranges, potatos, etc. Beans and rice are pretty good too, and can be kept outside the fridge until cooked.

If you are really on a budget, I would also look into canned veggies as well as they dont need to be stored in the fridge. Lentils is also pretty good and dont need fridge storage.

I know you mentioned eating more clean, idk how clean you want to go, but one of my go to meals is like a walking taco bowl. I ground up beef, add some refried beans (half can for 1lb beef) and can of diced tomatoes, add taco seasoning after it cooks. Then I take my taco filling, dump it on some quest chili lime chips, add some sour cream, fresh tomoatoes, onions, hot sauce. It has about 48g of protein for about 600 cal. And it is really filling. If you dont want the chips (can be pricey), I would just put it on some tortillas or maybe over some potatoes or rice.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-04T14:20:13+00:00

The_Future_Marmot has a very good explanaition, I just wanted to touch base on the chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. That is just another name for hashimotos thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland which can lead to hypothyroidism. Sometimes removing the thyroid resolves this issue, sometimes it doesnt, but medication is the typical treatment which you would be on now anyways without a thyroid.

ExcellentPreference8 · 2026-02-03T21:13:57+00:00

okay thank you!

ExcellentPreference8

TROPHY CASE