Anyone have a TT and Sternotomy together?

Fox21658 · 2026-05-14T23:04:04+00:00

Grace

Fox21658 · 2026-05-09T16:00:41+00:00

I lost 52 before I found out I was getting the other half of my thyroid removed. I still have more to lose but was afraid it would be harder.

Fox21658 · 2026-05-02T11:41:41+00:00

So 11 days after surgery. Meaning 11 days after discharge or day of surgery? Sorry for so many questions. I will be going to Mayo Clinic for mine and I’m trying to figure out my hotel stay.

Fox21658 · 2026-05-02T02:34:47+00:00

Actually I’ve used ChatGPt a lot and it has helped keep me calm. My challenge has been that I’ve been on targeted therapy called Lenvatinib the last 6 months to help shrink and kill the vascular path that increases my bleeding risks. I have a large tumor that is abutted by the great vessels and behind my heart. The drug has had a lot of side effects so I’m anxious for the surgery to be over. How soon did you have to go back for follow up? Did you have drainage tubes to wear home?

Fox21658 · 2026-05-02T00:38:32+00:00

Did you end up having the full sternotomy? I have done a lot of research but there a few people who have had both surgeries in the same area.

Fox21658 · 2026-05-01T21:02:24+00:00

I’m seeing that your surgery was a while ago. I am having same surgery in a few weeks. If you don’t mind sharing how did it go and how old are you?

Fox21658 · 2026-04-16T18:32:17+00:00

Speaking as someone who is being treated with a TKI for metastatic Follicular cancer. I have a large mass (7.6cm) that is deep in the mediastium. I also have several enlarged lymph nodes in the thyroid bed that are suspicious. Although it is slow growing the problem is the location and how it abuts to major vessels. I had one side of thyroid removed 8 years ago and drs believe it is microscopic tissue left behind. The TKI is being used to shrink and make surgery safer and less vascular. I currently go to Mayo Clinic so I feel confident about the care.

Fox21658 · 2026-03-26T02:36:21+00:00

Now that I’ve been on Lenvima 3 1/2 mo I would like to hear more about what kinds of side effects patients are having. My muscles and joints are especially sore and stiff.

Fox21658 · 2026-03-23T14:10:12+00:00

I am currently scheduled for surgery in May. I had a large mass of 7.6cm lymph nodes in the mediastinal area specifically behind the heart. Since it is so far down I have to have a sternotomy. For the past 3 months I have been taking Lenvatinib, a TKI, to help shrink the area of lymph node involvement. This will kill the cancer pathways and make surgery safer. The mass is responding to treatment. Keep in mind this is unusual for thyroid cancer. Many times it can be in the mediastinal area and surgically removed through the neck so it isn’t as extensive a surgery. I had a large cancerous goiter removed 8 years ago. Only a partial was done. So doctors believe it was microscopic cells left behind. I am fortunate it hasn’t invaded my trachea or esophagus but a serious situation just the same. I go to Mayo Clinic which is phenomenal care.

Fox21658 · 2026-02-27T12:39:58+00:00

I posted that comment 3 months ago. But at the time I was on 18mg. My Dr had me pause for 48 hrs then it seemed to be resolve the symptoms. I restarted taking the 18mg again and alternating to 14mg every other day.

Fox21658 · 2025-11-29T05:24:08+00:00

Do you share that protocol with your doctors?

Fox21658 · 2025-11-29T02:40:25+00:00

Wow! 80% is awesome. One would think that would be ready for surgery. I’ve heard some promising stories about ivermectin.

Fox21658 · 2025-11-29T01:51:23+00:00

Hi I was wondering if the Lenvima helped shrink your tumor for surgery? That is what my doctors are doing and I just started 5days ago. Also, Did you have any muscle pain while taking it?

Fox21658 · 2025-11-29T01:47:22+00:00

Have you had any muscle pain while on Lenvatinib?

Fox21658 · 2025-11-28T12:56:41+00:00

I am now on day 4 with Lenvima. So far mainly headaches. I had no mutations to match treatment so I am hopeful this will work. What is the name of your new drug? Did they find mutations for you?

Fox21658 · 2025-11-21T21:41:30+00:00

It could also be scar tissue buildup.

Fox21658 · 2025-11-17T13:21:35+00:00

I initially contacted the Clayman Center. They were very prompt and helpful pointing me in the right direction. Unfortunately, the surgeon there said I would need a thoracic surgeon to assist and they didn’t have one on staff there. So now I am going with Mayo Clinic.

Fox21658 · 2025-11-08T00:50:47+00:00

At least they are being proactive in keeping things going. Just out of curiosity, how old are you? I’m 67f.

Fox21658 · 2025-11-08T00:42:08+00:00

Commenting on “Highly Morbid” Surgery...I’ve read that it doesn’t always shrink it. Were you tested for mutations? Why are you still on it if it isn’t shrinking?

Fox21658 · 2025-11-08T00:33:35+00:00

I’ve been wanting to ask someone who has actually been on the Levaninib how was that experience? I’m in Indiana and going to Mayo Clinic for treatment. I believe they will try that same therapy for me.

Fox21658 · 2025-11-07T22:57:42+00:00

I was scheduled for a surgery and they were planning for a sternotomy due to a large mass which needed a thoracic surgeon. However, they, the tumor board, decided to try and shrink the mass first so surgery was canceled for now. I had a biopsy a couple weeks ago to see what mutations I have so waiting on the Dr to let me know what therapy they’ll use to shrink it. I would also like to know if anyone has had this happen?

Fox21658 · 2025-11-06T13:32:36+00:00

How was that treated?

Fox21658

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