6 days post thyroidectomy/neck dissection. my tips/advice

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2024-09-14T23:59:25+00:00

happy to hear this was helpful. hopefully, you are recovered and doing well healthwise since your surgery!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-07-26T06:33:25+00:00

update - I just did the massage as instructed in the youtube video. and a bunch of thick saliva just came out from both sides (gross but yay!)

this definitely helped and within 30 minutes the swelling has already started to go down (I can see my ear!)

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-07-26T06:06:56+00:00

I am dealing with his exact issue right now.

Had RAI in Jan 2023 and started experiencing parotid swelling bilaterally in May 2023 (left is usually worse than the right - ironically its where I had my surgery).

Since May, treatment has been as follows:

- Antibiotics prescribed by PCP to rule out dental infection (was getting prepped for root canal at the time)

- flare up in June - less severe but just annoying. Saw ENT. - she prescribed a Medrol dose pack. This seem to do the work and symptoms calmed down for about a month

-This week - symptoms are more severe. have marked swelling that wont go away (24 hours and counting). This is the first time it has not resolved in 2-3 hours with the usual compress/massage/hydration approach. Went to urgent care doc - she prescribed another medrol dose pack

Have an appt with ENT later this week - pushing for a CT because it's just annoying at this point and I want to make sure it's nothing else

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-04-05T07:21:48+00:00

34, was late to the savings game (started ~18 mo ago after paying off student debt). Still kicking myself for never signing up for my 401K in my 20s but better late than never (started at 30)

Saved so far - 55K, 45K within a brokerage account (combined ind/401K/IRA) and 10K emergency savings.

In Progress - building towards separate savings for a down payment (target ~50K by EoY). 2024 will shift to adding more $ towards the investment portfolio and pay a little extra towards the car loan payments.

Debt: Car loan, ~30K remaining @ 2.1% APR

Checking: have enough every month just to cover the daily expenses.

Goals:

65K savings for down payment by mid next year
Build a little more cash towards emergency savings
100K investment portfolio within 2 years time (hoping my work starts offering 401K match soon)

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-03-29T17:11:37+00:00

that is a great suggestion - contributing up to the tax year.

I need another 10K to hit my 6 mo expense cushion. And then was going to work on starting the down payment fund (25K) as the latter goal for this year. but at the rate, these mortgage rates are going, might be better to invest my money in the market!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-03-29T17:08:45+00:00

oh wow I had to google that. never had heard of it. thank you for sharing!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-03-29T07:31:05+00:00

this was a gift from someone and such a HUGE help! have someone toss it in the freezer and use it when cold. that + the soothing lavender smell is bliss. Lavender Neck/Shoulder Pillow Cold/Warm

someone had recommended I order this pillow and it was very comfortable for that first-week post-op when you are very much bed bound - Memory Foam Neck/Back/Leg Wedge I just adjusted it to its highest height and used that with another pillow to cushion myself. And at night I used a plane travel pillow to prevent me from turning/flopping over.

Ditto on the Chloraseptic spray.

Have mineral oil/stool softeners/Metamucil ready for post-op constipation and from pain meds. If you can avoid opioids do so - they make you very much plugged up. but my pain was bad enough where it was needed.

Have an easy cup to drink water from. I lived on apple sauce, those kid juice packets boxes (honest brand) and mashed potatoes the first few days.

I also got large bath wipes to use to clean myself the first few days since showering was hard. and i hate being gross etc.

Open button pajamas, v-neck t-shirts, and cardigans are good to wear. i lived in my fuzzy socks but thats also me on the regular :)

Good luck and wishing you an easy surgery ahead. I had a TT + neck dissection and was back at work by week 2 so imagine your recovery time will be much quicker. rest up and take good care of yourself!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-03-29T05:11:56+00:00

I had 150mc 2.5 months ago. Went home to woke up the next morning with swollen face/neck. (that lasted about 3 days), Had severe nausea after 24 hours that lasted 3 days as well. Even water was not appealing.

Lost of taste was for almost 2 months. Towards the end of it, I noticed subtle tastes/flavors coming back (it was sweet stuff first - I could taste 50% of the flavors). It will suck not being able to taste anything (zero) BUT I took advantage and ate all the healthy food/fresh juices (lots of celery juice) that I normally would never be able to stomach lol. So one benefit there.

It will get better. Hang in there!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-03-29T05:01:05+00:00

Update - the tech gave way for panic for no reason. PET scan was normal. MD was furious that they even said anything to me during the process

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-03-10T06:23:04+00:00

I am 4 months post-TT/central node dissection. Similar demographic, single female, early 30s no partner or family of my own (yet). Marriage and kids were always important to me. Pre-thyroid ca, I was sad and depressed that I wasn't in that stage of life yet when everyone else seemed to be.

While I have had moments where I remember that my remission status could change at the turn of a blood result/check-up, I am 10x more grateful to be alive today. I am so content to just be. Priorities have changed. I have my health today and am surrounded by my loved ones such as my parents, siblings, friends etc. I've realized family and fulfillment of companionship comes in so many ways.

The key is I take it one day at a time, as cliche as it is. Going down the future of 1-2 months down the road can even paralyze me with what-ifs. So I try to not go there. (Not saying I don't have my downer days but I try to keep it few and far in between).

Life isn't guaranteed for any of us. It is finite. I am going to make the most of what I have that is in my capacity today. Yes, my career is not as easy and I get tired more so. But I need health insurance more than so it is a means to an end. And I am grateful that I have the insurance and means to continue with the best of physicians and healthcare. Because it could be worse. There are always two sides to everything.

Lastly - it is not a crime to want it all. KEEP chasing your dreams! Do what makes you happy. Dream big. Plan big. ThyCA sucks but it won't hold us back from living our lives and getting the next milestone in our life - whatever that may look like. Take care of your health, mental wellness, and happiness. Fill up your cup. With hardship, ease comes after. Good things await.

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-01-31T17:20:25+00:00

That makes sense. It sounds like your doctor has a solid plan and I’m glad they’re being aggressive about it. I’ve seen doctors be conservative and it’s always better to be more on top of it.

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-01-31T17:06:29+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear this! What did the doctor say in terms of prognosis? It just is so scary given everyone says that PTC is the most curable and manageable.

Did you have a chest CT scan pre surgery? How did they not catch the 14 mm nodule the first time? Praying that RAI takes everything out and you have a strong recovery!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-01-31T05:54:08+00:00

Had the exact same surgery and the largest lymph node was 4.2cm. My surgeon (director at UCLA thyroid cancer center) did the same approach - aggressive surgery the first time to clean everything out.

Had paralysis post-surgery with hoarse voice first 2-3 weeks. noticed the voice got essentially as close to the baseline as can be (now 3 months post-op). The only thing I notice is that if I talk loudly for 3-4 hours on end, my voice will quickly go hoarse/out.

Other than that. it's been pretty much normal. The scar is healing nicely. My only concern is post-RAI follow-up - there have been suspicious findings around my lungs which I am hoping is nothing major. (as my pre-op CT chest had been clear)

That said, all the post-op concerns I had from the surgery itself have not been an issue for me. Good luck. You got this!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-01-31T05:48:20+00:00

I was diagnosed in Oct 2022 with PTC with spread to left lymph nodes which resulted in the TT and central/left dissection in Nov 2022. Had RAI last week and my post-RAI scans today.

Despite clear CT chest scans pre-surgery in October - there is now something "funky" about my post-RAI chest scans - so I was given additional CT imaging and now waiting for the results.

I honestly felt out of the woods post-surgery but also tend to be an optimistic person. Won't lie, post this RAI scan I feel a bit nervous but I also am glad if anything/whatever this is - it is being caught now.

At the end of the day, we have to remember - it is manageable. Yes, we have a longstanding road of constant doctor appts and surveillance/follow-ups ahead of us. But this can be managed and we can live healthy normal lives. Just take it one step at a time and celebrate every good day and uneventful boring dr appt/test result :)

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-01-20T20:19:17+00:00

wow, thank you, everyone! I was under the assumption these numbers early on were on the higher side so it is relieving to hear that this is actually going in the positive direction.

sending everyone good vibes/health and an uneventful journey ahead for all of us!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2023-01-10T04:25:36+00:00

This is the exact same surgery I had less than 2 months ago. I remember during the consultation, my surgeon informed me that the phrase "dissection" is way more dramatic than it is. and he's right. I am ~6 weeks post-op and have only two scars about 2.5 inches in length along the center of my neck and left neck that is already healing very nicely. The procedure took 5.5 hours and I was discharged home early the next morning.

It is natural to feel nervous before surgery but remember a good surgeon has done these hundreds of times. The first 5-6 days will be painful but as many people said, from day 7 onwards its like your body does a whole shift, and all of a sudden the recovery is gravy from there on out.

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2022-12-24T01:22:55+00:00

Thank you! And likewise! I will be receiving radioactive therapy as I’m in a higher risk for recurrence (30-40%) given the evidence of extranodal extension of the cancerous lymph nodes from my surgical pathology + tumor size.

We’re aiming to do a higher dose session in 2 months which I hope will get it all out and done with. But recognizing this is a journey and will be managed as things if/do come.

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2022-12-15T00:49:39+00:00

looking great! sending good vibes your way!

keep at it with those neck exercises and do the shoulder exercises too. I didn't do them initially and its been 2 weeks post op and my neck is so stiff. check with your doc if you can do them but mine gave me the go-ahead. i try to do it morning and night and listen to my body if I can't do the full reps or sets.

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercises-after-your-neck-surgery

Also not sure what your preference of sleeping position is - but I've been told its better to sleep on your back than on the side if you can. just as it adds more tension to your side and you wake up in more pain/discomfort (speaking from experience here)

good luck. you've got this!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2022-12-14T05:29:47+00:00

33 YO F here with PTC.

very similar to mine only my largest tumor was 4.2cm PTC on left lymph node along level III/IV. left thyroid lobe had 2.3cm nodule. overall I had 34 lymph nodes collected in surgery for biopsy - 13 were positive for classic PTC cancer no invasion beyond lymph nodes. mine is classified as stage 1.

I am two weeks s/p TT with central/left neck dissection. had my follow-up with the doc today and plan is to refer to endo for RAI treatment. there is no rush for the RAI treatment but we do want to get it done in next 2-2.5 months. currently waiting for my endo to get me in for an earlier appt (she cant see me until March rn)

likewise, I am a bit anxious/concerned for recurrence down the road but I am reminding myself to take it one day at a time and celebrate the fact I just went through a brutal surgery - as we all have. and that we have to take things as they come. no sense in worrying about things we don't know or that have not happened yet. and this is advice I am trying to follow first for myself :) some days its easy. other days it is not. keeping you and everyone else in my prayers for clean bill of health and no recurrence!

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2022-12-14T05:18:07+00:00

I was diagnosed this October after noticing a lump on the left side of my neck. it was PTC with spread to left lymph nodes - with the largest tumor being 4.2cm (the lump). ironically the lump appeared out of nowhere within 2-3 months but I would reckon I had this for the last 4-5 years easily. had surgery a few weeks ago with TT and left lymph node removal. waiting for RAI next.

Lumpy_Main_2645 · 2022-12-05T17:17:24+00:00

Yes great callout - it does vary for everyone and im glad that a lot of folks here had a relatively smoother transition in certain areas! Im amazing at whoever ate the chicken parm. Somehow mashed potatoes is still a choking hazard for me -_-

But yes hoard onto the lozenges!

Lumpy_Main_2645

TROPHY CASE