A few days ago, I was told that a person very dear to me has thyroid cancer and will be having her thryroid entirely removed. The prognosis for this is very good, they caught it early, and it sounds like they didn't find the cancer anywhere else so far.
What I'd like to know is if any of you have had this procedure or know someone who has and what that experience was. (Yes, I am looking for purely anecdotal information, I've already checked Web MD for the procedure itself.) I've offered to help in whatever way she wants or needs, either being at the surgery with her, or going to where she is to take care of her family while she's gone. At the very least, if she doesn't want in-person help (she lives 6 hours away, has family and community she's built), I'm going to send a care package. If you have any suggestions that are pertinent to this surgery, I'd love if you would share them. Thanks! :)
Thanks for the ideas and good wishes!
A few years ago, a friend of mine had her parathyroid removed. If I remember correctly, she was home for about a week recovering. I gave her a care package with a few books and a couple of nice scarves that she could wear to sort of hide/distract from the incision when she went out.
ETA: both have been cancer free since their thyroids were removed. They get checked once a year. It was every six months the first 2 years
I've had two girlfriends have their thyroids removed.
One gained weight - even with the thyroid medicine she takes. But, after almost 2 years, is doing well.
The other had no significant changes to her.
Both had pain for about a week, if I recall correctly. It helped to have meals prepared for them. Neither were allowed to drive for a week either. So being able to run errands and take kids to practice helped them both.
No experience with this disease.
I would ask if you can attend a meeting with the doctor to help her prepare for surgery and what to expect after surgery if she's that close of a friend.
A friend of mine had the surgery a few years ago. Even though the prognosis is good and they got it all out, nothing spread, there was a delay I guess in recovery. For a while, she could not talk at all. She told me she had no voice as this can affect the voice box. But she did eventually return to work. She has to take medication on a very strict schedule. But very small price to pay to be cancer free. I have heard she does marathons, which she did not do before.
My girlfriend had her cancerous thyroid removed many years ago. After the surgery they gave her radioactive iodine. She was unable to see or be around her children for several days due to this treatment. She said that part was the hardest but she is absolutely fine now.
I know 2 people who have had this. This is one of the cancers with the best possible outcomes.
The real issue is when she will have to have the radioactive isotope, which I'm sure she'll have to have. She is not allowed to be around anyone, especially small children, so if she has kids it will be tough. If you're crafty and have the time, I might consider doing a mini photo book of some pictures of her and her kids (can you get them off FB?) and mail that to her when it's time to be isolated. What about supplying the cost of a hotel room for one (or more) night if she's going to go to a hotel for this part of the procedure? If she doesn't have small kids that is a huge relief for everyone involved, I'm sure. Either way, she really won't be able to leave the house for a few days so things that can keep her busy like books, snacks, word searches, coloring books, etc. You could also send gift cards for food and restaurants that her whole family could use since it will stressful on everyone.
My friend was exhausted for an extended period of time after the surgery. Like, weeks. If you visit her, think about things you could take care for her, we took care of his plants. He has a lot of plants. I'd include DVDs, books, etc in the care package, or things that can help her pass the time while she's recuperating.
I don't have an answer for you, but I just wanted to tell you that I hope your friend will be okay, Nervy Girl. Hugs~~
