osteoblast
03-15-2008, 04:11 PM
Dear osteofriends-I went for what I thought was a pretty routine ultrasound of my thyroid last week and a 3cm tumor was found in my neck, next to the thyroid-but not the thyroid. I had a thyroid scan a year ago and due to the hashimoto's there were numerous sub centimeter nodules. They are apparently the same. The 3cm-tumor, the radiologist said an inch or so, is something new. The endo says she is hoping it is stray thyroid tissue (ectopic) that has a growth, but if not that , then it is in the lymph gland-that sounds bad. Both the radiologist and endo said it is soft and moveable. I will have a biopsy as soon as it can be scheduled. What else, only time will tell.
As you all know, the osteo diagnosis has been a tough one for me as it is for many. I have used mind -body techniques to help with coping. Now with this new bit of news that came out of nowhere I am feeling very tested.Fortunately, over the last few months, I have worked with a physical therapist who utilizes mind-body techniques and teaches coping . I know she will be of tremendous help . Yet, the next week is going to be a challenge. I am sure there are many others on this board who have gone through significant challenges as well.
How all this affects the bone project with forteo will remain to be seen. I would doubt this has anything to do with the forteo.If there is any type of problem, I would think I would need to stop the forteo immediately and then what I couldn't say. Of course the mind goes to various scenarios that really aren't helpful now. I am trying to do those soothing , helpful things that I have learned and will just need to be patient and see what further diagnostic testing reveals.
As you all know, the osteo diagnosis has been a tough one for me as it is for many. I have used mind -body techniques to help with coping. Now with this new bit of news that came out of nowhere I am feeling very tested.Fortunately, over the last few months, I have worked with a physical therapist who utilizes mind-body techniques and teaches coping . I know she will be of tremendous help . Yet, the next week is going to be a challenge. I am sure there are many others on this board who have gone through significant challenges as well.
How all this affects the bone project with forteo will remain to be seen. I would doubt this has anything to do with the forteo.If there is any type of problem, I would think I would need to stop the forteo immediately and then what I couldn't say. Of course the mind goes to various scenarios that really aren't helpful now. I am trying to do those soothing , helpful things that I have learned and will just need to be patient and see what further diagnostic testing reveals.
Sponsor
taape
03-15-2008, 06:40 PM
Osteoblast,
I'm sorry to hear that you've now got a tumor. I know getting this news can be very shocking. My tumor turned out to be non cancerous. I hope that's the case with you if it's not extra thyroid tissue. Please let us know how the biopsy goes and I hope you can get it done soon.
I'm sorry to hear that you've now got a tumor. I know getting this news can be very shocking. My tumor turned out to be non cancerous. I hope that's the case with you if it's not extra thyroid tissue. Please let us know how the biopsy goes and I hope you can get it done soon.
montesflus
03-15-2008, 09:07 PM
Dear Osteoblast,
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I certainly hope that the growth they found turns out to be ''ectopic'' and non-cancerous. Not all growths are necessarily malignant. I think that the fact that it's soft and moveable is probably a good sign.
Just hang in there:angel:
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I certainly hope that the growth they found turns out to be ''ectopic'' and non-cancerous. Not all growths are necessarily malignant. I think that the fact that it's soft and moveable is probably a good sign.
Just hang in there:angel:
DesertBloom
03-15-2008, 10:52 PM
Dear Osteo--I'll be thinking of you as well, and I hope you know that we all wish you the best. Try not to think about it too much, and keep your mind in a positive and peaceful place, and I think that will help while you wait.
I had a scare on my last routine US, of my thyroid nodules (2) and the radiologist wrote a report that said one of my below 1 cm nodules had increased in size by 5 times. Of course that really freaked me out, but the dr (Endo) immediately questioned it, saying that it's almost impossible for one of my nodules to grow that big in 4 mos. The dr also mentioned that if mine was that big you would be able to feel or see it, which he couldn't. Thankfully he was right and it was a mistake in measurement if you can believe that!! I had to wait 3 weeks to have the US reread by the head radiologist just to find out they were wrong, which was great news but it was an unbelievably nerve racking 3 weeks. I won't be having a biopsy unless these 2 get bigger, and so far they aren't.
The odds are in your favor since 9 out of 10 thyroid growths-tumors, are non cancerous. My Endo tells me that "every time" I have my US's done.
Your in my thoughts and do let us know what you find out. Try not to worry about things that haven't happened yet, like what might happen to your osteo treatment, because chances are it may not have an affect anyway; always try to cross the bridge when you get to it, if possible:angel:
Take Care, and keep us posted.
DB
I had a scare on my last routine US, of my thyroid nodules (2) and the radiologist wrote a report that said one of my below 1 cm nodules had increased in size by 5 times. Of course that really freaked me out, but the dr (Endo) immediately questioned it, saying that it's almost impossible for one of my nodules to grow that big in 4 mos. The dr also mentioned that if mine was that big you would be able to feel or see it, which he couldn't. Thankfully he was right and it was a mistake in measurement if you can believe that!! I had to wait 3 weeks to have the US reread by the head radiologist just to find out they were wrong, which was great news but it was an unbelievably nerve racking 3 weeks. I won't be having a biopsy unless these 2 get bigger, and so far they aren't.
The odds are in your favor since 9 out of 10 thyroid growths-tumors, are non cancerous. My Endo tells me that "every time" I have my US's done.
Your in my thoughts and do let us know what you find out. Try not to worry about things that haven't happened yet, like what might happen to your osteo treatment, because chances are it may not have an affect anyway; always try to cross the bridge when you get to it, if possible:angel:
Take Care, and keep us posted.
DB
osteoblast
03-15-2008, 11:15 PM
Thanks for the kind words, they mean alot to me. :)
DB-at first when I thought the tumor was in the thyroid I too felt good about the thyroid tumor statistics. But, then I learned the tumor is not in the thyroid but in the side of my neck in the lymph gland. The endo said if lucky, maybe it is ectopic thyroid tissue which would be a good thing . I am glad though to hear that your nodules are all behaving well. Luckily the mistake in your results was found and you can now breathe a sigh of relief!
DB-at first when I thought the tumor was in the thyroid I too felt good about the thyroid tumor statistics. But, then I learned the tumor is not in the thyroid but in the side of my neck in the lymph gland. The endo said if lucky, maybe it is ectopic thyroid tissue which would be a good thing . I am glad though to hear that your nodules are all behaving well. Luckily the mistake in your results was found and you can now breathe a sigh of relief!
DesertBloom
03-16-2008, 12:21 AM
Hi Osteo: I just wanted to mention something, my nodules are not in the thyroid, or next to it, but on the outer edge of my carotid artery, on either side which is another reason they have held off on a biospy. Evidently, my Endo feels that if I should ever have them biopsied, I should have it done at LLU, and not risk the test being done in my town with the local drs, since it's a tricky biopsy. Hopefully I won't have to do that, and the last measurement was actually smaller than the previous 5 US's. I don't understand why they call them multinodular thyroid, but the carotid is on either side of the outer edge of the of the thyroid gland, if you look at a picture of it. Anyway I just thought I would mention this, and maybe you can explain why they call them thyroid nodules, when technically they aren't.
Have you had a nuclear scan of your lymph glands? That was one of the first I had since the dr that ordered that test said he didn't think they were thyroid related nodules, so this is confusing, they also checked the carotid as well for plaque while they were evaluating the nodules. Since your tumor is in a completely different place than mine, and a distance from the thyroid, then do you know how it could possibly be excess thyroid tissue, does that tissue move around or grow in other places?
Just take it slow and check the stats on your type of tumor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
Too all other posters with major challenges please read:
Take it easy and don't worry too much~~~ I'm lighting a candle for you and everyone else on this board who might need some medical or spiritual guidance, in whatever problem you all are facing. I'll keep it going till I hear positive outcomes from EVERYONE (not yelling) just emphasizing. There are so many of you facing tremendous challenges right know and I haven't forgotten who you are, even the new posters; you are all included in this experiment. You don't need to have any particular religious beliefs for this to help.
Much Love to All of you, and a great hope you all will find solace and positive treatment options that work great, and that they fall into your particular beliefs on the various med/naturopath treatments that interest you.:angel::angel:
DB
Have you had a nuclear scan of your lymph glands? That was one of the first I had since the dr that ordered that test said he didn't think they were thyroid related nodules, so this is confusing, they also checked the carotid as well for plaque while they were evaluating the nodules. Since your tumor is in a completely different place than mine, and a distance from the thyroid, then do you know how it could possibly be excess thyroid tissue, does that tissue move around or grow in other places?
Just take it slow and check the stats on your type of tumor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
Too all other posters with major challenges please read:
Take it easy and don't worry too much~~~ I'm lighting a candle for you and everyone else on this board who might need some medical or spiritual guidance, in whatever problem you all are facing. I'll keep it going till I hear positive outcomes from EVERYONE (not yelling) just emphasizing. There are so many of you facing tremendous challenges right know and I haven't forgotten who you are, even the new posters; you are all included in this experiment. You don't need to have any particular religious beliefs for this to help.
Much Love to All of you, and a great hope you all will find solace and positive treatment options that work great, and that they fall into your particular beliefs on the various med/naturopath treatments that interest you.:angel::angel:
DB
osteoblast
03-16-2008, 01:02 AM
From what the endo said ectopic (stray ) thyroid tissue can occur in various places in the body-at a distance from the thyroid. My brief look at the topic found thyroid tissue in various places incl. back of tongue, behind the sternum, the neck etc. There are various reasons for this incl. developmental anomalies, post-surgical effect where tissue is moved (not on purpose) etc.
Thank you for keeping the candle burning for all of us in need. You are a sweet person DesertBloom.
Thank you for keeping the candle burning for all of us in need. You are a sweet person DesertBloom.
petal*pusher
03-16-2008, 12:06 PM
Hmmmm...interesting thread.
During the past 5 or 6 years I've had 2 little 1" or so tumors removed from my neck. How come the Dr. never questioned their existance?
Both just started as small lumps, then became rounded mass that I could easily move beneath the skin. I've had other cysts removed from various places on my body over the years, and thought these were just something my body produced. (they have all been benign) My Father died young from Lymphoma, so each removal has brought anxiety.
DesertBloom...your obvious care and concern for all of us facing challenges is so much appreciated!........Pam;)
During the past 5 or 6 years I've had 2 little 1" or so tumors removed from my neck. How come the Dr. never questioned their existance?
Both just started as small lumps, then became rounded mass that I could easily move beneath the skin. I've had other cysts removed from various places on my body over the years, and thought these were just something my body produced. (they have all been benign) My Father died young from Lymphoma, so each removal has brought anxiety.
DesertBloom...your obvious care and concern for all of us facing challenges is so much appreciated!........Pam;)
phylwill1152
03-16-2008, 02:55 PM
Hi OB...sorry to hear about the tumor. I know that you will tackle this new obstable with the same effort as the ones of the past. I also know that you are strong of mind and body and that this too shall pass. You are in my thoughts. take care and know that all of us are here for you. take care...phyllis
montesflus
03-16-2008, 08:12 PM
Osteoblast :
Just wanted to mention something. I have three lumps in my body (that I know of). One in the back of my left knee, one in my upper right arm, and one just above the front of my right knee. The one behind my left knee is the newest, it appeared out of the blue a few years ago. They are called Lipomas. Basically they're just lumps of fat and aren't malignant. The one above my right knee is the largest of the three. It's not particularly pretty, but the doc said if I had it removed, it would probably leave a not so pretty scar. He said just to leave it alone. I know this is not really connected with your tumor and I'm only mentioning these lipomas as an example of not all growths being necessarily cancerous.
I sincerely wish you the best of outcomes (somehow I have a feeling you'll be ok). Thanks too to DB for keeping the candle lit:angel:
Just wanted to mention something. I have three lumps in my body (that I know of). One in the back of my left knee, one in my upper right arm, and one just above the front of my right knee. The one behind my left knee is the newest, it appeared out of the blue a few years ago. They are called Lipomas. Basically they're just lumps of fat and aren't malignant. The one above my right knee is the largest of the three. It's not particularly pretty, but the doc said if I had it removed, it would probably leave a not so pretty scar. He said just to leave it alone. I know this is not really connected with your tumor and I'm only mentioning these lipomas as an example of not all growths being necessarily cancerous.
I sincerely wish you the best of outcomes (somehow I have a feeling you'll be ok). Thanks too to DB for keeping the candle lit:angel:
Turquoise
03-16-2008, 08:12 PM
Osteoblast:
News like that really gets the mind churning. My son had a large mass next to his thyroid years ago. I was working for a doctor at the time and he told me the fact that it was soft and maleable was good. It turned out to be non cancerous.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. TAke care.
Turquoise
News like that really gets the mind churning. My son had a large mass next to his thyroid years ago. I was working for a doctor at the time and he told me the fact that it was soft and maleable was good. It turned out to be non cancerous.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. TAke care.
Turquoise
wildflowers
03-16-2008, 09:56 PM
Hi Osteoblast, there are times in our life when friends and family are especially important, let them nurish and nurture you during this difficult time. I wish you the very best outcome, will keep you in my heart and prayers. Blessings! Wildflowers
peppurr
03-16-2008, 11:56 PM
Hi Osteoblast!:) I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this scare. I know exactly what you are going through because I have been through something similar. Turns out mine was benign. I am praying the same for you.
The only thing I can suggest is to continue thinking positively and surround yourself with supportive people such as the posters here.
Please keep us updated!
The only thing I can suggest is to continue thinking positively and surround yourself with supportive people such as the posters here.
Please keep us updated!
music47
03-17-2008, 12:03 AM
Osteo
I am sorry about you having a tumor now. My prayers are with you and praying for a speedy recovery. :angel: I hope you'll keep us updated.
Hugs Nadine:)
I am sorry about you having a tumor now. My prayers are with you and praying for a speedy recovery. :angel: I hope you'll keep us updated.
Hugs Nadine:)
osteoblast
03-18-2008, 07:06 PM
Dear friends-Thank you so much for your kindness. I look over the messages and it is like looking over a field of wildflowers! Each of you unique and lovely and a beautiful sight all together.
By the end of this week, the ct scan and biopsy will all be done and then it is waiting for the results.. I spoke with my wellness counselor who is a cancer survivor and she said that this waiting and not knowing is the hardest part.
My pcp has moved into the role of master coordinator between the ent,the endo, and the diagnosticians, so that feels better. One thing I have learned from this so far that I wanted to share is the critical importance of finding a primary care doctor that is right for you. Now maybe that is easier for some than it was for me. But, I am so glad that in early January I had finally found the pcp for me. I am a person who needs real warmth and genuine empathy from my doctor. Even though it was mostly the osteoporosis and pretty routine hashimoto's at that time, I knew I needed someone who could be there in the tough going. So if any of you are just putting up with your pcp maybe it is time to move on. It was finally through a wellness counselor at a major clinic that I found this pcp and got a referral to get into her closed practice-not a moment too soon for me.
I have always appreciated all of you here at the osteoboard ,we have a truly beautiful ,caring community here for which I am so grateful :angel:
By the end of this week, the ct scan and biopsy will all be done and then it is waiting for the results.. I spoke with my wellness counselor who is a cancer survivor and she said that this waiting and not knowing is the hardest part.
My pcp has moved into the role of master coordinator between the ent,the endo, and the diagnosticians, so that feels better. One thing I have learned from this so far that I wanted to share is the critical importance of finding a primary care doctor that is right for you. Now maybe that is easier for some than it was for me. But, I am so glad that in early January I had finally found the pcp for me. I am a person who needs real warmth and genuine empathy from my doctor. Even though it was mostly the osteoporosis and pretty routine hashimoto's at that time, I knew I needed someone who could be there in the tough going. So if any of you are just putting up with your pcp maybe it is time to move on. It was finally through a wellness counselor at a major clinic that I found this pcp and got a referral to get into her closed practice-not a moment too soon for me.
I have always appreciated all of you here at the osteoboard ,we have a truly beautiful ,caring community here for which I am so grateful :angel:
DesertBloom
03-19-2008, 07:05 PM
Hi Osteo~~ Thanks for the beautifully kind words for all of us. It's not hard to be concerned about you since you are such a wonderful supportive person.
This waiting is going to be hard, but I have a good feeling about it. Try not to think about it, if that's possible. Keep yourself busy, both your mind and your body, that will help. Use those calming dvds you have and just stay positive in every aspect of your life because I believe this will spill into the medical parts as well.
I'm glad you like your pcp, I like mine too, but in the confusion-going to so many drs, she isn't as updated as she should be on what's going on with me, but since you brought this up I'm going to make sure that changes immediately. I've always felt lucky that her husband is my cardiologist, but if they don't have all the info on my current medical that could present a problem. I just found out that the LLU dr didn't send all my reports to her, and there is a ton of them, so they will be getting to that soon. For some reason she (llu) thought my Endo was my PCP, but he isn't thank goodness.
Hang in there, your in my thoughts and let us know what you find out if that's okay with you...
Tons of Luck:angel::angel:
This waiting is going to be hard, but I have a good feeling about it. Try not to think about it, if that's possible. Keep yourself busy, both your mind and your body, that will help. Use those calming dvds you have and just stay positive in every aspect of your life because I believe this will spill into the medical parts as well.
I'm glad you like your pcp, I like mine too, but in the confusion-going to so many drs, she isn't as updated as she should be on what's going on with me, but since you brought this up I'm going to make sure that changes immediately. I've always felt lucky that her husband is my cardiologist, but if they don't have all the info on my current medical that could present a problem. I just found out that the LLU dr didn't send all my reports to her, and there is a ton of them, so they will be getting to that soon. For some reason she (llu) thought my Endo was my PCP, but he isn't thank goodness.
Hang in there, your in my thoughts and let us know what you find out if that's okay with you...
Tons of Luck:angel::angel:
osteoblast
03-21-2008, 01:27 PM
DB -do you know how I can change the title of the thread? I should have thought a little longer before putting the title as I did.I was in a state of shock. I now realize that there are so many for whom the title itself would only bring up difficult/unwanted feelings because of their own experiences.I don't want this to happen . When I tried to change the title , it seems I could only change it on the page of my first message and not get the thread header. Any thoughts?Is it something I can do ? I hope your phys. therapy is getting better and your orthotic device has arrived and it is helping you. Your candle meditation/practice is lovely-I can see that it is your way to bring light to darkness. That is very good for all.
Aleta145
03-21-2008, 02:41 PM
Hi Osteoblast...Although I haven't replied to this thread before, I have been sending you positive thoughts (hope you felt them) and can empathize with your position. I'm hoping that your path reports come back negative for malignancy and it will turn out to be much ado about nothing!
I don't think there's any way to change the thread's title. If there is I'm sure DesertBloom will know how to do it.
Hang in there, sweetie, and let us know when you know something more.
I don't think there's any way to change the thread's title. If there is I'm sure DesertBloom will know how to do it.
Hang in there, sweetie, and let us know when you know something more.
DesertBloom
03-21-2008, 10:11 PM
Hi Osteo: No I don't know of any way to change the thread title. You could ask one of the moderators if they could do it.
How are you doing today--any news??
Hang in there, and I wouldn't worry about the title of the thread. If it does bother some, they don't have to read it. I know that any mention of tumors could scare some, but we can't just stop talking about it; we need to be strong and carry on the best we can with the support of this group and chances are your thread will help many in different ways, or at least I would think so. I just had my 3rd spot mag mammo and us for the 3 cysts that were found last year, and your post gives me comfort that I'm not alone, just like the others who've gone through similar things. I still feel terrible for you, but it brings me back to the fact that we all have to go through things we don't want to and it helps tremendously to know that there *are* people out there that understand what these situations are like. The worst thing is too feel totally alone or completely misunderstood, on top of a medical challenge. That's the best part of this board for me, because it brought me to a place where I finally felt like I wasn't alone, and I didn't have to constantly keep explaining things to people who had no clue what I was talking about, and who didn't want to hear it anyway. When you have to deal with that for a long time you start to close down, and then the reverse happens where you never mention anything about medical props or pain, so everyone assumes there must not be anything wrong.
Happy Easter:angel::angel:
How are you doing today--any news??
Hang in there, and I wouldn't worry about the title of the thread. If it does bother some, they don't have to read it. I know that any mention of tumors could scare some, but we can't just stop talking about it; we need to be strong and carry on the best we can with the support of this group and chances are your thread will help many in different ways, or at least I would think so. I just had my 3rd spot mag mammo and us for the 3 cysts that were found last year, and your post gives me comfort that I'm not alone, just like the others who've gone through similar things. I still feel terrible for you, but it brings me back to the fact that we all have to go through things we don't want to and it helps tremendously to know that there *are* people out there that understand what these situations are like. The worst thing is too feel totally alone or completely misunderstood, on top of a medical challenge. That's the best part of this board for me, because it brought me to a place where I finally felt like I wasn't alone, and I didn't have to constantly keep explaining things to people who had no clue what I was talking about, and who didn't want to hear it anyway. When you have to deal with that for a long time you start to close down, and then the reverse happens where you never mention anything about medical props or pain, so everyone assumes there must not be anything wrong.
Happy Easter:angel::angel:
petal*pusher
03-22-2008, 01:02 PM
I sure agree with DesertBloom! So many "ailments" or "health challenges" are very visual...but most who gather here share the challenge of a disease that creeps thru our bodies on jagged elbows...weakening and robbing our body structure in the inside while we try to maintain a cheerful attitude on the OUTSIDE! Except for the loss of almost 5" in height, most who know me have no idea of "the before".
My daughter was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was 7...she is now 30. For many years, family/friends/school personnel would look at this beautiful child and not have a clue what was really going on in her body. A glance at those big swollen knees and elbows...the surgeries and injections...bi-monthly Dr. visits for many years.........and still this child kept a smile on her face!! She has been a wonderful inspiration for me!
The title of your thread has made it possible for many of us to share similiar stories...and hopefully given us opportunity to to ease your burden a small bit. I remember the silent fear that grasps our being each time a new threat appears...and wish there had been a forum such as this around to ask questions, share experiences, or give advice. Please know you are in my thoughts...........Pam;)
(My daughter is doing well now! She lives in Portland, Or. (much too far from Mi.!)...and attributes her vegetarian lifestyle and regular exercise routines to her MUCH improved health!)
My daughter was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was 7...she is now 30. For many years, family/friends/school personnel would look at this beautiful child and not have a clue what was really going on in her body. A glance at those big swollen knees and elbows...the surgeries and injections...bi-monthly Dr. visits for many years.........and still this child kept a smile on her face!! She has been a wonderful inspiration for me!
The title of your thread has made it possible for many of us to share similiar stories...and hopefully given us opportunity to to ease your burden a small bit. I remember the silent fear that grasps our being each time a new threat appears...and wish there had been a forum such as this around to ask questions, share experiences, or give advice. Please know you are in my thoughts...........Pam;)
(My daughter is doing well now! She lives in Portland, Or. (much too far from Mi.!)...and attributes her vegetarian lifestyle and regular exercise routines to her MUCH improved health!)