I have been biposied to death trying to determine what is going on in my thyroid gland. I had 3 needle biopsies and still, none of the pathologists agreed on the findings. Finally, all slides and reports were sent to a Dr. Rosai, who apparently authors pathology textbooks. Interestingly, his findings oppose our medical school pathology findings.

My husband, a teacher, said their report looked more like a math problem on a test, where the answer was given, but no work was shown. Perhaps Dr. Rosai's microscope works better than theirs... This fiasco has been going on 7 months now...

At any rate, I am scheduled for surgery next week and will have at least the left lobe of my thyroid removed. The surgeon said it would be sliced and diced by Pathology during surgery, and hopefully, if malignancy shows up, then my surgeon will go on and remove the whole gland... The downside is that the full report does not come back until way after you are home eating chicken soup, or maybe even by then eating hamburgers, so it could entail 2 surgeries...

I am having still a rough flareup with my overall health issues and have been unable to reduce my Prednisone like it should be. I have no idea what is causing the problem. I hate going into surgery in this condition, but I don't have much choice... I have been using Alka Seltzer to offset some of the inflammatory problems, but now with surgery a week off, I had to discontinue that due to the aspirin content...

I have a lot of confidence in my surgeon and my Pulmonary Doc (also a Critical Care doc-who will be in charge of my care). Sooo I have two very competent people in my court...

That's all for now, folks. Wish me luck!

Cathie

...in your upcoming surgery. It sure doesn't sound like a fun experience. You will be in my thoughts and in my prayers, Cathie, hoping they do not find anything serious.

Cathie,

I had my out on 7/31. I will call you to talk about it.


SHelley

Cathie, I will be waiting anxiously for the results but as I have said before, you are one of the strongest people here - especially mentally. You are so philosphical and I know you will come through with shining colours.

You will be in my prayers and thoughts as usual and please let us know more about the exact day as soon as you can.

I will email you over the weekend - you have so much support here.

Tony

Hi my dear Cathie:

I am so sorry you have to go through this.
Sending hugs and lots of good thoughts your way

It's about time Cathie! I know you have been suffering for a long time now. I've got fingers and toes crossed that this will take care of some of your problems. I just can't believe that a top medical school is this inefficient. (I don't know why I said that, I've been thru their routine.)

I know this won't be pleasant, but maybe it will help. Please let us know more about which day you'll have surgery. Perhaps your husband could let one of us know how you are doing. Good luck, old friend.

Billye

Cathie,

I agree totally with Tony . . . you have so much strength. I am not trying to downplay all the suffering you have been through or that the surgery will bring . . . but I look forward to seeing you on the other side of this operation. It looks to me that you are already preparing yourself in the way that you do -- marshaling your resources, getting your focus, etc. etc.

I will hold a thought about coming through fine, with marked improvement.

rafi

Cathie,
I'm really sorry that you've had to be miserable with the biopsies and not get a definitive diagnosis until now. I've been there myself with biopsies for 5 years and then had the same surgery 7 years ago.
I hope that that your surgery is uneventful, that the biopsy results are completely benign and that your recovery is swift and complete. I'll be thinking about you and wish you the very best.

Alkymst
I

ASSERTIVE and decisive about what they want to do! Geesh!
From my own other diverse experiences...all I can say is GET THIS STUFF outta me!...... That's the way I approached it. And I am glad it was done.
Get it over with, then go on to the next part of the 'issue' should there really be one.

As long as the docs and surgeons and anathesiologists know you are an 'at-risk/sensitive' person, things should go and be done super!?!

I know I approached my own surgeries last year with a similar angst as you are feeling now, but, in my case it was a bit more straightforward? I think of it this way, [biopsies and all?] I did the best I could to do the best I could...Sounds redundant, but really it's not.

Special tender 's of the kind that give you a bit of courage as well as some comfy re-assurance. I WILL be her for you and any concerns you may have should you have them. I believe all here will be pulling for you in every way one can 'electronically'. - Super special thoughts! - j

I just wanted to add my sincere good wishes for the op, it sounds like you will be in very good & capable hands and i am sure that it will be all over shortly & you will be back home before you know it.
best wishes
Brian