Thy3f nodule – petrified
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1 posts since
12 May 2020
Hi everyone,
I went to the docs in Jan with symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, bloating etc. and she immediately commented on a swelling in my neck, which she suggested was a goitre.
She referred me for a thyroid ultrasound, a pelvic scan (for the bloating) and bloods.
My pelvic scan revealed a 50mm cyst, blood results were all normal and my thyroid scan showed a 35mm x 20mm nodule for which I was referred for a FNA biopsy.
FNA results came in yesterday and an ENT consultant called to say that it’s a Thy3f nodule and due to my age (38) and the size of it, he wants to perform a hemi-thyroidectomy on the right hand side of my thyroid the week after next.
My head is spinning, I do not know how long this nodule has been growing for. I’m absolutely petrified about the surgery (albeit relieved that I don’t have long to wait) and even more petrified about whatever the results might be. I have two young girls and I’m struggling to put on a brave face at the moment.
Has anyone else got a similar story? How is the surgery? What is the likelihood that I need to prepare for a “c” disgnosis? (I know no one can answer that one).
Help x
222 posts since
14 Feb 2011
Hello and thank you for posting a question.
I am sorry to learn about your situation. I can appreciate that this must be a worrying time.
When the results of a thyroid biopsy come back as Thy3, this is what is known as an indeterminate result. This means that it is not possible to know if the thyroid nodule is cancerous or not. So, as you know when this happens, doctors like to remove the whole of the nodule and this commonly involves removing part of the thyroid, a hemi-thyroidectomy. This is really the only way to know for sure what is wrong.
While I certainly think that it is human nature to face surgery with some degree of anxiety, in the general scheme of things it is the type of operation that people recover from quite quickly. It seems that you are keen to communicate with someone who has had this operation and sometimes this is a good thing, as support from people who have been through a similar experience can be invaluable. So perhaps you might like to contact The Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust. They have a helpline that is staffed by people who have had thyroid cancer and some one there would have had similar surgery to that which has been suggested for you. They also have a chat forum. You may find it easier to gain information about other people’s experience there, as we deal with all cancers and thyroid cancer is not that common. So we may not have many active members who had had their thyroid or part of their thyroid removed.
Although I have suggested another cancer charity, this does not man that I think that you will have cancer. Most people who have a Thy3 nodule turn out not to have it. There are not really any exact figures it depend what you read. But the literature suggests that between 70 to 80% (70 to 80 out of every 100) of people with a Thy3 nodule won’t have cancer. While these odds are quite good, they cannot say what will happen to you so it is bound to be a worry. But it may help to remember that statically this is more likely not to be cancer.
The F means that it is possibly follicular abnormality. So if this does turn out to be cancer, it is likely to be a follicular cancer which is generally successfully treated. If you look at the information about this type of cancer on the Butterfly Thyroid trust website they say that 90% of people with this type of cancer are cured. With early disease the cure rates are probably higher as the 90% refers to all people with the disease.
I hope that this reply is useful. Please get back to us if you have any other questions. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
All the best,
Jean
2 posts since
4 May 2020
Hi,
I was about to put a very similar post up as I too have just had results back of thy3f. I was told via letter that due to previous U4 ultrasound result it would be removed for definitive diagnosis but that they are not rushing at the moment. This for me, similar to you has my head spinning! I have 2 young kids and don’t want to be worrying for months for answers.
It would be good to hear how you get on and sorry I can’t give specifics about surgery or likely good of preparing for the big ‘c’ but sometimes it’s nice to know someone else knows what your going through.
feel free to reach out if you want a chat 
4 posts since
31 Jul 2020
Hello Rachie38
I hope you are keeping well and I hope your thyroid procedure has been carried out successfully. My story is very similar to yours and I’m glad I found this forum and your post. I found a small lump on the front of my neck earlier this year and it turned out to be a nodule on my right thyroid. I had a neck ultrasound and two FNA’s but the biopsy results were inconclusive, only that it was suspicious. I had no other health issues relating to my thyroid, as TSH levels were all normal. I am in menopause (I’m 50), so that has brought on some changes like bloating, fatigue etc. The ENT consultant I saw, said the nodule was a THY3f and basically I was on the fence…was it benign or malignant? and a half thyroid removal was advised. This was due to happen in May approx but because of the covid situation, surgery was delayed. However, I got a date in July for my hemithyroidectomy and surgery was carried out this week. I was petrified because other than finding the lump, I felt quite fine healthwise. The surgery was very successful. I am recovering at home and awaiting the histology results to ‘hopefully’ confirm whether cancer or not. I have been reassured that if it is more sinister, that all is very treatable. I am not sure if my remaining thyroid will need to come out if cancer but I am trying not to think too far ahead at present (easier said than done!) nor how things might change for me. I have had a few people comment on what can happen physically, once someone loses half or all their thyroid (usually stories based on someone knowing someone) but I feel everyone is individual and everyones story is different, so I am trying not to take heed of negative things at the moment, as I will just worry even more. One step at a time!
I would be very interested to see how you are doing and am happy to chat, offer support anytime. I hope you are well. Take good care
8 posts since
29 Aug 2020
Hello,
Exact same boat. I’m male and 57. FNA reults were 3f and am down for surgery in mid September to have the isthmus removed first and analysed for cancer. Fingers crossed. We’ll see.
4 posts since
31 Jul 2020
Hello OscarM
I really hope your surgery goes well and as planned in mid September. You will get good care. The waiting/unknown is the worst. I was asked to also self-isolate for 14 days ahead of surgery, get tested for Covid (all as a precaution), so was very glad when my surgery finally happened (although really anxious). I received my histology results this week (4 weeks since surgery and my first follow up with surgeon – via phone). The larger nodule; that started this whole journey for me, turned out to be a benign follicular adenoma. Pathologists also unexpectedly found a papillary microcarcinoma during the analysis. This was very tiny, only 1.5mm in size. Given so small, contained in the lobe removed and no other obvious signs of cancer seen in my remaining thyroid, I was reassured that I will not need further surgery/treatment and have a follow up appointment in 6 months time to make sure all still clear. I think what I’ve learnt from all this, is to trust the experts, do some research but not overload, that only worried me more. I’m not one to join chat forums but glad I joined this one, as finding stories similar to mine have helped. I’m not sure what living with half a thyroid means as yet or if there will be more changes in the future; I am only just getting used to the incision on my neck and in recovery mode but one step at a time.
The very best of luck with your surgery, keep me posted and take your time with recovery too. The whole process from finding a lump, the unknown, to surgery, to results, is a lot to take in and deal with, so be kind to yourself.
🙂
8 posts since
29 Aug 2020
Thank you for this.
I do pilates and play tennis normally. Do you think I will be able to drive a car and be active 2 weeks after the operation?
4 posts since
31 Jul 2020
I’d allow 2 weeks before driving because you have to be able to move your head/neck from side to side comfortably. Any sudden movement to the head/neck could break open the incision. Doing gentle head tilts left, right, down, up (the up’s are more gradual), rolling shoulders etc, all helps but I would avoid more strenuous activity that stretches and pulls on neck muscles for a number of weeks. Your surgeon will advise and trust your own instincts. You will soon know about it when you have done too much. I was surprised how much the operation has taken out of me physically, even 4 weeks on and I’m in relatively good health.
🙂
8 posts since
29 Aug 2020
Thank you again.
I have a flight booked to Greece on the 4th of August where I would typically rent a car and carry my own 22kgs suitcase and stuff.
Do you think this will be doable?
4 posts since
31 Jul 2020
I assume you meant your trip to Greece is 4th October (given your op is planned mid September). It’s possibly doable but I’d suggest speaking to your ENT surgeon, their secretary or your own Doctor for advice as soon as you can given the timeline between op and your trip. It really all depends on how you are post-op, whether there are any complications, how you feel in general and you really won’t know until then. They usually advise no strenous activity or heavy lifting for the first 2 weeks. I’m still not lifting more than 10kgs at 4 weeks post-op but I’m being cautious.
8 posts since
29 Aug 2020
So sorry – yes you are right: 4th of October I meant to say.
222 posts since
14 Feb 2011
Hello OscarM and thank you for your post. I am sorry to learn that you need thyroid surgery.
It seems that Gillo has given you some very good advice and I tend to agree that providing that you have an uneventful recovery, you should be well enough to go away. But you may find that you are not completely back to 100%. Also, it would be a good idea to let your travel insurance provider know about the operation, if they don’t already know. This is because some insurers will not cover you if you do not tell them about medical conditions that have arisen after the policy was taken out.
I hope the operation goes well and that you are able to get away for a break.
All the best,
Jean
8 posts since
29 Aug 2020
Thank you very much for this advice.
3 posts since
10 Sep 2020
Hi, I had my right thyroid removed on the 27th August due to a U3/4 on ultrasound scan and Thy3f on Fine Needle biopsy. It’s 2 weeks since the operation and I did an half hour aerobics session this morning and feel fine. Wound has healed well and movement nearly bk to normal I’m still waiting on results. I rang this morning and have been received just waiting on consultant to review and get back to me. Feeling very anxious whilst waiting. Think it’s the worst part of whole process
3 posts since
10 Sep 2020
I had my right thyroid lobe removed on 27th August. Its been 15 days since operation and I managed a 30 min aerobic session this morning. Recovery has been quicker than I thought fo me. I have 80% movement. I usually sleep on my belly but this is the only thing I can’t do at mo
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