Thyroid Cancer Nightmare

Surgery April 2010. Severed right recurrent largneal nerve.

Earlier this year I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. An operation to remove my thyroid was schedule this past spring. During the pre-op the doctor explained the procedure and everything sounded pretty routine, this should have not been an extremely complicated operation. Expected down time was an overnight stay in the hospital and 1 week home from work. Well, none of that happened. I ended up staying in the hospital for 8 days. I was hooked up to a respirator for 2 days and when I awoke in the ICU, I had no idea what was going on.

The problem, while removing my thyroid, the doctor at a hospital in Washington DC cut a nerve that basically attributes to your breathing, swallowing and talking. Upon arriving home, I was unable to do anything, walking up a flight of stairs exhausted me, I could only drink using a straw sips of liquid at a time and my voice was all but gone.

Here it is August and I am still unable to speak clearly. I can however finally drink from a glass for the last 4 weeks now. My energy level has improved but now that much. I have returned to work part time only because I exhausted all my savings to stay afloat.

I am totally frustrated with this whole thing.

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[dmarie505]

Thank you for your blessing. This is all new to me having only been diagnosis this past spring. I am seeing the doctors regularly now for blood test and exam of my throat, vocal cords, etc.....My thyroid was cancerous too, thats why it was removed. I just did not think this would be the out come. Thanks again for responding.

[VictoriaVTodd]

I am having thyroid survey in one week, thank you for this video. I know what question I need to ask my surgeon. I really hope everything works out for you, I will be praying for you.

[thegirlof1983]

thank you for sharing! I have been having a crazy time since I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

[Here4thefood]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. My Mom had her Thyroid removed and praise GOD all the nerves and vocal cords were not affected. My Mom's thyroid was cancerous. Thyroid cancer is the slowest form of cancer but it always leaves residual cells behind. So, every 6 months to a year my Mom has to go to the DR for blood work, scans, ultra sounds and such to monitor the cells to see if they have multiplied. Her DR is at the Ohio State University Hospital. I will be praying for you! GOD BLESS!