u/unicorns-exist

(32/F) Last month my follicular neoplasm on my left thyroid was 5cm, now it's 6cm. I had a feeling it was growing, as I see it every morning in the mirror. But I thought I was just imagining it because I'm so hyper-conscious of it now. I had a consultation yesterday to discuss surgery and the surgeon did another ultrasound to explain to me what's going on... as soon as I saw the 6 on the ultrasound screen my heart just dropped.

While the surgeon can't say 100% whether it's cancerous, due to the nature of follicular neoplasm, he said the growth does tip the scales in that direction a little.

When I first started this process, I was told there was 19-20% chance of malignancy. Now we're a little beyond 30%. The uncertainty is so overwhelming.

Fortunately, they hope to have me scheduled for surgery to remove my left thyroid at the end of July. It can't come quick enough. It feels like a parasite growing on my neck.

Just really looking for a space to talk about this with people who understand - thank you for reading this

(F/32) I have 5cm follicular neoplasm. I only really noticed it one day while doing my hair but when I thought about it, I had a lot of symptoms I didn't understand could be thyroid related (menstrual irregularities, weight issues, persistent coughing, lack of energy and strength)

The thyroid specialist told me 20 - 30% chance of being malignant. He said that due to the nature of follicular neoplasm, they can't know it's cancerous until it's out via surgery or studied with a saturation biopsy. Honestly, I'd rather just have surgery and get it out. Anyway, due to the size, it's too big for laser treatment.

I'm meeting with the surgeon at the end of next month to talk about the next steps. Whatever the outcome, I know things will be okay but I'm still scared of the uncertainty.

Right now, I'm struggling most with my energy levels. My body feels like a million pounds of weight in the morning, making it so difficult to get out of bed. My job is partly manual, and I feel exhausted just pushing a broom. My energy levels fluctuate so much that I feel like a different person from one hour to the next. I am trying to seek accommodations at work, but I feel ashamed doing so, especially as I don't know what has caused the tumor yet. I keep telling myself "I'm being dramatic/ I'm being lazy/ this is probably going to be nothing and I'm going to look foolish". I've always been a very hardworking person who pushes themselves to the limit, so I'm having a hard time telling myself to slow down.

I would appreciate any advice for anyone who has felt similar, handled exhaustion, ways to combat the fatigue etc.

Thank you!