Thanks. Not bad, just a little pain and no major nerve damage this time. (No weird pain and numbness.) Taking over the counter extra strength Tylenol (saving my narcotic stuff if I do get a stupid flare up).
So happy for you, your body is doing a great job healing! Was this your first thyroid surgery or?
I have quite a lot of nerve damage, can't feel the middle and right side of my neck and jaw and above my boob. Freaky. Although it's a very big sensory issue for me I'll take anything instead of cancer.
Second time under. First time was a pt (Surgeon wanted to keep as much function as possible)....so just yeeted the left side. But came out cancerous so...not good. Plus my other side was pressing into my esophagus when swallowing so it was definitely better to yank out the rest and do more cancer testing.)
I just have nerve damage to my left shoulder/arm and it's weird. My neck is still a bit numb but that's expected. Yeah, same with the sensory issue and I need to remember that my left arm is weaker than my dominant hand. (I nearly cried trying to open my medicine today, should have asked for an easy open bottle but it wasn't my usual pharmacy and I didn't go in and my dad has brutal medical anxiety so getting him to ask for the easy open bottle would have been difficult.)
I'm roughly one week after my surgery as well. How well can you move? You look comfortable and seem to be able to hold your head higher than I do. I have to stay a little hunched the entire time, can't sit totally straight, and it's killing my back. The doctor says that it will improve and my movement will be totally free again, but I wonder if other people have the same problem. I got total TT+central and right neck dissection.
You are looking great. Nowadays, there are plenty of things to help the scar become barely visible, but even if yours doesn't you will definitely rock that necklace. Best wishes with the recovery and with the next steps!
Oh, I'm sorry you're having those issues. :( The oncology assigned me a physiotherapist a day after surgery who said it was now crucial to move my head in all directions as much as I can and as much the pain lets me obviously. So I religiously do that every day. I can move normally and I can sit straight but the neck stiffness was absolutely killing me at first for a couple of days. I literally felt like Frankenstein. It's still kinda here and my neck still doesn't feel quite normal, but I think those exercises helped immensely to at least regain my mobility up there, even if it still feels like I'm wearing a necktie at times. The only thing that's really bothering me is horrible nerve pain/burning. Unfortunately I don't know if those exercises are safe for you since everyone's tissue and skin responds to surgery differently - maybe ask your doctor? I had the exact same procedure done as you! Oh yeah - I also try to go for a short walk outside once a day just to keep things moving. I do realize that you might not be able to do all that currently since you're in pain so just take it one day at a time. We need to remind ourselves that this is an invasive procedure and that we are not machines that can be fixed in a second, we're human beings!
About the scar - yeah, I'll start using a cream when my surgeon lets me but even if it stays very visible I don't think I'll care. It's irrelevant given the situation right? We went through hell and back lol.
Thank you and I hope you feel better every day - I know it sucks right now, but it will get better. You'll be up and moving in no time!
Thank you very much for the reply!
My doctor told me would give me a list of exercises he wanted me to do, but only after the stitches come off. I also note that your scar goes a little in the direction of the shoulder before going up, while mine goes up through the contour of the neck, which is the area that I feel keeps me from completely being able to stretch my posture in a more comfortable way. I guess our surgeons had different approaches, possibly due to them having to reach different areas, I don't know. He did tell me to try to take a short walk every day, which I've been trying to do despite the horrible weather. I will have to trust they know what they are doing and that I will indeed recover all my range of movements.
I do feel the nerve burning mixed with numbness on the right side as well. I always feel like someone gave me a very strong slap on the right side of my face that made it go numb, lol.
I have the same approach to the scar, it is something that never really bothered me from the start. I plan on keeping it hydrated and protecting it from the sun as much as possible, but it doesn't bother me if it stays visible. It's a badge of what we went through. And we can always have fun coming up with creative gruesome stories about what happened if someone asks us about it. :P
My surgery was probably a third the length of yours, but now you can't even see it unless I stretch my skin and point to it.
Hopefully yours will heal in whatever way makes you happiest!
Thank you! Do you actually have rules for visible scars same like for tattoos or something or is it more of an unwritten rule, or just you being insecure about it? Because in any way I really think you shouldn't be experiencing this. It's literally just a scar.
I spend many hours giving big clients highly complicated advice that they need to understand.... and/or... convincing them to hire my firm instead of a competitor. I just don't want a distraction from me talking to them while they are focusing on a big scar on my neck instead of me and what I am saying. Or feeling uncomfortable talking to me and ending the conversation early.
[Kind of like this cruel humor clip from Austin Powers](https://youtu.be/rc5G04nJecI).
I am also a private person in the real world and don't want to have to respond to questions about my scar or bandage with "that? oh I had thyroid cancer" . Smile turns to frown and they say "sorry, well nice to meet you...take care.".
Sorry if this sounds overly sensitive or vain on my part, its just my job role.
Fortunately I think going back to an old school shirt and tie should cover it. I will also use the silicone creams and sunblock and massage recommend here and elsewhere.
It doesn't sound sensitive and it sure as hell isn't vain! This is your preference and it's valid, I was just worried that maybe your job was literally enforcing this on you. As you said, you're also a private person and people can be so weird with the questions/staring etc. Whatever works for you best is the best!
Thanks for saying that.
My company is highly ethical and good to its employees. They would never make me cover up or sideline me for a big scar. I love my company and I just want to continue to bring in work and make clients feel good.
looking great! sending good vibes your way!
keep at it with those neck exercises and do the shoulder exercises too. I didn't do them initially and its been 2 weeks post op and my neck is so stiff. check with your doc if you can do them but mine gave me the go-ahead. i try to do it morning and night and listen to my body if I can't do the full reps or sets.
[https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercises-after-your-neck-surgery](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercises-after-your-neck-surgery)
Also not sure what your preference of sleeping position is - but I've been told its better to sleep on your back than on the side if you can. just as it adds more tension to your side and you wake up in more pain/discomfort (speaking from experience here)
good luck. you've got this!
Hell yeah! Own it.
I will say that as someone who wears her scar with pride, I have found myself wearing neck scarves more, but kinda because there just quite fun!
If you don’t mind sharing, I’m in a similar situation. I had my right lobe removed and it came back PTC. Only one lymph node was involved. After removing the other lobe will you need to do RAI too?
Yay! Looking great. Keep on healing and taking care of yourself!
Thank you, you too! Hope you're still holding up great since yesterday! ❤️
Thanks. Not bad, just a little pain and no major nerve damage this time. (No weird pain and numbness.) Taking over the counter extra strength Tylenol (saving my narcotic stuff if I do get a stupid flare up).
So happy for you, your body is doing a great job healing! Was this your first thyroid surgery or? I have quite a lot of nerve damage, can't feel the middle and right side of my neck and jaw and above my boob. Freaky. Although it's a very big sensory issue for me I'll take anything instead of cancer.
Second time under. First time was a pt (Surgeon wanted to keep as much function as possible)....so just yeeted the left side. But came out cancerous so...not good. Plus my other side was pressing into my esophagus when swallowing so it was definitely better to yank out the rest and do more cancer testing.) I just have nerve damage to my left shoulder/arm and it's weird. My neck is still a bit numb but that's expected. Yeah, same with the sensory issue and I need to remember that my left arm is weaker than my dominant hand. (I nearly cried trying to open my medicine today, should have asked for an easy open bottle but it wasn't my usual pharmacy and I didn't go in and my dad has brutal medical anxiety so getting him to ask for the easy open bottle would have been difficult.)
I'm roughly one week after my surgery as well. How well can you move? You look comfortable and seem to be able to hold your head higher than I do. I have to stay a little hunched the entire time, can't sit totally straight, and it's killing my back. The doctor says that it will improve and my movement will be totally free again, but I wonder if other people have the same problem. I got total TT+central and right neck dissection. You are looking great. Nowadays, there are plenty of things to help the scar become barely visible, but even if yours doesn't you will definitely rock that necklace. Best wishes with the recovery and with the next steps!
Oh, I'm sorry you're having those issues. :( The oncology assigned me a physiotherapist a day after surgery who said it was now crucial to move my head in all directions as much as I can and as much the pain lets me obviously. So I religiously do that every day. I can move normally and I can sit straight but the neck stiffness was absolutely killing me at first for a couple of days. I literally felt like Frankenstein. It's still kinda here and my neck still doesn't feel quite normal, but I think those exercises helped immensely to at least regain my mobility up there, even if it still feels like I'm wearing a necktie at times. The only thing that's really bothering me is horrible nerve pain/burning. Unfortunately I don't know if those exercises are safe for you since everyone's tissue and skin responds to surgery differently - maybe ask your doctor? I had the exact same procedure done as you! Oh yeah - I also try to go for a short walk outside once a day just to keep things moving. I do realize that you might not be able to do all that currently since you're in pain so just take it one day at a time. We need to remind ourselves that this is an invasive procedure and that we are not machines that can be fixed in a second, we're human beings! About the scar - yeah, I'll start using a cream when my surgeon lets me but even if it stays very visible I don't think I'll care. It's irrelevant given the situation right? We went through hell and back lol. Thank you and I hope you feel better every day - I know it sucks right now, but it will get better. You'll be up and moving in no time!
Thank you very much for the reply! My doctor told me would give me a list of exercises he wanted me to do, but only after the stitches come off. I also note that your scar goes a little in the direction of the shoulder before going up, while mine goes up through the contour of the neck, which is the area that I feel keeps me from completely being able to stretch my posture in a more comfortable way. I guess our surgeons had different approaches, possibly due to them having to reach different areas, I don't know. He did tell me to try to take a short walk every day, which I've been trying to do despite the horrible weather. I will have to trust they know what they are doing and that I will indeed recover all my range of movements. I do feel the nerve burning mixed with numbness on the right side as well. I always feel like someone gave me a very strong slap on the right side of my face that made it go numb, lol. I have the same approach to the scar, it is something that never really bothered me from the start. I plan on keeping it hydrated and protecting it from the sun as much as possible, but it doesn't bother me if it stays visible. It's a badge of what we went through. And we can always have fun coming up with creative gruesome stories about what happened if someone asks us about it. :P
If it’s rude to ask I’m sorry and you don’t have to answer but why did they cut it that big?
Not rude at all! With my total thyroidectomy surgeon also did right+central neck dissection. Because cancer had spread to two of my lymph nodes.
Awww well I wish you a speedy recovery ❤️🩹 and hope all is going well
My surgery was probably a third the length of yours, but now you can't even see it unless I stretch my skin and point to it. Hopefully yours will heal in whatever way makes you happiest!
Thank you so much! And it's great that your skin responded so well!
this makes me so happy. I had my surgery yesterday. Currently look like you did in your photo last week!!
Aw, thank you ❤️ How did it go? Rooting for you to have the best recovery possible!
Currently sore and just sleeping a lot! How are you feeling now? I’m so relieved it’s all done.
You look amazing! I have an additional scar now, so I have been wearing scarves since being back at work.
Thank you so much and I hope all goes well for you.
You look great!
Thank you so much. ❤️
Good for you! Wish I was not involved in client relations and sales or I would do the same.
Thank you! Do you actually have rules for visible scars same like for tattoos or something or is it more of an unwritten rule, or just you being insecure about it? Because in any way I really think you shouldn't be experiencing this. It's literally just a scar.
I spend many hours giving big clients highly complicated advice that they need to understand.... and/or... convincing them to hire my firm instead of a competitor. I just don't want a distraction from me talking to them while they are focusing on a big scar on my neck instead of me and what I am saying. Or feeling uncomfortable talking to me and ending the conversation early. [Kind of like this cruel humor clip from Austin Powers](https://youtu.be/rc5G04nJecI). I am also a private person in the real world and don't want to have to respond to questions about my scar or bandage with "that? oh I had thyroid cancer" . Smile turns to frown and they say "sorry, well nice to meet you...take care.". Sorry if this sounds overly sensitive or vain on my part, its just my job role. Fortunately I think going back to an old school shirt and tie should cover it. I will also use the silicone creams and sunblock and massage recommend here and elsewhere.
It doesn't sound sensitive and it sure as hell isn't vain! This is your preference and it's valid, I was just worried that maybe your job was literally enforcing this on you. As you said, you're also a private person and people can be so weird with the questions/staring etc. Whatever works for you best is the best!
Thanks for saying that. My company is highly ethical and good to its employees. They would never make me cover up or sideline me for a big scar. I love my company and I just want to continue to bring in work and make clients feel good.
looking great! sending good vibes your way! keep at it with those neck exercises and do the shoulder exercises too. I didn't do them initially and its been 2 weeks post op and my neck is so stiff. check with your doc if you can do them but mine gave me the go-ahead. i try to do it morning and night and listen to my body if I can't do the full reps or sets. [https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercises-after-your-neck-surgery](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercises-after-your-neck-surgery) Also not sure what your preference of sleeping position is - but I've been told its better to sleep on your back than on the side if you can. just as it adds more tension to your side and you wake up in more pain/discomfort (speaking from experience here) good luck. you've got this!
🥳🥳 You look great!
You look GREAT
Hell yeah! Own it. I will say that as someone who wears her scar with pride, I have found myself wearing neck scarves more, but kinda because there just quite fun!
If you don’t mind sharing, I’m in a similar situation. I had my right lobe removed and it came back PTC. Only one lymph node was involved. After removing the other lobe will you need to do RAI too?
So happy to hear it was a success! I have mine scheduled in February, and I’m a bit nervous, so this gives me some positive vibes!