Funny story and a request for prayers

[Eaglesfan27]

First a brief backstory: About 2 weeks ago, my mother had an ultrasound of her thyroid done which revealed findings that are very suspicious for cancer. So, I did what I could to get her a quick appointment with one of the top doctors for thyroid cancer at University of Pennsylvania's Medical School. Today, she was scheduled for her biopsy and my aunt took her to the appointment. My mother is 58 and has a notorious bladder that has gotten worse as she has gotten older.

So, my aunt (her younger sister) kept asking my mom when they first arrived if she had to go to the bathroom. She kept saying no. She gets called back into the radiology department because they are doing an ultrasound guided biopsy. She goes back into the room and is told to change into a gown. The gown doesn't fit properly, and she is fighting with it when she suddenly realizes she has to go to the bathroom and she has to go now. So, she runs into the bathroom in the radiology room. She is in the process of urinating and the gown slips off her chest. Suddenly, two guys enter into the bathroom and it's only at that point that she realized that the bathroom was servicing all 5 radiology rooms and there was a big sign on each door which said "Be sure to lock all doors before using restroom." They both gasp, turn red, and turn to run out of the room at the same time. She found it hilarious and just laughed for 5 minutes straight while telling me this story which made me laugh as well.

For those inclined, please pray for my mom. The radiological findings from that ultrasound are associated with cancer at such a high rate (60-70% depending upon the study) that she will be having surgery to remove her thyroid regardless of the findings of this biopsy. The biopsy will only determine which type of surgery she has (if it is positive for cancer, they will go for a more aggressive surgery to take surrounding lymph nodes as well.) I talked to the doctor tonight and he said the ultrasound shows lymph node enlargement which scares me because it could be a sign that it has spread if it is cancer. Of course, if it is autoimmune, it could be just a sign of that as well. Either way the surgery scares me because she has a history of cardiac trouble which always increases the risk of surgery.

[CamEdwards]

Will definitely keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers, EF.

[miked]

In my prayers. I had no idea ultrasound had such a high PPV/sensitivity for cancer, especially in the thyroid.

[terpkristin]

That is kind of a funny story (the bathroom part, not the cancer or autoimmune part).

Best wishes, man, to your mom and you, and your family. I'll be thinking of you guys.

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by miked

In my prayers. I had no idea ultrasound had such a high PPV/sensitivity for cancer, especially in the thyroid.

It doesn't unless there is a calcified nodule which is what she has. Calcified nodule equals cancer 60-70% of the time depending upon the study. Either way, the odds are high enough that the consensus is to remove the thyroid for a complete study when there is a calcified nodule.

[Telle]

She'll be in my thoughts.

[PurdueBrad]

Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.

[Lathum]

Awesome that your Mom can be in such good spirits during a critical time. She will be in out prayers.

[Dodgerchick]

She's in my thoughts, Eaglesfan27

[Karlifornia]

Best of luck to your mom, EF. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[BYU 14]

Best wishes to you and your Mom EF, you will be in my prayers.

[MizzouRah]

Definitely in my prayers EF!

[molson]

I wish your mom the best. It's so weird that I feel like I almost know her, from the times you've talked about her here.

[path12]

Best wishes for you and your mom, EF.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Pics please.

Prayer said... God bless.

[Kodos]

Not the praying sort, but will be sending good thoughts your Mom's way.

[Swaggs]

Hoping for the best for your mother and your family.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Not the praying sort, but will be sending good thoughts your Mom's way.

+1

[Eaglesfan27]

Just got the best news of the day. My mother just finished her appointment at the surgeon's office. He states that he did a "very complete" biopsy (using radiological guidance) and he feels confident that it isn't cancer. The results show that she has autoimmune thyroiditis. He is confident enough that he recommends against surgery and he wants her to go to an endocrinologist to manage it medically. I'm a bit surprised by this news due to everything I read which stated that you do surgery regardless of the biopsy results in this type of case, but this guy is one of the top experts in his field, so I'm happy to trust his judgment and hope that this isn't a case where he is wrong. My mom is thrilled that she doesn't need surgery.

[terpkristin]

Rockin'
/tk

[stevew]

That's great news. Good to hear. And good wishes to your mother.