<p>So I went to my doctor in December because I was having pain in my arm and shoulder which was not improving. Because I had not been there in 2 years the doc ordered blook tests. Apparently one of the counts was low, so they ordered a thyroid ultrasound. That turned up 3 nodules, so then they ordered a thyroid uptake scan. The scan didn’t uptake all that well, so now they want a biopsy. </p>
<p>But the biopsy doctor can’t see me until Feb 25 (something about being a new patient and he only does these on Fridays). That seems like a long time if they are concerned about it. Any reason to think we should push for a test sooner than the end of Feb? I hate having things like this simmering :(. </p>
<p>(I wish I could have said that I only have medical tests on Mondays :).)</p>
<p>I’d ask your doctor whether waiting until Feb 25 is going to be a problem. If his eyes get really big, then he’ll either try to get you into the biopsy doctor earlier or he’ll suggest someone else who can do it in a more timely manner.</p>
<p>That’s what I would do. It’s not at all uncommon to have to wait for certain procedures. I’ve known women with breast cancer who ended up having to wait like this- very scary but that’s the current situation in many US cities these days. The resources just aren’t there.</p>
<p>In all likelihood, if they thought it was an emergency, they would have worked you into the schedule. Most thyroid nodules are benign and thyroid cancer is rarely fatal. Here’s a link that might make you feel better:</p>
<p>Also, in many US cities, there is a major shortage of endocrinologists (they specialize in thyroid Disease and diabetes), so don’t be surprised if you end up waiting even more as you go through the process. Often times, it’s just not possible to get in with another doctor any quicker. Good luck.</p>
<p>As someone who is almost two years out from treatment for thyroid cancer, there is no problem waiting. Even in the “worst” case scenario, that the biopsy indicates thyroid cancer, you don’t need to act immediately. It is an extremely slow-growing cancer with an almost 100% cure rate (except for anaplastic, which typically afflicts elderly men). The only essential thing to do would be to find an extremely skilled surgeon if you do need to have your thyroid removed!</p>
<p>Good luck. I was terrified of the whole process from finding the nodule, to the ultrasound, to the biopsy. I really didn’t need to worry so much, nor did I need to rush the process as I did.</p>
<p>Thank you martharap, that is very reassuring. This forum is so large, it seems like you can count on there being someone out there who has experience in any given situation :).</p>
<p>I agree with whoever said that most thyroid cancer is not serious and very slow-growing. And I agree with whoever said you should ask your original doctor if waiting until February 25 is a problem. </p>
<p>My mother (not an elderly man!) had anaplastic thyroid cancer – the very very very bad kind of thyroid cancer – in 1984 and passed away very quickly. It’s the same type of cancer Justice Renquist had. She had significant symptoms and there was basically no treatment that could have helped her. I’m under the impression that they can tell pretty darn quickly whether that’s what you have.</p>
<p>So sorry about your mom Very Happy. Anaplastic thyroid cancer was what I was most worried about and I was a complete wreck between the phone call from my doctor to come in and finding out what type I had. When she said papillary I was so relieved.</p>
<p>This thread is very timely. I am having a thyroid ultrasound on Tuesday. I was at the doctor about 10 days ago on a completely unrelated matter. He happened to notice a lump on my thyroid and then wrote the script for the ultrasound. Of course, I jumped to all sorts of conclusions. However, he then told me to have it sometime before March, because he’d be on vacation in late March. At that point I knew it would be okay to wait. Since then, my internet diagnosing has confirmed that its not as urgent as other procedures.</p>