Thanks everyone. I am looking for a new doc. I meant to ask the doc I saw today if she knew of anyone she could refer me too, but I had so much information to take in and let settle that I forgot.
The doc I saw today was very kind and took her time with me. Within 30 minutes of arriving at the office she had diagnosed me. It all seemed to happen so fast, though. I have a billion questions still.
I do have Hashimoto's and I was so thankful to get the diagnosis that I cried.
She sat with me and asked me a lot of questions, then she did the ultrasound. She said that I have two issues, the Hashimoto's and a very large nodule. If I'm remembering correctly, the lumpiness that showed up on the scan is indicative of Hashimoto's and that is what is causing my fatigue, hair loss, etc. However, I also have a very large nodule on the right side and that is what has been causing my throat/neck to feel sore, causing me to cough, and my voice to be gravely.
She showed me a plastic model of a thyroid, then showed me ultrasound of her healthy thyroid, then showed me ultrasound of mine. Yeah. The differences were quite obvious.
Then we sat back down and she began telling me what my options were. She said that she would like to take a biopsy of the nodule to rule out cancer and that I would not have to be off my blood thinners for that. If it was cancerous we would need to remove my thyroid, which would require bridging with the Lovenox shots (still haven't called insurance back to check on coverage for that!). She explained the procedure and the limited risks, etc. She said that her recommendation is removal whether it is cancerous or not because the nodule would continue to interfere with my throat/speech.
I was reeling with all the information and was kicking myself for not making dh come to the visit (because last time I did it was nothing, of course
). I have no memory, so felt quite overwhelmed. I told her I would need to talk it over with my husband. She suggested that in that case we start with doing the biopsy, as the results could very well make the decision for me.
She did the biopsy right then and there.
I was concerned about having a needle stuck in my neck while being on blood thinners. Even though the bleeding stopped fairly quickly on the surface of my skin, I hope it did inside as well. It wasn't as painful as I imagined it would be. More uncomfortable, and it seemed to last F.O.R.E.V.E.R. So they will call Thursday with the results.
The good news is that if it is cancerous removal will take care of it. I guess it doesn't spread or anything. No other treatment other than some kind of anti-cancer pill. Can't remember what she called it.
She did not prescribe any medication, saying that the protocol is different depending on whether I opt for removal.
So I have some more research and thinking to do.
I'm quite stunned, but I am happy to have a diagnosis and the beginnings of a plan.