About Your Thyroid Surgery

This guide will help you get ready for your thyroid surgery at MSK. It will also help you understand what to expect during your recovery.

Use this guide as a reference in the days leading up to your surgery. Bring it with you every time you come to MSK, including the day of your surgery. You and your healthcare team will refer to it throughout your care.

About Your Surgery

About your thyroid gland

Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower part of the front of your neck (see Figure 1). It makes hormones that control the way your body turns oxygen and calories into energy. Your thyroid is made up of a left lobe and a right lobe. The area where the lobes join is called the isthmus.

Your parathyroid glands are 4 small glands located behind your thyroid. They make a hormone that helps control the level of calcium in your blood.

Lymph nodes are small oval or round structures found throughout your body. They’re part of your immune system. They make and store cells that fight infection. They also filter bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other waste products out of your lymphatic fluid.

Removing your thyroid gland

Thyroid surgery is done through an incision (surgical cut) in the lower part of the front of your neck. It takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Your surgeon will examine your whole thyroid gland and remove the parts that have cancer. They’ll also check the lymph nodes next to your thyroid gland. They will remove any that have or may have cancer cells.

• A lobectomy or hemi-thyroidectomy is when half (1 lobe) of your thyroid is removed.
• A total thyroidectomy is when your whole thyroid is removed.

Your surgeon will talk with you before your surgery so you know what to expect.

Nerve injuries

There are 2 nerves very close to your thyroid gland. They help your larynx (voice box) work. These nerves are called the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve. They may be affected during your thyroid surgery.

• Your recurrent laryngeal nerve goes behind your thyroid to your voice box. The tumor may be close to this nerve, or this nerve is harmed during your surgery. If so, your vocal cords (2 bands of tissue in your voice box that help you speak) could be harmed. This can make your voice hoarse. Voice hoarseness is common after thyroid surgery and often goes away with time.
• Your superior laryngeal nerve helps you raise the volume and pitch of your voice. If this nerve gets weak or injured, it can affect the pitch and tone of your voice. This may make it hard for you to raise your voice or sing.

Before your thyroid surgery, your healthcare provider will check how your vocal cords are working. They may be working normally, but the tumor is large or close to your recurrent or superior laryngeal nerve. If so, your risk of nerve injury during surgery is higher. This is rare, but can lead to problems with your vocal cords after surgery.

You may have voice changes after surgery that do not get better. If so, you may need a procedure to check your throat. 

There are a few ways to improve your voice if your nerves are harmed. They include surgery or an injection (shot) into your vocal cord. You may also need to see a laryngologist (voice doctor). Your healthcare provider will talk with you about these options.

Rarely, a nerve injury can cause trouble breathing. If this happens, call your healthcare provider. If you cannot reach them right away, go to the closest emergency room.

Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium)

After your surgery, you may have temporary parathyroid dysfunction. This means your parathyroid glands may not make enough hormone to hold the right level of calcium in your blood. This is temporary (lasts a short time). But it can cause hypocalcemia, which is when there’s too little calcium in your blood.

Hypocalcemia can cause numbness and tingling in your hands, feet, and around your mouth. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. It can be very harmful if your blood calcium levels are too low.

Your healthcare providers will check your blood calcium level after your surgery. If you have hypocalcemia, they’ll give you medicine to manage it. Read the sections “Managing hypocalcemia” and “Taking calcium supplements” for more information.

Getting ready for your surgery

This section will help you get ready for your surgery. Read it when your surgery is scheduled. Refer to it as your surgery gets closer. It has important information about what to do to get ready.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

Getting ready for your surgery

You and your care team will work together to get ready for your surgery. Help us keep you safe by telling us if any of these things apply to you, even if you’re not sure.

• I take an anticoagulant (blood thinner), such as:
  • Aspirin
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin (Jantoven®, Coumadin®)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis®)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
• I take an SGLT2 inhibitor, such as:
  • Canagliflozin (Invokana®)
  • Dapagliflozin (Farxiga®)
  • Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)
  • Ertugliflozin (Steglatro®)
• I take any prescription medicines, including patches and creams. A prescription medicine is one you can only get with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
• I take any over-the-counter medicines, including patches and creams. An over-the-counter medicine is one you can buy without a prescription.
• I take any dietary supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
• I have a pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), or other heart device.
• I have sleep apnea.
• I have had a problem with anesthesia (A-nes-THEE-zhuh) in the past. Anesthesia is medicine to make you sleep during a surgery or procedure.
• I’m allergic to certain medicines or materials, including latex.
• I’m not willing to receive a blood transfusion.
• I drink alcohol.
• I smoke or use an electronic smoking device, such as a vape pen or e-cigarette.
• I use recreational drugs, such as marijuana.

About drinking alcohol

It’s important to talk with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink. This will help us plan your care.

If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at risk for problems during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, and a longer hospital stay.

If you drink alcohol regularly and stop suddenly, it can cause seizures, delirium, and death. If we know you’re at risk for these problems, we can prescribe medicine to help prevent them.

Here are things you can do before your surgery to keep from having problems.

• Be honest with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink.
• Try to stop drinking alcohol once your surgery is planned. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you:
  • Get a headache.
  • Feel nauseous (like you’re going to throw up).
  • Feel more anxious (nervous or worried) than usual.
  • Cannot sleep.

These are early signs of alcohol withdrawal and can be treated.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot stop drinking.
• Ask your healthcare provider questions about drinking and surgery. All your medical information will be kept private, as always.

About smoking

If you smoke, you can have breathing problems when you have surgery. Stopping for even a few days before your surgery can help.

Your healthcare provider will refer you to our Tobacco Treatment Program if you smoke. You can also reach the program by calling 212-610-0507.

About sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common breathing problem. If you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing for short lengths of time while you’re asleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your airway becomes fully blocked during sleep.

OSA can cause serious problems during and after surgery. Tell us if you have or think you might have sleep apnea. If you use a breathing device, such as a CPAP machine, bring it on the day of your surgery.

Using MyMSK

MyMSK (my.mskcc.org) is your MSK patient portal. You can use it to send and read messages from your care team, view your test results, see your appointment dates and times, and more. You can also invite your caregiver to make their own account so they can see information about your care.

If you do not have a MyMSK account, you can sign up at my.mskcc.org. You can get an enrollment ID by calling 646-227-2593 or your doctor’s office.

Watch How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal to learn more. You can also contact the MyMSK Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-248-0593.

Within 30 days of your surgery

Presurgical testing (PST)

You’ll have a PST appointment before your surgery. You’ll get a reminder from your surgeon’s office with the appointment date, time, and location. Visit www.msk.org/parking for parking information and directions to all MSK locations.

You can eat and take your usual medicines the day of your PST appointment.

It’s helpful to bring these things to your appointment:

• A list of all the medicines you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.
• Results of any medical tests done outside of MSK in the past year, if you have them. Examples include results from a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler study.
• The names and telephone numbers of your healthcare providers.

You’ll meet with an advance practice provider (APP) during your PST appointment. They work closely with MSK’s anesthesiology (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jee) staff. These are doctors with special training in using anesthesia during a surgery or procedure.

Your APP will review your medical and surgical history with you. You may have tests to plan your care, such as:

• An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart rhythm.
• A chest X-ray.
• Blood tests.

Your APP may recommend you see other healthcare providers. They’ll also talk with you about which medicine(s) to take the morning of your surgery.

Identify your caregiver

Your caregiver has an important role in your care. Before your surgery, you and your caregiver will learn about your surgery from your healthcare providers. After your surgery, your caregiver will take you home when you’re discharged. They’ll also help you care for yourself at home.

For caregivers

‌  Caring for a person going through cancer treatment comes with many responsibilities. We offer resources and support to help you manage them. Visit www.msk.org/caregivers or read A Guide for Caregivers to learn more.

Fill out a Health Care Proxy form

If you have not already filled out a Health Care Proxy form, we recommend you do now. If you already filled one out or have any other advance directives, bring them to your next appointment.

A health care proxy is a legal document. It says who will speak for you if you cannot communicate for yourself. This person is called your health care agent.

• To learn about health care proxies and other advance directives, read Advance Care Planning for People With Cancer and Their Loved Ones.
• To learn about being a health care agent, read How to Be a Health Care Agent.

Talk with a member of your care team if you have questions about filling out a Health Care Proxy form.

Do breathing and coughing exercises

Practice taking deep breaths and coughing before your surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you an incentive spirometer to help expand your lungs. For more information, read the resource How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer. If you have any questions, ask your nurse or respiratory therapist.

Do physical activity

Doing physical activity will help your body get into its best condition for your surgery. It will also make your recovery faster and easier.

Try to do physical activity every day. Any activity that makes your heart beat faster, such as walking, swimming, or biking, is a good choice. If it’s cold outside, use stairs in your home or go to a mall or shopping center.

Follow a healthy diet

Follow a well-balanced, healthy diet before your surgery. If you need help with your diet, talk with your healthcare provider about meeting with a clinical dietitian nutritionist.

7 days before your surgery

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking aspirin

Aspirin can cause bleeding. If you take aspirin or a medicine that has aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it 7 days before your surgery. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do not stop taking aspirin unless they tell you to.

To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil. 

Stop taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements

Vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 7 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.

To learn more, read Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment.

2 days before your surgery

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil^® and Motrin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®), can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 2 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.

To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil.

1 day before your surgery

Note the time of your surgery

A staff member will call you after 2 p.m. the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, they’ll call you the Friday before. If you do not get a call by 7 p.m., call 212-639-5014.

The staff member will tell you what time to get to the hospital for your surgery. They’ll also remind you where to go.

Visit www.msk.org/parking for parking information and directions to all MSK locations.

Instructions for eating

‌ 
Stop eating at midnight (12 a.m.) the night before your procedure. This includes hard candy and gum.

If your healthcare provider told you to stop eating earlier than midnight, follow their instructions. Some people need to fast (not eat) for longer before their procedure.


 

The morning of your surgery

Instructions for drinking

Between midnight (12 a.m.) and 2 hours before your arrival time, only drink the liquids on the list below. Do not eat or drink anything else. Stop drinking 2 hours before your arrival time.

• Water.
• Clear apple juice, clear grape juice, or clear cranberry juice.
• Gatorade or Powerade.
• Black coffee or plain tea. It’s OK to add sugar. Do not add anything else.
  • Do not add any amount of any type of milk or creamer. This includes plant-based milks and creamers.
  • Do not add honey.
  • Do not add flavored syrup.

If you have diabetes, pay attention to the amount of sugar in these drinks. It will be easier to control your blood sugar levels if you include sugar-free, low-sugar, or no added sugar versions of these drinks.

It’s helpful to stay hydrated before procedures, so drink if you are thirsty. Do not drink more than you need. You will get intravenous (IV) fluids during your procedure.

‌ 
Stop drinking 2 hours before your arrival time. This includes water.


 

Take your medicines as instructed

A member of your care team will tell you which medicines to take the morning of your surgery. Take only those medicines with a sip of water. Depending on what you usually take, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medicines.

Things to remember

• Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting.
• Do not wear any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
• Remove nail polish and nail wraps.
• If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can harm your eyes.
• Do not wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery can cause burns if they touch metal.
• Leave valuable items at home.
• If you’re menstruating (have your monthly period), use a sanitary pad, not a tampon. You’ll get disposable underwear, as well as a pad if needed.

What to bring

• Your breathing device for sleep apnea (such as your CPAP device), if you have one.
• Your incentive spirometer.
• Your Health Care Proxy form and other advance directives, if you completed them.
• Your cell phone and charger.
• A case for your personal items (such as eyeglasses, hearing aid(s), dentures, prosthetic device(s), wig, and religious articles), if you have one.
• This guide. Your healthcare team will use it to teach you how to care for yourself after surgery.

Once you’re in the hospital

Many staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and birth date. This is for your safety. People with the same or a similar name may be having surgery on the same day.

When it’s time to change for surgery, you’ll get a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.

Meet with a nurse

You’ll meet with a nurse before surgery. Tell them the dose of any medicines you took after midnight (12 a.m.) and the time you took them. Make sure to include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.

Your nurse may place an intravenous (IV) line in one of your veins, usually in your arm or hand. If your nurse does not place the IV, your anesthesiologist (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jist) will do it in the operating room.

Meet with an anesthesiologist

You’ll also meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery. They will:

• Review your medical history with you.
• Ask if you’ve had any problems with anesthesia in the past. This includes nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up) or pain.
• Talk with you about your comfort and safety during your surgery.
• Talk with you about the kind of anesthesia you’ll get.
• Answer questions you have about anesthesia.

Get ready for your surgery

When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll need to remove your hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic device(s), wig, and religious articles, if you have them.

You’ll either walk into the operating room or be taken in on a stretcher. A member of the operating room team will help you onto the operating bed and place compression boots on your lower legs. These gently inflate and deflate to help blood flow in your legs.

Once you’re comfortable, your anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia through your IV line and you’ll fall asleep. You’ll also get fluids through your IV line during and after your surgery.

During your surgery

After you’re fully asleep, they will place a breathing tube through your mouth and into your windpipe to help you breathe. Once your surgery is done, they will close your incision with sutures (stitches). You may also have Steri-Strips^™ (thin pieces of surgical tape) or Dermabond^® (surgical glue) over your incisions. Your breathing tube is usually taken out while you’re still in the operating room.

After your thyroid surgery

This section will help you know what to expect after your surgery. You’ll learn how to safely recover from your surgery both in the hospital and at home.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

In the hospital

When you wake up after your surgery, you’ll be in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or your recovery room. A nurse will be keeping track of your body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

You may be getting oxygen. It’s either through a thin tube that rests below your nose, or a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You may also have a drain in your neck under your incision. If you do, it’s often removed the day after your surgery.

The length of time you’re in the hospital after your surgery depends on your recovery. Most people stay in the hospital for 1 night. Your nurses and other healthcare providers will teach you how to care for yourself as you recover from your surgery.

Pain medicine

You’ll have some pain after your surgery. At first, you’ll get pain medicine through your IV line. When you can swallow liquids, you’ll get oral pain medicine (medicine that you swallow).

Your healthcare providers will ask you about your pain often. They will give you medicine as needed. If your pain is not better, tell one of your healthcare providers. It’s important to control your pain so you can use your incentive spirometer and move around. Controlling your pain will help you recover better.

You’ll get a prescription for a mild pain medicine before you leave the hospital. You may want to take extra strength acetaminophen (Extra Strength Tylenol^®) instead. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible side effects and when you should start switching to over-the-counter pain medications.

Moving around and walking

Moving around and walking will help lower your risk for blood clots and pneumonia (lung infection). It will also help you start passing gas and having bowel movements (pooping) again. Your nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist will help you move around, if needed.

Read the resource Call! Don't Fall! to learn what you can do to stay safe and keep from falling while you’re in the hospital.

Using your incentive spirometer

Use your incentive spirometer 10 times every hour you’re awake. This will help your lungs expand, which helps prevent pneumonia. For more information, read the resource How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer.

Eating and drinking

You can start having ice chips and liquids several hours after your surgery. It’s normal to feel some discomfort while you’re swallowing. You’ll slowly progress to a regular diet. You do not have to follow any dietary restrictions after the first night.

Managing hypocalcemia

Your healthcare providers will check your blood calcium level after your surgery. They will give you a calcium supplement, if needed. You may need to take this supplement for a few weeks until your parathyroid glands start working like usual.

Tell your healthcare providers if you have numbness and tingling in your hands, feet, and around your mouth. These are signs that your blood calcium level is low.

Getting ready to leave the hospital

Your nurse will teach you how to care for your incision before you leave the hospital. Instructions will also be written in the paperwork you’ll get when you leave.

Before you leave, look at your incision with your healthcare provider. Knowing what it looks like will help you notice any changes later.

Most people only have Steri-Strips covering their incision when they’re discharged (leave the hospital). Keep them in place until your first appointment after surgery. Your healthcare provider will check them during this visit. If you have stitches over your incision, they’ll also be removed during this visit.

At home

Read What You Can Do to Avoid Falling to learn what you can do to keep from falling at home and during your appointments at MSK.

Filling out your Recovery Tracker

We want to know how you’re feeling after you leave the hospital. To help us care for you, we’ll send questions to your MyMSK account. We’ll send them every day for 10 days after you’re discharged. These questions are known as your Recovery Tracker.

Fill out your Recovery Tracker every day before midnight (12 a.m.). It only takes 2 to 3 minutes to complete. Your answers to these questions will help us understand how you’re feeling and what you need.

Based on your answers, we may reach out to you for more information. Sometimes, we may ask you to call your surgeon’s office. You can always contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions.

To learn more, read Common Questions About MSK's Recovery Tracker.

Managing your pain

People have pain or discomfort for different lengths of time. You may still have some pain when you go home. This does not mean something is wrong.

Follow these guidelines to help manage your pain at home.

• Take your medicines as directed and as needed.
• Call your healthcare provider if the medicine prescribed for you does not help your pain.
• Do not drive or drink alcohol while you’re taking prescription pain medicine. Some prescription pain medicines can make you drowsy (very sleepy). Alcohol can make the drowsiness worse.
• You’ll have less pain and need less pain medicine as your incision heals. An over-the-counter pain reliever will help with aches and discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are examples of over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for stopping your prescription pain medicine.
  • Do not take too much of any medicine. Follow the instructions on the label or from your healthcare provider.
  • Read the labels on all the medicines you’re taking. This is very important if you’re taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Taking too much can harm your liver. Do not take more than one medicine that has acetaminophen without talking with a member of your care team.
• Pain medicine should help you get back to your usual activities. Take enough to do your activities and exercises comfortably. You may have a little more pain as you start to be more active.
• Keep track of when you take your pain medicine. It works best 30 to 45 minutes after you take it. Taking it when you first have pain is better than waiting for the pain to get worse.

Some prescription pain medicines (such as opioids) can cause constipation (having fewer bowel movements than usual).

Showering

You can shower 24 hours (1 day) after your surgical drain is removed. If you do not have a drain, you can shower 48 hours after your surgery.

Do not tilt your head backward (like you’re looking at the ceiling) during your shower for 4 weeks after your surgery. Let the water run over your incision. Gently pat your incision dry with a clean towel or wash cloth. 

Call your healthcare provider if you see any redness or drainage from your incision.

Do not take tub baths until you talk with your healthcare provider at your first appointment after surgery.

Caring for your incision

Your incision’s location will depend on the type of surgery you had. If you go home with Steri-Strips on your incision, they’ll loosen and fall off on their own. Or, your surgeon will remove them during your first appointment after surgery.

You may feel tightness along your incision as it heals. This feeling can come and go. It can last from a week to a few months. It’s normal and you do not need to worry about it. You may also have numbness at your incision site and nearby. This is also normal and will go away with time.

For the first year after your surgery, avoid having the sun on your incision site. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it’s safe to use sunscreen. Most often, it’s when your incision has closed completely.

Taking thyroid hormone medicine

If your whole thyroid gland was removed, you must take medicine to replace the hormone your thyroid made. You must take it every day for the rest of your life.

There are many thyroid hormone medicines. Levothyroxine (Levoxyl^® or Synthroid^®) is one example. For more information, read the resource Levothyroxine.

Your healthcare provider will prescribe you a thyroid hormone medicine and tell you how much to take. You may also need blood tests to make sure you’re getting enough, but not too much, of the medicine. Your healthcare provider will change the dose as needed.

Taking calcium supplements

If you have parathyroid dysfunction or hypocalcemia after your surgery, you may also need to take a calcium supplement (such as Tums^® Ultra). You can buy this at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much to take.

If you’re taking calcium, your healthcare provider may also give you a prescription for calcitriol (such as Calcijex^® or Rocaltrol^®). This will help your body absorb the calcium.

Calcium can cause constipation, most often while you’re also taking pain medicine. If you think this can be a problem for you, talk with your nurse. They may recommend a stool softener or laxative.

Driving

Do not drive for 1 week after your surgery. After that, you can start driving again as long as you feel comfortable turning your neck to look for traffic.

Physical activity and exercise

For at least 4 weeks after your surgery, do not tilt your head backward (like you’re looking up at the ceiling). This pulls on your incision. You can move your neck from side to side and downward.

Ask your healthcare provider when it’s safe to lift heavy objects.

• Most people should not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Do not lift very heavy objects or use weights or machines on your upper body for at least 4 weeks after surgery. You can do lower body exercises.

Doing aerobic exercise, such as walking and stair climbing, will help you gain strength and feel better. Over time, walk for longer distances. Climb stairs slowly, resting or stopping as needed. Ask your healthcare provider before starting more demanding exercises.

You’ll notice a gradual return of energy in the weeks after surgery. Some people find that their energy level varies for a month or 2 after surgery.

Follow-up care

Your first appointment after surgery will be 7 to 10 days after your surgery. Your nurse will give you instructions for making this appointment, including the phone number to call.

During this appointment, your surgeon will check your incision. They’ll also talk with you about your pathology report and whether you need more treatment.

Many people dot need more treatment after surgery. But if you have papillary thyroid cancer, you may need radioactive iodine therapy. Your care team will talk with you about whether it’s a treatment that’s right for you.

Your team will include:

• Your surgeon
• An endocrinologist (a doctor with special training in glands and hormones). If you need radioactive iodine, your endocrinologist will talk to you about the treatment.
• A doctor with special training in nuclear medicine 

Blood tests

You’ll have thyroid function tests starting 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery. There are 2 tests: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). 

These tests will show whether you have the right amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. Your healthcare provider will use the results of these tests to adjust the amount of thyroid medicine you take.

If you had your whole thyroid removed for papillary cancer, you’ll have a blood test called thyroglobulin 6 weeks after your surgery. You’ll have this blood test every year so your healthcare provider can look for patterns in your results.

If you have medullary thyroid cancer, you’ll have blood tests called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and calcitonin 6 weeks after your surgery. You’ll have these blood tests every year so your healthcare provider can look for patterns in your results.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever of 100.5 °F (38 °C) or higher.
• You have chills.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have numbness, twitching, or tingling around your mouth, fingertips, or toes.
• The skin around your incision is very red or getting more red.
• The skin around your incision is warmer than usual.
• The area around your incision is starting to swell or getting more swollen.
• You see drainage that looks like pus (thick and milky).
• Your incision smells bad.
• You have any questions or concerns.

Contact information

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call your healthcare provider’s office.

After 5 p.m., during weekends, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000. Ask to talk with the person on call for your healthcare provider.

Support services

This section has a list of support services. They may help you as you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

MSK support services

Admitting Office
212-639-7606
Call if you have questions about your hospital admission, such as asking for a private room.

Anesthesia
212-639-6840
Call if you have questions about anesthesia.

Blood Donor Room
212-639-7643
Call for information if you’re interested in donating blood or platelets.

Bobst International Center
332-699-7968
We welcome patients from around the world and offer many services to help. If you’re an international patient, call for help arranging your care.

Counseling Center
www.msk.org/counseling
646-888-0200
Many people find that counseling helps them. Our Counseling Center offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We can also prescribe medicine to help if you feel anxious or depressed. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.

Food Pantry Program
646-888-8055
We give food to people in need during their cancer treatment. Talk with a member of your care team or call the number above to learn more.

Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care. For example, we offer music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. Call 646-449-1010 to make an appointment for these services.

You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They’ll work with you to make a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. Call 646-608-8550 to make an appointment for a consultation.

MSK Library
library.mskcc.org
212-639-7439
You can visit our library website or call to talk with the library reference staff. They can help you find more information about a type of cancer. You can also visit the library’s Patient and Health Care Consumer Education Guide.

Nutrition Services
www.msk.org/nutrition
212-639-7312
Our Nutrition Service offers nutritional counseling with one of our clinical dietitian nutritionists. Your clinical dietitian nutritionist will talk with you about your eating habits. They can also give advice on what to eat during and after treatment. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.

Patient and Community Education
www.msk.org/pe
Visit our patient and community education website to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.

Patient Billing
646-227-3378
Call if you have questions about preauthorization with your insurance company. This is also called preapproval.

Patient Representative Office
212-639-7202
Call if you have questions about the Health Care Proxy form or concerns about your care.

Perioperative Nurse Liaison
212-639-5935
Call if you have questions about MSK releasing any information while you’re having surgery.

Private Duty Nurses and Companions
917-862-6373
You can request private nurses or companions to care for you in the hospital and at home. Call to learn more.

Rehabilitation Services
www.msk.org/rehabilitation
Cancers and cancer treatments can make your body feel weak, stiff, or tight. Some can cause lymphedema (swelling). Our physiatrists (rehabilitation medicine doctors), occupational therapists (OTs), and physical therapists (PTs) can help you get back to your usual activities.

• Rehabilitation medicine doctors diagnose and treat problems that affect how you move and do activities. They can design and help coordinate your rehabilitation therapy program, either at MSK or somewhere closer to home. Call Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiatry) at 646-888-1929 to learn more.
• An OT can help if you’re having trouble doing usual daily activities. For example, they can recommend tools to help make daily tasks easier. A PT can teach you exercises to help build strength and flexibility. Call Rehabilitation Therapy at 646-888-1900 to learn more.

Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
646-888-8106
At MSK, care does not end after your treatment. The RLAC Program is for patients and their families who have finished treatment.

This program has many services. We offer seminars, workshops, support groups, and counseling on life after treatment. We can also help with insurance and employment issues.

Sexual Health Programs
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your sexual health, fertility, or both. MSK’s sexual health programs can help you before, during, or after your treatment.

• Our Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program can help with sexual health problems such as premature menopause or fertility issues. Ask a member of your MSK care team for a referral or call 646-888-5076 to learn more.
• Our Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program can help with sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call 646-888-6024 to learn more.

Social Work
www.msk.org/socialwork
212-639-7020
Social workers help patients, families, and friends deal with common issues for people who have cancer. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout your treatment. They can help you communicate with children and other family members.

Our social workers can also help refer you to community agencies and programs. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, they also have information about financial resources. Call the number above to learn more.

Spiritual Care
212-639-5982
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, help support family members, and pray. They can contact community clergy or faith groups, or simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can ask for spiritual support. You do not have to have a religious affiliation (connection to a religion).

MSK’s interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital’s main lobby. It’s open 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the chaplain on call.

Tobacco Treatment Program
www.msk.org/tobacco
212-610-0507
If you want to quit smoking, MSK has specialists who can help. Call to learn more.

Virtual Programs
www.msk.org/vp
We offer online education and support for patients and caregivers. These are live sessions where you can talk or just listen. You can learn about your diagnosis, what to expect during treatment, and how to prepare for your cancer care.

Sessions are private, free, and led by experts. Visit our website to learn more about Virtual Programs or to register.

External support services

Access-A-Ride
web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
In New York City, the MTA offers a shared ride, door-to-door service for people with disabilities who can’t take the public bus or subway.

Air Charity Network
www.aircharitynetwork.org
877-621-7177
Provides travel to treatment centers.

American Cancer Society (ACS)
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers a variety of information and services, including Hope Lodge, a free place for patients and caregivers to stay during cancer treatment.

Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
646-929-8032
A resource for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Avenue (Between West 25^th & 26^th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance.

Cancer Support Community
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support and education to people affected by cancer.

Caregiver Action Network
www.caregiveraction.org
800-896-3650
Provides education and support for people who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.

Corporate Angel Network
www.corpangelnetwork.org
866-328-1313
Offers free travel to treatment across the country using empty seats on corporate jets.

Good Days
www.mygooddays.org
877-968-7233
Offers financial assistance to pay for copayments during treatment. Patients must have medical insurance, meet the income criteria, and be prescribed medicine that’s part of the Good Days formulary.

HealthWell Foundation
www.healthwellfoundation.org
800-675-8416
Provides financial assistance to cover copayments, health care premiums, and deductibles for certain medicines and therapies.

Joe’s House
www.joeshouse.org
877-563-7468
Provides a list of places to stay near treatment centers for people with cancer and their families.

LGBT Cancer Project
www.lgbtcancer.com
Provides support and advocacy for the LGBT community, including online support groups and a database of LGBT-friendly clinical trials.

LIVESTRONG Fertility
www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services
855-744-7777
Provides reproductive information and support to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments have risks associated with infertility.

Look Good Feel Better Program
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK (800-395-5665)
This program offers workshops to learn things you can do to help you feel better about your appearance. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, call the number above or visit the program’s website.

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)

National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education, training, and advocacy for LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk.

Needy Meds
www.needymeds.org
Lists Patient Assistance Programs for brand and generic name medicines.

NYRx
www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/pharmacy.htm
Provides prescription benefits to eligible employees and retirees of public sector employers in New York State.

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Gives help with copayments for patients with insurance.

Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Provides access to care, financial assistance, insurance assistance, job retention assistance, and access to the national underinsured resource directory.

Professional Prescription Advice
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get free or low-cost medicines.

Red Door Community (formerly known as Gilda’s Club)
www.reddoorcommunity.org
212-647-9700
A place where people living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.

RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to help people get medicines they have trouble affording.

Triage Cancer
www.triagecancer.org
Provides legal, medical, and financial information and resources for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Thyroid cancer support services

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC)
www.spohnc.org
800-377-0928
Provides information and support for people with oral and head and neck cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association
www.thyca.org

SHARE
www.sharecancersupport.org
866-891-2392
Offers support groups for survivors of breast, metastatic breast, and ovarian cancer in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Educational resources

This section lists the educational resources mentioned in this guide. They will help you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.

As you read these resources, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

• A Guide for Caregivers
• Common Questions About MSK's Recovery Tracker
• Advance Care Planning for People With Cancer and Their Loved Ones
• How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil
• Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
• How to Be a Health Care Agent
• How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
• How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
• Levothyroxine
• What You Can Do to Avoid Falling