Goiter (to be biopsied) and breast-feeding?

[squizita]

39 weeks pregnant - have developed a 3rd trimester goiter (mostly fluid with some small nodules) which is not unknown in pregnancy.
They are going to biopsy it (which I understand is a simple outpatient's procedure) after I give birth, to rule out any cancerous cells or autoimmune illnesses, though this is being presented to me as a low chance.
My thyroid levels are normal: it is a cyst with some nodules in rather than a swollen thyroid itself.

Getting myself all worried about everything as there's a small risk of surgery. :( Now my mind has wandered to other hormonally related things like breast feeding!

Just wondering if any of you experts know:
-Can this affect breastfeeding i.e. how your body makes milk? Given my thyroid's working OK I hope not?
-If (worst case scenario) they have to give me surgery, bar having to express for the overnight hospital stay, they might give me thyroxene. Can you breast feed on this?

Thanks! :)

[TwentyTinyToes]

Good evening!

My first biopsy was whilst about 36 weeks pregnant, no risk to baby. The second biopsy ( in fact I had three because the second came back inconclusive) was when DD was about 8 weeks and then again several months later. No problem with breastfeeding. The procedure is uncomfortable but not actually painful. My mum sat outside with DD and I was in and out in about 5 minutes. They use the ultrasound to guide them and basically drain off some fluid.

My thyroid is under active, it developed after the birth of DS (first baby). I take thyroxine and have successfully fed both children (and still am feeding DD). An under active thyroid can lower milk production if undiagnosed, however I was very under active when finally diagnosed and my supply was ample.

Lastly, if the worst happened and it was cancer, then it is very treatable, but really try not to dwell on that. If you are worried about thyroid function maybe ask them to check again after the baby is born? As I understand, the main problem with thyroid function problems is if undiagnosed (but not to baby, you will just feel dreadful)

Do you know if you are having a boy or girl?

for you

[squizita]

Thanks all! :)

I'm having a little girl!

This is all so useful, one less thing to worry about. :)

[TwentyTinyToes]

A lovely little girl! Congratulations!

I meant to add that you might find that your cyst is much less obvious after your baby is born. A combination of the thyroid behind the cyst no longer swelling and less water retention/weight gain. I was given the option of removing mine but decided not to because it is now much less obvious now and does not cause any problems.

Please come back and let us know how you are if you have a spare minute. Also any other questions then please ask.

[squizita]

Thanks Twenty I saw my GP yesterday who mentioned this. She went through my scan results (said the sonographer was "very astute" too, phew). Essentially it's a cyst with some solid matter, mostly "peripheral vascularity" which is good but traces of some in the middle. So most likely benign but it would be irresponsible not to double check. She pointed out he worded it "consider biopsy after birth" not "urgent biopsy she's risky" which is apparently a good sign.
She said there is a slight risk of "malignant cells" but they would remove the cyst and some of the thyroid (it's luckily right on one side) meaning with meds a full recovery would be most likely even if the biopsy was concerning.
Phew so far... now I just have to give birth, let them know and they can jab my neck with a needle.

[squizita]

The last bit's a joke btw. Reckon labour and tiny baby might take my mind of a swollen neck though!

[TwentyTinyToes]

Nothing like trying to evict a baby to focus your mind!