Bleeding risk, lowered immune system so infection risk, longer healing. Lots of reasons. May need to find a different surgeon who agrees with oncologist on the need for surgery. The removal of my thyroid is on hold indefinitely because of the long term treatment I need. Good news was they might not need to do total removal now but still can't do it for awhile due to cancer being more important health issue.

I’ve had time to think. Now I’m unhappy, perhaps angry. Adrenal mass was found midway thru adjunct Chemo. .Both oncologist and surgeon had said to finish chemo, then do Adrenalectomy if nec. So now 2 months later, chemo is completed that mass is not discernible.

Great news - right? WRONG. Oncologist still says best chance to save life but surgeon won’t do adrenalectomy bc mass is gone.

So why oh why wasn’t Adrenalectomy done mid chemo???

Side effects can be from any of the above, chemo, radiation or immunotherapy. Oncologist may have suggested something without lining up the opinions of surgeons so it wasn't an actual option. My thyroid surgeon is kept in the loop on my treatment so it may be an option in the future. They will revisit the surgery question in 6 months to see if it's safe or if we have to wait longer.

Thanks for your reply. Appreciate your feedback.
Are the side effects you listed from radiation and/or immunotherapy?
We also tabled another less urgent health issue due to cancer taking precedence.

Yes, another surgeon is an option. But really doubt they’d agree to remove a now no mass, functioning adrenal gland. (Yes, it’s elective surgery, but we just can’t “request” it, lol.) Original surgical oncologist is discussing husband’s situation with tumor board next week.

I know hindsight is not helpful, but I cannot stop thinking, why Adrenalectomy wasn’t an option when found midway thru chemo? Cancerous gland would have been removed, and last 2 chemos would have eliminated any pesky cancer specs.

I’m feeling uninformed and sadly betrayed.

I can’t answer your question. I just completed 33 days of radiation and 6 chemo sessions. My radiologist tells me that the tumor is shrinking. The combination of radiation and chemo has made me very tired but not sick. I now have a break awaiting more scans. I hope you find answers and peace❤️❤️