Thyroid carcinoma and lung metastases

[Susan108]

Dear Dr. Lupo,
I have mixed papillary/follicular thyroid carcinoma that has spread to my lungs.  For now, the endocrinologist is keeping my TSH at 0.1 with a high dose of Synthroid, and is monitoring my thyroglobulin levels ever 3 months.  I had my first radioactive iodine ablation in last month, so he wants to wait until November to do another whole body scan. If there are still lung metastases, they will do a second radioactive iodine ablation.

Is that a typical timeline for treatment?  I was pretty worried when they told me about the lung metastases, and am not sure if I should be waiting 6 months for more radioactive iodine.  Or does the iodine I got last month need awhile to work on these cells?

Many thanks!

Susan

[ChitChatNine]

Thank you Dr. Lupo .. I, too, was so glad you were able to get here for Dr. Lupo's support as I couldn't answer your ? either .........

Keep us posted on the community and WELCOME!

Cheryl

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Would recommend 6 months before considering additional I-131.  You may need another dose - depending on Tg levels and whole body scan at that time.  Keeping TSH low <=0.1 is appropriate.  Would also confirm lung mets with CT scan at some point to get an idea of #/size (probably already done).  Avoid CT w/ contrast if I-131 scan/treatment planned within 3 months.

[stella5349]

I am so happy you got to get on this expert side with your question - I read it over on the community side and I couldn't comment.

I pray your answers come.

[dalet4]

A related discussion, 6nodules was started.