Thyroglobulin

[shmaners]

After my TT, the radiologist made an error and didn't give me the proper dose of RAI.  I'm in the 6 month waiting period to see if I will need another treatment.  My previous endo said the thyroglobulin would be the indicator as to whether or not I'd need a second treatment.  On 9/28 (four weeks post RAI, before starting levothyroxin) my labs were:

Thyroglobulin 31 ng/ml
TSH 76.48
FT4 <0.15.  

Today I got my next labwork back and my levels are now

Thyroglobulin 0.4
TSH 0.10
FT4 1.2


I'm not sure if these are 'good' results or not? I'm also curious as to all the controversy regarding synthroid vs. generic. I'm on levothyroxin, but am wondering if I should request synthroid? I've only been on it for about 2 months...I don't have a chance to see my new endo until March, so I'm just looking for any feedback. Thanks!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It is difficult to determine at this point but the Tg of 0.4 with suppressed tsh of 0.1 suggests there is some thyroid tissue remaining but cannot tell difference between cancer and benign.  Depending on the stage of the initial cancer, a low dose of RAI may have been enough and then simply follow Tg levels and neck ultrasound.  If there is trend upwards in Tg, then more treatment may be needed.

I prefer consistency with thyroid meds and the best way to ensure this is using a brand.

[KAT57]

There is interesting information on the generic vs brand issue for thyroid replacement at:
http://www.thyroid.org.au/ThySoc/ThySocReplce.html

Regarding thyroglobulin check out
http://www.thyca.org/thyroglobulin.htm

[kathyMMM]

FYI:   Synthroid was turned DOWN over & over again  for approved use by the FDA until 2002 because of problems.  Look it up on Google.  Also google side effects of Synthroid.  The other thing to look up is the benefits of getting a med with both T3 & T4 in it.  Both of the two you names are T4 only.  The assumption is that your body will convert the T4 to T3 - but wouldn't your body do that on its own if it could!!?   Then look up Armour & Thyrolar.