Yes, he will biopsy the nodule. Thank you for responding :0)
I am not telling you what to do, but if I get to the point where you are, I would only get RAI if after the doctor removed the nodules, and the biopsy showed thyroid cancer. If no cancer, I wouldn't get RAI. The doc did say he was going to biopsy the nodules, right?
Best of luck!
:) Tamra
Tamra, this is why I originally decided on the surgery rather then the RAI when provided the option. I have cancer on both sides, maternal and paternal and has recently moved down to my generation, my first cousin. This made me feel my risk might be slightly higher. Yesterday I went for my pre-op and my regular dr, which I highly respect, was saying that there is no evidence that RAI increases the risk, and it's a small dosage. My first Endo said the same thing, but I found a few articles from universities that have found otherwise, even though the risk is low. Again with my family history, I didn't want to risk it. I think I'm just second guessing myself.
My condition is hyperthyroidism with multi-nodules on both lobes. The largest is 3.1 cm and another 1.0, the rest are smaller in size. I don't know the dose they would give me, but I would guess it would destroy most of the thyroid. My endo said I would most likely become hypo.
My surgery is Monday but I'm very nervous about the after effects. The surgeon is recommending tt because of the multinodules on both lobes.
Studies have shown that people with RAI have a slightly higher risk of getting stomach and other cancers 10 years down the line. The risk is slightly higher, but because of this, some endos don't recommend that younger patients 30s below, get RAI unless absolutely necessary. I am 37. If these nodules of mine grow bigger and I require treatment, I am going with an experienced thyroid surgeon, and I will get RAI only if the nodule is cancerous.
That is my opinion, but in the end, you have to decide what makes you most comfortable. Some people are not willing to risk surgery.
:) Tamra
Well, I think it depends on the thyroid condition you are being treated for.
Some Drs. say that RAI has fewer complications than surgery. Other Drs. say "Let's take it out."
The end result of RAI depends on the dose of radiation you are given.
My personal experience was that the RAI was effective. It took nearly 3 months to work. The waiting is horrible if you have hyper anxiety. My thyroid is still partially working. It just needs a little help with some Levoxyl.