Thyroglobulin test

[heatherkwales]

I was diagnosed with Papiliary Thyroid Cancer last November which had also spread to the lymph.  I underwent a total Thyroidectomy in November and RAI treatment in Febuary of this year.
Two weeks ago I had a 6 month post treatment scan with RAI just to check how well the treatment went and whether or not I need more RAI.
Recently, whilst browsing the internet, I read somewhere that that prior to a Thyroglobulin test I would need to be off T3 for 2 weeks or off T4 for 4 weeks prior to the Thyroglobulin test.  
I know this is correct prior to the treatment and for the small amount of RAI with scan, but is it correct for the Thyroglobulin test also???
The only Thyroglobulin test I have had was about 6 weeks post treatment after re-starting T4 the day following treatment, therefore, I had not been starved of T4 at all.
Please could you tell me the correct way to test for Thyroglobulin, as I would like to think I am having it done correctly, with the correct results!.
Many thanks for your time,

Kindest Regards,

Heather

[AR-10]

You do not need to stop medication for a thyroglobulin test.

It is a blood test to measure thyroglobulin (which is produced by thyroid tissue). Whether or not you are taking thyroid meds will not matter. The only thing that can mess up the test is if you have Thyroglobulin antibodies.

They usually test for antibodies at the same time as they check for Thyroglobulin.

[nissah46]

I had my thyroglobulin test the morning of my scan, after taking 2 Thyrogen injections that week.  Did you use Thyrogen for your scan? If so, it does what going of your synthroid would do.  

[heatherkwales]

Many thanks for your comments.
I did not have Thyrogen for the scan, I have never had thyrogen for any treatment.

Kindest Regards,
Heather

[nissah46]

Did you go off your meds and on the LID prior to your most recent scan? I was on the LID for my 3 scans along with Thyrogen each time.

[heatherkwales]

Many thanks for your reply.
Yes I did go on the LID and off the thyroxin prior to the scan.  I have never had thyrogen though.
I had the scan results on Wednesday 3rd and I was told that all the thyroid has now gone.  So I am now in remission.  Yippee!!
I asked if I was cured and the oncologist said they would never be able to cure me, I may live the rest of my life without having the cancer return, or I may have recurrances, so they will keep a check on me for life because thyroid cancer has a long natural life and can remain dormant for many years.
How are you doing now?, do you have to have any more scans? How long since you were diagnosed?
Best of luck,

Heather

[nissah46]

Heather, I was diagnosed in March 2006 and had TT May 2006.  My most recent scan was April of this year.  It was clean. I will have either whole body scan or Ultra sound next April, and every year I understand.  I feel fine now, just have to take calcium supplements because of parathyroid issues, along with synthroid.
Trish

[heatherkwales]

Hi Trish,
Thanks for your reply,
I live in the UK.  I understand the normal treatment here to be:
Total Thyroidectomy, I131 followed by full body scan, 6 month post treatment, I131 with full body scan, then if that is clear, follow up with Thyroglobulin tests 6 monthly for a few years, then anually for life.
I believe my scan was the last unless the Thyroglobulin rises.

I was diagnosed November last year, I131 (3700mbq) with full body scan in February this year and the I131 (182mbq) with full body scan two weeks ago.
I have no parathyroid issues and take 250mg of Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) daily.

Take care,
Heather

[nissah46]

Our daughter is over your way now. She starts school in Glasgow in a week. Caledonia Univ.