thyroglobulin test

[jae42]

I had surgery on 7-9.  Found pappilary cancer on both sides of thyroid and in a very large lymph node on side of neck.   They removed all of this.  My first question is about the thyroglobulin test.  One doctor said if this test comes back at 'zero', the RAI would not be necessary, saying if it is not needed, it should not be taken due to the slight possiblity of luekemia.  another doctor is saying I should have the RAI.  
Another question:  Can pappilary cancer spread to the bone and lungs?  one doctor says no, but everything i read says it IS possible.  I am needing a lower jaw tooth pulled and the bone is deteriorating.  Do you think I should ask for the tissues from the jaw bone have a biopsy?  
Thanks,
Joce

[shannon828]

So, how did it go?  Did I miss an update somewhere?  I hope you are feeling well!

[jae42]

How are you feeling today?  I am doing well.  my neck and glands feel tender like after the surgery, but so far so good.  no problems.  I live alone, so no one around to worry about getting too close.  
Did you go home or stay in the hospital?  Let me know how you feel.

[jae42]

Yes, have been on LID for about a week.  took the pill yesterday and they said to stay on it for another week while this works.
my dr called this morning to see how i was doing.  he is going to get me on meds at least by friday next week, but he said if i get too miserable, he would give me a small dose sooner.  his office will call monday and check again and give me the appt time for friday.

[dscoochie]

I am doing my RAI this morning - but I have a question - did you prepare for the RAI with a LID?  I know some people dont, but most do.  

Just curious.

Good luck today - and wish me luck too!!!

D

[jae42]

Thanks!!!  and Good Luck to you, too!!

[thyroidless1944]

It looks as though AR-10 answered your questions pretty well.  Good luck with the RAI.  I am going on Saturday.

[AR-10]

Thyroglobulin is produced by thyroid cells. There is a normal range for a thyroglobulin test, but I don't know what the upper limit is. In your particular case the doctor was looking for a result of 2.0 or less.

Your test result is not surprising, because it is impossible to cut out all the thyroid tissue. If the surgeon removed your entire gland you would lose your vocal cords and various nerves.

RAI is common after surgery such as you had. They will want to run the Thyroglobulin test again in six months or so to be sure the RAI worked, and they will again be looking for a very low result, hopefully zero.

Best of luck with the RAI. Get some sour candies to suck on the first few days, and drink lots of water. Find out what the isolation protocols are and follow them as best you can.  

[jae42]

Well, received the results back and what the doctor wanted at zero, came back 22.  can anyone tell me what is normal range for the thyroglobulin?  I am to do the RAI tomorrow.  They didn't want to wait any longer.  
thanks!

[AR-10]

Are you still here?

You don't have to pay to ask the doctor questions.
The "doctor attended" forums only accept so many questions per day.

Your thyroglobulin is NOT going to come back at zero. You should do the RAI treatment. Thyroid cancer WILL spread to other parts of the body if it was not completely removed by surgery. RAI is a pre-emptive strike to kill it before it can get a foothold.

I wouldn't worry about bone cancer in your jaw, but that's just me.  

[jae42]

ok, i see,  you have to pay to ask the doctor.  well, thanks, anyway.  

[jae42]

well, i thought i posted this to the doctor's forum.  but i see it is in the regular one.  how do i post to the doctor's forum?