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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Are these the right next steps?
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Are these the right next steps?
by dscoochie, May 07, 2008 01:02PM
After having a partial thyroidectomy in early April, it was found that I have papillary cancer, tumour size 1.8cm.
I am now going to schedule surgery for the removal of the other half of my thyroid followed by RAI.
My surgery wont be for three months (according to my surgeon, I should wait that long for the tissue to heal first). However, I'm wondering if there is any reason why I shouldnt book the RAI for immediatly after the surgery NOW, so that I dont have to wait again, and seeing as we already know its cancer. What is the suggested wait time after surgery for RAI treatment?
Also, should I, in the meantime, see my endo for bloodwork - should I be on thyroid meds? Currently, I am not taking anything, nor have I had any bloodwork done. Is there any reason why I should I press for this to be done quickly? My surgeon's office seems so casual about all of this, and I am freaking out!
Thanks.
I am now going to schedule surgery for the removal of the other half of my thyroid followed by RAI.
My surgery wont be for three months (according to my surgeon, I should wait that long for the tissue to heal first). However, I'm wondering if there is any reason why I shouldnt book the RAI for immediatly after the surgery NOW, so that I dont have to wait again, and seeing as we already know its cancer. What is the suggested wait time after surgery for RAI treatment?
Also, should I, in the meantime, see my endo for bloodwork - should I be on thyroid meds? Currently, I am not taking anything, nor have I had any bloodwork done. Is there any reason why I should I press for this to be done quickly? My surgeon's office seems so casual about all of this, and I am freaking out!
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 08, 2008 06:10AM
, May 08, 2008 06:10AM
Need to wait about 6 weeks after surgery for RAI.
Checking levels at this point is reasonable to see if some levothyroxine is needed.
Only other point would be to make sure there are no lymph nodes that need to be removed at the second surgery. This can be looked for with ultrasound (by experienced physician/surgeon) or CT scan.
Checking levels at this point is reasonable to see if some levothyroxine is needed.
Only other point would be to make sure there are no lymph nodes that need to be removed at the second surgery. This can be looked for with ultrasound (by experienced physician/surgeon) or CT scan.
