FNA positive for recurrent thyroid cancer

[amela321]

Well, as I expected, my FNA of the node in my neck found after my ultrasound was positive for papillary cancer cells.  I had to insist on the FNA even though my stimulated TSH was 6.0 and there was something found on the ultrasound, because my whole body scan came back negative and my doctor thought the chances of the cancer coming back after 23 years were close to none.

I just want to tell everyone out there to be diligent about their care and insist on what you think is best for you.  Had it been up to my endocrinologist, I would have followed up in six months.  Stay on top of your care.  Always get records of everything.  Most of all, trust your instincts and if your doctor won't do what you feel is necessary, find another one who will.  

Sorry for the long post.  Best wishes to anyone out there going through any sort of thyroid problems.

[utahmomma]

I'm sure the iodine absorbtion testing is something that could be done in a lab (probably not in pathology).  It's worth asking about - even if your doctors need to call a cancer hospital or the oncology department to ask.  

I mean, if it is going to save you going through radiation if it won't absorb the radiation - that's worth it.  And, since it didn't show up on the scan, I'm betting it won't absorb iodine.   But what do I know, I'm no doctor.  :-)

[amela321]

Thanks all, for the good thoughts.  Utah, I know they are going to do a neck dissection.  Are they able to then test what they take out for RAI avidity?  I didn't know they could do that, but if they can, then I will for sure ask for that.

[MJ13]

I very sorry to hear about your reoccurance, but am really glad you shared your story with us here.  Your story truly underlines how important it is to have doctors that listen to us thyca patients and how important it is for frequent follow-up exams for the rest of our lives.  Please keep us all up to date on your progess.  We're all pulling for you!!!

MJ
Papca Dec 06
Graves Disease Sep 06

[utahmomma]

Oops - forgot to ask.  I'm guessing they are talking neck dissection, right?   If so; when they remove the lymph nodes are they going to test to see if this recurrence is iodine-resistant (hence why it didn't show on the scan) so they can find another form of treatment other than RAI???

[utahmomma]

I'm sorry for the recurrence!   I'm glad that you didn't just listen to the docs and pushed for more testing.  It's sad how many docs don't even check the Tg on cancer patients!  Even fewer realize that just a *small* increase in the Tg can mean recurrence too.

I'm sorry you are going to have to go through all of this again but I'm so glad that you pushed to catch it before it spread even more!

Hang in there

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03
recurrence '06 and possibly '08

[kipland]

So sorry to hear about the recurrent cancer.  But good for you for trusting your instincts and staying on top of things!!  Glad you're doing okay.  Thank goodness for the supportive hubby.  We're here for you too!
Lori

[amela321]

I'm doing ok.  Thank you for asking.  I just want to get things moving and get it taken care of.  I'm not patient by nature so waiting for surgery, more tests, other treatment, etc... will probably be a bit wearing.  I have a wonderful, supportive husband, though, who will help me through it as will this message board :)

[ChitChatNine]

Trusting your instincts..............thank you so much for this post ............. I am so glad you persued your instincts and caught this re-occurence.  

How are you doing emotionally?  I hope ok .. Cheryl

[amela321]

Sorry, TSH stimulated thyroglobulin was 6.0.  TSH wasn't 6.0