bloodwork and upcoming ultrasound

[nickie616]

About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule in my right lobe that has measured at 2cm consistantly over the years. I have had several ultrasounds (once a year) that have shown no signifigant changes. When the nodule was first discovered I was sent for a scan that showed it to be a "cold" nodule. From there I had an FNA that came back negative. I went to the Dr the other day because the nodule has recently started to feel different, It feels almost as if someone constantly has their hands wrapped around my neck. It's just more of an annoyance than anything. He sent me for the usual bloodwork that he checks every year (FT4 and TSH) which came bacl "normal" as usual. Maybe it's all in my mind, but something just feels different! I go on the 31st for another ultrasound and he will do an FNA if he thinks it warrants it. These are my lab results from the past 3 years....
2011- FT4 1.2 (0.7-1.8)    TSH 1.11 (.04-4.0)
2012- FT4 1.1 (0.7-1.8)    TSH 1.55 (.04-4.0)
2013- FT4 0.9 (0.7-1.8)    TSH 2.55 (.04-4.0)

any thoughts or anyone with similar expierience???

[nickie616]

Well, I had my ultrasound done today and ended up not getting the FNA. The nodule has grown and has gone from a solid nodule to now containing lots of little cystic pockets (too many to try to drain) and has calcifications (??) and some bleeding. I have an appointment with the surgeon next week to schedule a lobectomy. My endocrinologist said that they will get the pathology report fairly soon after the surgery and it will show if there is cancer and what kind. He said that until the surgery is preformed they wont know for sure what, or if any treatment plan will be used after.
I'm in a bit of shock because I really didn't think cancer was even on the table :( I know they say if you are going to get cancer this is the "best" one to have, but it's still quite scary.
He also says that my labs are still good

[nickie616]

It does cause me some anxiety, especially at night when I try to sleep. I am a stomach sleeper, and sometimes I actually choke if I lay so that my pillow touches my neck :(

When I go for my ultrasound next week I will ask about the FT3. I have had symptoms of hypothyroid for years. I was diagnosed about 8 years ago with lupus and have had many struggles healthwise ever since.

Thank you for the response :)

[Barb135]

Do you have symptoms of hypothyroidism?  I see that your FT4 has been consistently going down and is now, very low in its range, and your TSH has been consistently rising, and is now near the top of range ("new" range for TSH is 0.3-3.0).  

You should ask your doctor to test FT3, which is the hormone that's actually used by the individual cells.

Nodules can grow or shrink, which will make them feel differently.  The ultrasound will tell if the characteristics have changed and whether or not another FNA is warranted.  

One thing I did find, for myself, was that when I had the feeling you describe, like someone had their hands around my throat, it caused a lot of anxiety, and the worse the anxiety got, the tighter it felt like my throat was being squeezed.