Thyrogen Shots Vs. Withdrawl for RAI

[thyroidbride]

Hi Dr.

I had Papillary cancer with lymph node involvement, TT one month ago.  I am about to start preparing for RAI, and I am wondering about the risk of having Thyrogen shots vs. going off my Synthroid.  I would prefer to avoid going hypo by taking the shots, but I want the most effective treatment, so I'm not sure if this is wise.  My endo says I can do it whichever way I prefer.

[Liz94]

Take the shots!!  DO NOT let them take away your Synthroid, gaurd it with your life!!!

[shannon828]

Well, Thyrogen was approved for ablation in December of 2007.  They found that the results were nearly the same for people going off their meds vs. people who did Thyrogen shots.  I know in my case, my surgeon put me on Cytomel (which is faster acting) in case my levels don't go high enough for scans and RAI.  This way they can pull me off and I would get hypo a lot faster than if I was on Synthroid which takes two weeks to get out of your system.  Anyway, all the research points to Thyrogen being a very comparable result to going completely hypo and your endo wouldn't recommend it if he didn't think you were a good candidate for it.  Plus, the QOL issue is huge when it comes to this treatment.  If you have a positive attitude it will really help and I think it's pretty challenging to have one when on that stupid diet AND being hypo for two weeks.

JMHO.

[ChitChatNine]

Hi  . this is the patient forum but there are a few who have gone or are going thyrogen route .. I am sure they will post after work!

Cheryl