T3,T4 and TSH results and what do they really mean

[prncsstoo2]

Can someone please tell me what the T3, T4 and TSH blood test really mean?  I have a large complex begign nodule with several cystic pockets which has grown significantly over the past four years.  But everytime my PCP orders labwork, my labs come back within normal limits.  I went to see an ENT surgeon who is going to be removing the right thyroid gland in December.  But I am confused - shouldn't my blood result reflect something?  Is the growth alone an indicator of something else?  
My latest results read as follws:
T3, total   157  Reference range 60-181
T4, free    1.1  Reference range 08-1.8
TSH         0.42 Reference range 0.40-5.50
So the ENT says I am on the higher side of T3 but on the low end for TSH.  What does that mean?  If one is elevated does it affect the others?  I really don't understand this at all.  I has fatigue and wieght gain which makes me think hypothyroidism but the reults don't reflect it.  
Why does the thyroid grow without the lab reflecting anything?  I had a ultrasound on Oct 1 and then a FNB on Oct 31.  In 30 days the nodule grew from 4.7 cm to 6.1 cm.  Rapid growth and yet the pathology comes back benign.  I am having it removed anyway and I have been warned that it still could be cancerous.  As a cancer survivor of 25 years (uterine) I am bracing for the worst and will be pleasantly surprised if it isn't.  I noticed how many questions relate to test results and I really would like to understand what it all means.  Also is it true if only part of thyroid is removed thyroid replacement drugs are not needed at all?  I appreciate help

[GravesLady]

Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. Some times Graves' can cause nodule(s). Graves' Disease is the opposite of Hashi.
With your low TSH suggest hyperthyroidism.  With T-3 being highter than T-4 suggest Graves'.

Good Luck!

[prncsstoo2]

I never had antibodies done - never seen an endocrine either - only PCP and ENT have seen me.  ENT says he will have endocranologist see me while I am in hospital and then followup care with her.  Since it is so large and very noticable I am fine with it being removed just frightened of the after effects.  I'm interested in what Grave's disease is.  Any suggestions to get info.  Internet can be overwhelming and not always reliable sourses.  Again thanks for the feedback

[GravesLady]

Kudos and Congrats on being a cancer survivor of 25 years. Continuing good health!

Most nodules show normal thyroid levels as well as no symptoms.  If you are  estrogen the FTs should have been done for estrogen interferes with levels. However your Labs looks like Graves' disease.  Did you have antibodies done? This will confirm autoimmune thyroid, however  a some what different issue than nodule, i.e. no influences of each other.
TSH influences both F/Ts and F/Ts normally go in the opposite direction of TSH, unless other health issues are going on.  Hyper and hypo share some of the same symptoms as well as other health conditions.  Weight gain and fatigue is not unusual for hyper's. Being hyper we are going on speed which leaves us fatigue.  As far as weight gain, we might be eating a little more to make up for the speed/extra energy used.
If you only have part of the thyroid removed the other half will still be functioning (unless RAI is giving to destroy the remaining thyroid which is normally done with a total due to cancer) therefore thyroid meds will depend on your levels, half functioning (normally a total will also leave a little residue functioning thyroid as well but meds will normally be needed for that situation) thyroid might be enough to keep you off meds. However,  expect your symptoms to remain and possible others to show up as your hyperthyroidism still progresses with the remaining half of your functioning thyroid.

Good Luck!