You might remember my ongoing thyroid cancer saga. For those of you who don’t, here’s the short-ish history.
December 2015:
-During regular annual exam, doctor says my thyroid should have an ultrasound because it doesn’t feel right.
-Ultrasound finds large nodules on my thyroid.
January 2016:
-Testing is done:Â one is inconclusive for cancer the other is benign
-I opt to have it removed
February 2016:
-thyroid removed
March of 2016:
-Pathology shows my thyroid had was cancerous
April 2016:
-go on low iodine diet
-given Radioactive Iodine to treat it-mine was pill form
Fall of 2016:
tests done all looks good
Spring 2017:
My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker starts rising-nothing serious
tests done, nothing conclusive
Fall 2017
My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker rises
tests done, nothing conclusive
Spring 2018
My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker rises
tests done, nothing conclusive
get sent to Mayo Clinic as the numbers moved higher
Fall 2018
My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker rises to higher alert stage
tests done, nothing conclusive
Spring 2019
My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker rises
tests done, nothing conclusive
Go back to Gundersen Lacrosse
Fall 2019
My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker rises
tests done, nothing conclusive
I was told that my Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker needs to stay below 2 for me to be considered cancer free. Over 2 is considered a returned cancer. I was told that over 10 is considered the window for treatment. Last fall, mine was 26 unstimulated and 53 stimulated. That’s much higher than 10. I was put through a lot of testing but cancer did not appear in any test. They normally don’t treat someone if they can’t find the spot where the cancer is. I’ve had Pet Scans, Full body scans, ultrasounds, CT scans, needle biopsies…nothing has come back conclusive. So…I was sent home and asked to come back in three months.
Well…that’s now. I’m going back today.
Talk was that my number was getting high enough that they might treat me blindly…but other doctors have said they don’t want to treat blindly. Other doctors have said that we might not have a choice on treating me blindly if my numbers keep going up. Who knows? All I know is that if I pushed it either way, I think the doctors would take my input seriously. I haven’t at this point.
The debate is that I can only be treated with Radioactive Iodine likely 3-4 times depending on dosage. I’ve been treated once already. We don’t want to throw a chance away in case I need chances down the road. So the hope is that either a miracle happens and my number has dropped to an acceptable rage or that something shows up on the tests that is conclusive and we can attack it with surgery, radioactive iodine or both.
I’m told that my case isn’t normal. Typically if numbers go up, they can find the source. Leave it to me to be abnormal. That surprises no one I’m sure.
So today is my day. I’ll let you know what I find out on Tuesday. I do know this much. I went in and did the blood draw last week. My Thyroglobulin Tumor Marker that was at 26 unstimulated went to 32. It’s a rise…rises are never good but at least it hasn’t double like it has in the past.
While you’re reading this I’m likely on my way to Lacrosse to have a neck CT and talk with my Doctor. I’ll give you a update on what I found in tomorrow’s blog post.
Praying for good news Jo.
You will be in my prayers.
Prayers for you my dear friend.
Prayers and hugs to you. I hope you get some answers so you can put this to rest!
Sending prayers for you.
Hugs…thoughts….prayers!
Positive thought and prayers for you and your family. Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you something definitive. Not knowing and having it drag on is so frustrating, I’m sure.
Praying for answers and a plan. Hugs.
Used to do those drives, from north central TX to OK City to the VA for my husband’s medical care following Agent Orange exposure illnesses. Always a bit of driving the 135 miles with fingers crossed. I know your worries and concerns are close to home for you. Positive thoughts and prayers fly on your way with you. (I designed quilts in my head for many of the open miles, and shopped at a great quilt shop in OKC.)
Best of luck with your appointment, Jo!!
So informative – and concerning. Pray you find answers.
Thinking only good thoughts for you today….
Good Luck Jo, I hope all goes well
Praying that you have some positive results. Hugs.
Oh I hope you get get news. Prayers and Hugs
Praying for some news the doctors can work with.
Thoughts and prayers with you Jo.
KRAMER STRONG Praying the numbers drop and no unneccessary treatment for you. Prayers to you.
You’re in our prayers, Jo and family.
Keeping you in my prayers.
I hope things go well for you! I had my thyroid removed due to cancer almost 7 years ago. It’s never fun when numbers fluctuate cause it always means more tests.
Prayers for you!
Having had thyroid cancer and treated with radioactive iodine I identify with your crisis. Here’s hoping everything gets resolved soon. Best Wishes
Praying for a good outcome, Jo. Been following you for the last 2 years and feel deep sympathy for you on the journey you are on. Don’t know where God is leading you, but I am sure He is with you every faltering step of the way. Lean on His strong arm and let Him be your comfort.
On another note, You might want to consider taking a look at the book Chris Beat Cancer by Chris Wock. He had Stage 4 colon cancer 16 years ago and is now helping people choose natural ways to combat cancer without drugs. (and, I might add, if needed, I would choose his way and I make my living as a pharmacist!)