First Oncology Appointment

[katbid]

Hello All,

I had my TT on 31 Dec.  Surgery really wasn't too bad.  They did a great job.  The wound is starting to heal and I think it is going to look great in about another month or so.  

I saw my oncologist the first time yesterday.  He was awesome.  He explained things so well.  But I always forget what questions I want to ask every time I go to a DR. Appt.

So Here is my Path report:
The largest lesion represents a well-differentiated follicular variant of papillary carcinoma (3cm).
The smallest lesion represents a well-differentiated classic papillary carcinoma (0.2cm)
The large nodule of tumor was disrupted and partially protruded through the open capsule.

My blood work prior to surgery:
Thyroglobulin:  899.   Ref range: 0.5-55.
T4 Free: 0.62  Ref Range 0.82-1.77
TSH 5.71  Ref Range 0.34-5.60

For those that have not read any of my other posts.  I was diagnosed with Graves and Toxic Multinodular Goiter.  These lab results were done 4 days prior to my TT.

I start my Low Iodine diet Monday.  I will do that for two weeks and then go in for the two shots prior to the RAI.  I will have high dose RAI on the 9th of Feb and WBS on the 16th of Feb.  He said there is a chance of the cancer spreading due to one of the tumors rupturing.  

I have noticed that all DR's talk to you pretty matter of factly and I end up leaving wondering if they told me everything.  He didn't tell me what stage.  Not sure at what point I will find that out.  I have read where sometimes this can turn into anaplastic carcinoma.  Is this true?  

Can anyone tell me what the procedure is if the WBS shows that the cancer has spread?  BTW, they did not remove my lymph nodes during TT.

Thanks for any input

[katbid]

Thank you for your reply.  I actually did not have FNA.  The endo decided against it since he said I needed the TT anyway.  I will check out my Path Report and see what it says.

Thanks again

[MANmom]

Get a copy of the Pathology report, that should have some letters such at T1, etc.  That can tell you what stage you are.  Google stages of thyroid cancer, there will be definitions.  Google everything you don't understand, you can find out everything you need to know.  Your 3 cm cancer is big, the .2 cm is not.  Did you have an FNA?  That could explain the disruption and protrusion.  Sometimes when they do the FNA you will get a protrusion through the needle site.  Your Thyroglobulin is very high (due to the cancer), that is an indicator of thyroid cancer.  When they test you in the future, they will test your thyroglobulin, if you have a spike in TG after having a thyrogen injection, then they will know if you are having a recurrance.  You have no lymph involvement, that is good.  I think you will be fine, RAI should take care of the remaining thyroid tissue, you will be watched for many years, but thyroid cancer is one of the most curable...good luck!