RAI + Thyroidectomy - percentage of recurrence?

[Monique0118]

Greetings!

Last 06 December 2007, I had total thyroidectomy due to papillary carcinoma stage 1 noninvasive. Then last 4 January 2008 I was treated with 100mCi of radioactive iodine. My serum thyroglobulin level last June 2008 was less than 0.20. Up to now even a daily dosage of 100 micrograms of levothyroxin, I am still hypothyroid (my TSH level is still above 40.) I was told by my endocrinologist that this is a good sign because it means that all thyroid tissues were removed and there is no recurrence of the CA. I was supposed to have a body scan last July but financial constraints hindered me from having one. So my doctor relied only on my serum thyroglobulin test. I felt small lumps on my neck but ultrasound results showed on lymphadenopathy and was told that these are not related to cancer. They did not see any thyroid remnant.

I don't know if I should be very much concerned of any recurrence of my cancer but I trust God to help me with my sickness. I was told that this is the most curable cancer and I thank God that mine was detected "early".

[nissah46]

Your TSH sounds high.  It should be suppressed to 0.1 or less for cancer patients.Your Tg looks good.
Trish  

[Monique0118]

Thanks for your comment, Trish.

Yes, it's really quite high. Previously it was more than 100 when I had to have my serum thyroglobulin test. I notice that just a week of non-intake of eltroxin and my TSH level soars! After four months of 100 micrograms of eltroxin, it's still high so I am on my second day of a daily dosage of 200 micrograms of eltroxin. Hope it will work this time. I am due for another TSH test this December.

Best regards to you:-).

Monique