Oncologist Meeting

The meeting with the Radiation Oncologist was today. They took some blood to see where my TSH and TGH levels are at because they will determine when the radiation is done. It is looking like in 3 to 5 weeks from now the treatment will take place.

Before I went into the meet with the doctor I did look up many different studies and articles. I always do this because I like to have a good idea of what is going on before I even talk to the doctor. This time it made for some really interesting reactions from both the doctor and nurse. When given the low iodine diet sheet I picked out things that were incorrect and brought it to their attention. It has on the "foods not to eat" list canned veggies, canned fruit, canned anything. It also goes on to say you can consume soda if it is in a plastic or glass bottle. So I asked if there is some correlation between an aluminium can and iodine. The office was not to sure about that one but they did try to find the answer. They ended up giving me the name of a well know thyroid doctor who is in Kentucky (Very, very good source of info, look on the left for his link). I was rather amused and assured by that move. It showed me that the staff is not going to just make up answers. So I am glad to be working with them on my case.

Getting in to see the endocrinologist has been more of a hassle because they are so booked. My doctor called and talked to them and also my mother had friend who is a neurosurgeon call to give a referral. When I had first called I was told January was the earliest I could get in but due to the many doctors calling the office I now have an appointment for Sept. 17th.

Also all the doctors appointment are tiring but I do want anyone who is going through this to see that it doesn't have to control your life. I am still taking 14 credit hours of college classes this semester. I have talked to my professors so they know what is going and they have been very good in understanding my situation. The only reason to even tell them is because I will have to miss some classes when I am glowing from radiation!

So if you are going trough this too, don't be afraid to email me or post a comment. I would love to help answer any questions you may have about the process and I am always here to hear your concerns.

Pains

Well I finally got somewhere with the doctors office. This is only after I was crying last night because I was in so much pain. I am not too sure why it is but for some reason because I am off the synthroid I am having muscle pains. It is not a cramp or strain but feels like kinda a mix of the two. It does not happen in just one area or another, it happens everywhere! Last night it was in my right chest and I could not move because it was so bad. Earlier in yesterday I was having them in my back thighs and bum. Today it is in my upper right arm. Today it is not as sharp of a pain it is dull and sticking around. I had it when I woke up and 8 hours later it is still there.

About the doctors office I finally talked to a nurse that calls back when she says she will. She even was so helpful that she called and got me into the Radiation Oncologist for this Friday! When I previously called I was told that I would not be able to get in until January! That was a joke! This nurse called and spoke to office and suddenly they had an appointment open. Thing are hopefully really going to get going and and over with soon!

Test Results

My results came in on the biopsy on August 7th a day early. The cells were reactive lymph node cells that are benign. On August 16th I went for the first step with the I-131 scan. I got to the hospital at 6:45am and was taken into a room in the Nuclear Medicine department. There was a small metal jar on a table that I sat next to. I talk to the nurse who told me all the precaution about not getting too close to children and making sure that I use plastic eating utensils for the next few days. After her spiel she opened the jar (which was about half inch thick), took out another plastic tube, and dropped a pill in my hand which I then swallowed.

I went about my weekend as normal but avoided kids (including my adorable nephew Liam). on Monday morning I was back in the hospital for the first of two scans. I was so tired so I was half asleep during the scan which took a total of 45 minutes. I just layed on a table that slowly moved me as it scanned. When it was done scanning my head and neck I turned to look at the screen and see if there was anything there. There was. I saw three round balls glowing brighter then a lightening bug. Those glowing spots ment that not all of the thyroid cells were removed.
On day two of the scans showed the masses once again.

Now I am just waiting to speak with a Radiation Oncologist and an Endocrinologist.

Post Op

Surgery was over and I had my follow up with the doctor. He did not want to do any follow up scans or tests. I started on my synthroid pills and they are amazing! I actually felt like I had more energy after surgery then before. A month later I still did have the enlarged lymph node in my neck which was concerning to me. I went to my primary care doctor and she ordered an ultrasound of the node to determine it's size. It came back measuring 2.6 x .9 x 1.1cm. This raised enough concern and I was sent back to an ENT surgeon.

This time I chose to go with a different doctor would was younger and would have an aggressive approach. I went in for my appointment and the doctor preformed a fine needle biopsy on the node along with ordering an I-131 scan.