Scared.......How can you tell if cancer is back?

galinbakersfield

I had TT  (+ 2 paratyroids removed) in 2008, and been monitored since. I now found out that I had papillary cancer, and the last few blood tests have shown my thyroglobulin levels slowly going up. I am awaiting tests results of a stimulated thyroglbulin levels. I did have a ultrasound that shows I have two swollen lymph nodes in my neck and tissue on both sides of my thyroid bed. These tests have never shown anything until the last three months. Anyone have same issue, if so what was the process and results. Please help Im freaking out. 

Our plan: Dr waiting blood test results which will most likely show re-growth, then order PET scan (which didnt work the first time before TT) and then see a surgeon. Then depending on uptake scan do RIA treatment after if possible

bhagaman

Feeling your pain

I too had a TT two parathyroids removed, and 24 lymph nodes removed from my neck, only 7 of those were cancerous. This was in 2010. I am currently awaiting my Thyrogen shots next week with a follow up thyrogen full body scan. I am too freaking out. How are things going for you? I have been clean since 2010, but I also have two swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, where they did not perform surgery the first time. The ultrasound didn't show anything strange, and my blood levels aren't concerned my doctor at all. Yet I'm still freaking out. I've had chest pain, neck pain inner ear pain, and my voice has been hoarse for a few weeks now, which also makes me a little concerned. Where are you at now with this? 

galinbakersfield

bhagaman said:

Feeling your pain

I too had a TT two parathyroids removed, and 24 lymph nodes removed from my neck, only 7 of those were cancerous. This was in 2010. I am currently awaiting my Thyrogen shots next week with a follow up thyrogen full body scan. I am too freaking out. How are things going for you? I have been clean since 2010, but I also have two swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, where they did not perform surgery the first time. The ultrasound didn't show anything strange, and my blood levels aren't concerned my doctor at all. Yet I'm still freaking out. I've had chest pain, neck pain inner ear pain, and my voice has been hoarse for a few weeks now, which also makes me a little concerned. Where are you at now with this? 

Ugh....

Well, since the last post, which I didn't know you replied to so I am very sorry. I had RAI treatment in April, I am 6 weeks out, my thyroglobulin levels are up, Dr wants to wait until 3 months, which is end of July. I am going to be having an ultrasound because several of my lymph nodes are still swollen, still have symptoms of cancer returning, and then a repeat blood test. From that point, it depends on what the blood tests say in conjuction with the ultrasoun. Until my Dr determins if this is returning, or jus the RAI doing it's job, he is keeping me hyper, which is just as bad as hypo if you ask me. 

galinbakersfield

bhagaman said:

Feeling your pain

I too had a TT two parathyroids removed, and 24 lymph nodes removed from my neck, only 7 of those were cancerous. This was in 2010. I am currently awaiting my Thyrogen shots next week with a follow up thyrogen full body scan. I am too freaking out. How are things going for you? I have been clean since 2010, but I also have two swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, where they did not perform surgery the first time. The ultrasound didn't show anything strange, and my blood levels aren't concerned my doctor at all. Yet I'm still freaking out. I've had chest pain, neck pain inner ear pain, and my voice has been hoarse for a few weeks now, which also makes me a little concerned. Where are you at now with this? 

Ugh....

ok