Thyrogen and thyroglobulin tests
Hi everyone,
I was hoping someone would be able to clarify some things for me.
Two years ago I had a TT for papillary with follicular variant (3 cm nodule). A few months later I had an ablation dose of RAI, and last week ( a year and a half later), I had a tracer dose (5 mci) of Thyrogen RAI as a follow-up. My endo said that the scan found a small concentration in the thyroid bed, but she can't really conclude my results until she gets my thyroglobulin test results back (which is any day now). She said if the thyroglobulin test comes back low, I'm in the clear. If not, I'll need another ablation dose.
My thyroglobulin levels have been tested every 2-3 months for the past year and have consistantly been very low, which my endo was happy about. What I'm confused about is would the thyroglobulin test be any different while on Thyrogen? From what I understand, TSH is what suppresses thyroid tissue recurrences, so I guess I'm confused on how it all correlates.
Also, I was hesitant to even do this second tracer dose of RAI. I know that research says it's harmless, etc. but I truly hate having radioactive material in my body, and all the isolation that comes with it. If my endo recommends another ablation dose, is it necessary that I have it done? Is it an option to just monitor my thyroglobulin levels for a while? I need to avoid another round of RAI at all costs! being away from my job for four or five days is just not possible until 2010.
I'd appreciate any advice or information. Sorry this is so long!
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