Sometimes technology can be such a hassle, fighting with updates, checking email, etc., but today I love it!
It was that time again. My yearly tests; blood work, thyrogen shots and full-body scan. After weeks on LID (Low Iodine Diet), several days of shots and blood work I finished off Thursday with a whole body scan. I went online, August 7th, one day after my WBS and saw my results along with my blood work! I can get use to this.
After I had my surgeries and treatment in 2013 my blood levels just were not going down like they should be. Last year, even though I had no more tumors showing in my body my thyroglobulin levels were still high. This meant cancer was still present. All I could do is wait another year for more tests. Was my body fighting or was in letting me down?
Well, everything looks great! The scan was clear. But, most importantly this time around, my Thyroglobulin is down from 1.7 to 0.9 (This number should be 0 if at all possible). This may not seem like a huge jump in numbers, but this is the closest someone can get to saying “You are cancer free”. After two years of waiting I will take it!
I am exhaling a huge breath of happiness and relief!
I will be back next year for my yearly tests, of course. I want everyone who is battling thyroid cancer or knows someone who is, to know the importance of a life-long testing. This cancer may not come back. There is a chance it can. It could be a year, or twenty years from now. If it does come back catching it early is the key! Keep up with your tests and check ups. I know no one likes LID and do not get me started on the cost of the thyrogen shots, alone! It is still very important to be consistent with our care and being your own advocate as well.
I went in for my Monday and Tuesday thyrogen shots and all I got were these two band-aides. The nurse obviously had a sense of humor.
This is Me 
More good news, Mary Anne! Keep up the diligence in testing, as well as your positive attitude! Enjoy life!! Jo
Thanks for the update! Was it slow dying cancer or just a test fluke?
May all of your wishes came true!!!
Hugs!!!
Thank you, thyroid geek! I think it was just stubborn cancer cells, because it was a higher and consistent reading for awhile after my treatment. Some people it takes longer, up to a year even before their bodies are cleared. It was just scary because it had been a few years since. I am happy to be in the clear. Well, as clear as I can get considering (at 0.9). many people don’t ever get a clear of cancer diagnosis. Now to keep the suppression levels stable and I will be good. You just never know with thyroid cancer. One year your thyroglobulin levels can be almost nonexistent and then the next year go up. We just have to keep going to our screenings.
It is getting off-topic, but I would like to proceed anyways. I do not know what kind of music do you like, but I want to send some great (in my opinion) music files for you to listen. The music therapy is well-known practice, so could you please drop me a line (to my e-mail I suing to sign for my comments and I will send you the MP-3 files (each is about 4 Mb file size)
Thank you, Thyroid Geek! Music is great therapy. x
Mary Anne, I think of you often. How are you doing? I hope your health is all good! Blessings! Jo
Hi, Jo! Thank you for posting, and always appreciate you checking on me. I had a rough year, losing my mother a year ago in June. I let myself go, and have gained a bit of weight, but fighting to get back on track now.
I hope you are well, and send you much love! x
Thanks for your reply, Mary Anne. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I lost my sister suddenly in January, to pancreatic cancer. Just one month from diagnosis to death. I still can’t believe that she is gone. I’m sure you feel that way about your mother. It’s a big adjustment to lose a loved one. I assume that your thyroid issues are all in check. You are the most diligent person that I know when it comes to advocating for your health. And that is very wise! Wishing you well, always!! Jo
I am sorry to hear about your sister. That is so sudden. It is tough and I still can’t believe she is gone. I am feeling good, and will go to the doctor in July for my six-month check up. With the weight gain there is always concern from my doctors, but I am going to be fighting pretty hard in the next few months to get back on track again. I need to post an update on my blog as well. It has been awhile.
Much Love to you! x