CancerCompass message board discussion started by BonnieTN on 5/11/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23930,0.htm Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ One year ago I was dx w/papillary cancer in both lobes; as a result, a complete thyroidectomy was performed.  I went off meds for 6 weeks before the RAI.  Went back on thyroid meds and had the WBS.  Result was residual cancer in same area, had not spread.  All was pretty good until 6 months later when I began feeling tired and depressed, with many of the hypo symtoms, but I thought it was just depression. However my next round of lab tests showed my TSH up to 7.9 so the endo scheduled another RAI because of the elevated #'s and I was due for another RAI in a couple of months.  Proceeded with the WBS and it showed no cancer cells.  That was 3 months ago and I have had labs done every 6 weeks.  My Levothyroxine had been increased and the lab in March showed the TSH was .6.  In May it was up to 11.7.  I feel horrible but the endo just said just keep taking the med and have another lab in 6 weeks; see me in August.  Should I get another endo?  It took 3 months to get an appt. and that was at the insistance of the surgeon. Not many endo's in my area that takes my insurance.  I am 58 and married with an adopted sibling group of 5, all under the age of 9.  I have really never been concerned about the cancer and if I wasn't so hypo WITH the meds, I wouldn't be now.  Any suggestions?   Thanks. BonnieTN Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Your TSH can go up for other reasons other than the return of cancer. All this means is that your patuitary gland (spelling) is not getting the proper amount of T3 hormone. This can be due to a few factors such as inadequate medication or a conflict with other meds. Are you taking your meds on at a regular time daily, and on an empty stomach? Are you taking other meds? have you changed your diet lately? Have you lost weight lately? Maybe its just your body becoming adjusted to the levels of your meds and you will just need to re-adjust. Did they check your TG level. That is the true test for cancer reaccurance, not TSH. Get that check before worrying. Take careSancho  serge Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT in addition. A higher TSH should not mean another RAI treatment. Get a second opinion even from a doctor online. They will tell you to get your TG levels check. If that is elevated, then a RAI is needed. An elevated TSH should not be used to determine a RAI treatment. Sancho serge Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/12/2008 serge wrote:in addition. A higher TSH should not mean another RAI treatment. Get a second opinion even from a doctor online. They will tell you to get your TG levels check. If that is elevated, then a RAI is needed. An elevated TSH should not be used to determine a RAI treatment. SanchoI'm very glad you said that, Sancho.  My labs are way off.  They took my blood Tuesday and today of this week.  It will be interesting to see what the results are.   Today my WBS was OK.  Where can I find an online doctor who specializes in Thyroid Cancer?   Thanks,  Tara   YaYaTara Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT