On 10/8/09, I went for my neck ultrasound as scheduled at NYU Hospital. Dr. Fenichel wanted them to scan my thyroid area, as well as the lateral (sides) of my neck. The initial scan only took a few minutes, but it did not seem to me that the technician scanned the sides of my neck. I asked her if the lateral scan was done and she said yes. Luckily, right before I left, the radiologist stopped me and said that the prescription stated that a lateral scan was to be done. I already knew this, but I was glad he caught it.
The results came back several days later and Dr. Fenichel called me to say that the scans came back clean and there are no signs of residual thyroid activity or tissue. We will have to keep an eye on the Thyroglobulin antibodies in the next year.
I went to see Dr. Heller on 10/8/09 as well for my six month checkup. He did his usual poking and prodding of my neck and said that everything looked great and to come back in another 6 months.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Follow Up with Dr. Fenichel - 9/29/09
I went into Dr. Fenichel's office today to get a flu shot, but while I was there, we made it into a follow up visit since we had to schedule certain visits for the rest of the year.
Although my ultrasound was in December of last year, and the Thyrogen shots and scan were in June 2009, Dr. F wants all three tests to be at the same time each year in the future. Therefore, she wanted me to get an ultrasound now, and then, in the future, I will have the Thyrogen and/or body scan, and ultrasound each year in June (or whatever the future schedules are).
Appointments coming up: 10/8 Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound (10:30AM) and Dr. Heller on 10/8 at 1PM.
Dr. F wants me to make an appointment with her 6 months after my ultrasound is done. Therefore, I will schedule to see her again in April 2009.
I asked Dr. F again about the Thyroglobulin antibodies. She said that sometime they can take years to disappear. Therefore, she will monitor them in the meantime and if they are still present next year, then I will need to get a scan in addition to the Thryogen. If the antibodies are gone, I will still need to get blood tests after taking the Thyrogen injections.
Although my ultrasound was in December of last year, and the Thyrogen shots and scan were in June 2009, Dr. F wants all three tests to be at the same time each year in the future. Therefore, she wanted me to get an ultrasound now, and then, in the future, I will have the Thyrogen and/or body scan, and ultrasound each year in June (or whatever the future schedules are).
Appointments coming up: 10/8 Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound (10:30AM) and Dr. Heller on 10/8 at 1PM.
Dr. F wants me to make an appointment with her 6 months after my ultrasound is done. Therefore, I will schedule to see her again in April 2009.
I asked Dr. F again about the Thyroglobulin antibodies. She said that sometime they can take years to disappear. Therefore, she will monitor them in the meantime and if they are still present next year, then I will need to get a scan in addition to the Thryogen. If the antibodies are gone, I will still need to get blood tests after taking the Thyrogen injections.
Monday, September 21, 2009
No Change in Synthroid Level
I went last week to get a blood test to check on my TSH level after changing my Synthroid dosage to 125 in July 2009. I got a message from Dr. F that my levels are fine and my dosage does not need to be changed.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Great News - First Year Test Results Came Back Clear - July 2009
Once the diet was over, and the scans were done, the only thing left to do was wait and hear the results. Although my December ultrasound came back clear 6 months prior, and I was feeling good and running well, there is always a chance that some tissue or cells could reappear. So, the couple of days between my last scan (June 29th) and when I heard the results were a bit nerve racking.
Luckily, my endocrinologist called me to let me know that my scans looked good and everything was clear. There was no sign of any thyroid tissue in my body. Whew! When my blood tests came back, they showed that I still had Thyroglobulin antibodies present. If the tests came back showing that my Tg antibodies were gone, then my doctors would be able to track the existence of thyroid (or potential thyroid tissue) using a blood test instead of a scan (as well as the low iodine diet). So, if my blood tests still show Tg antibodies next year, then I will have to get a scan. If that is the worst thing, then I am still doing very well overall. I will need to get an ultrasound in about six months, and then possibly a scan next year.
My synthroid dosage was lowered from 137 to 125, since my TSH levels were almost non-existent on my blood tests.
The news was great to hear.
Luckily, my endocrinologist called me to let me know that my scans looked good and everything was clear. There was no sign of any thyroid tissue in my body. Whew! When my blood tests came back, they showed that I still had Thyroglobulin antibodies present. If the tests came back showing that my Tg antibodies were gone, then my doctors would be able to track the existence of thyroid (or potential thyroid tissue) using a blood test instead of a scan (as well as the low iodine diet). So, if my blood tests still show Tg antibodies next year, then I will have to get a scan. If that is the worst thing, then I am still doing very well overall. I will need to get an ultrasound in about six months, and then possibly a scan next year.
My synthroid dosage was lowered from 137 to 125, since my TSH levels were almost non-existent on my blood tests.
The news was great to hear.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thyrogen Injections and Diagnostic Scan Process
I can't believe a year has gone by already since my RAI treatment last June, but there I was in the waiting room of NYU's nuclear medicine department once again. Time has flew by, but at the same time, so much has happened since the last time I was there - radiation side effects, salivary gland discomfort, low white counts, visits to the ENT doctor, loss of taste, feeling better again, running the Philly Marathon, etc.
Today was hopefully the beginning of the end of the thyroid process for me this year. I went into NYU hospital this morning to get my first set of labs, as well as my first of two Thyrogen injections. The shot was given by Dr. Tiu, my nuclear radiologist from last year. He interviewed me and asked me about the side effects I experienced after getting the RAI treatment last year. I took him through each of the ailments that I had and we talked for a few minutes. Afterwards, he gave me one shot of Thyrogen in my butt. Here is the schedule for the rest of the week:
June 25th - 1) Blood tests at 8AM, 2) Thyrogen injection at 9:45AM
June 26th - Thyrogen injection at 9:45AM
June 27th - 1) Blood tests, 2) Receive I-131 capsule (should be around 2 milicuries)
June 28th - Scans
June 29th - 1) Scans, 2) Blood tests
Today was hopefully the beginning of the end of the thyroid process for me this year. I went into NYU hospital this morning to get my first set of labs, as well as my first of two Thyrogen injections. The shot was given by Dr. Tiu, my nuclear radiologist from last year. He interviewed me and asked me about the side effects I experienced after getting the RAI treatment last year. I took him through each of the ailments that I had and we talked for a few minutes. Afterwards, he gave me one shot of Thyrogen in my butt. Here is the schedule for the rest of the week:
June 25th - 1) Blood tests at 8AM, 2) Thyrogen injection at 9:45AM
June 26th - Thyrogen injection at 9:45AM
June 27th - 1) Blood tests, 2) Receive I-131 capsule (should be around 2 milicuries)
June 28th - Scans
June 29th - 1) Scans, 2) Blood tests
Low Iodine Diet - Round 2
I am writing this on 6/25/09 after being on the low iodine diet for 15 days...
In preparation for my upcoming Thyrogen injections and diagnostic scan, I started on the low iodine diet on June 11th and it will continue until after my scans are taken - probably ending on June 29th. While I dreaded going on the diet again, at least I did not have to become hypothyroid by going off of my Synthroid at the same time like I did last year. Even though I am usually hungry and craving something good to eat, I feel alot better than last year since I can continue to take my medication throughout the process.
I have tried to continue my running throughout the diet but it doesn't seem worth it. During the first week, I was able to get in my long run of 10 miles, as well as spinning and weights, but I did not feel the same. It was probably part mental and part physical, given the fact that I am very restricted on the carbs I can eat and the inability to have any salt. The next couple weeks I decided to take things slower but it was still somewhat of a struggle. I decided to wait to run again until after my scan is over. Hopefully I won't lose to much fitness and after a week or so to get acclimated again, I will be back to my old self (pre Riverdale Ramble 10K).
I can see the finish line is sight - only 4 more days to go on the diet. Hopefully this will be it.
In preparation for my upcoming Thyrogen injections and diagnostic scan, I started on the low iodine diet on June 11th and it will continue until after my scans are taken - probably ending on June 29th. While I dreaded going on the diet again, at least I did not have to become hypothyroid by going off of my Synthroid at the same time like I did last year. Even though I am usually hungry and craving something good to eat, I feel alot better than last year since I can continue to take my medication throughout the process.
I have tried to continue my running throughout the diet but it doesn't seem worth it. During the first week, I was able to get in my long run of 10 miles, as well as spinning and weights, but I did not feel the same. It was probably part mental and part physical, given the fact that I am very restricted on the carbs I can eat and the inability to have any salt. The next couple weeks I decided to take things slower but it was still somewhat of a struggle. I decided to wait to run again until after my scan is over. Hopefully I won't lose to much fitness and after a week or so to get acclimated again, I will be back to my old self (pre Riverdale Ramble 10K).
I can see the finish line is sight - only 4 more days to go on the diet. Hopefully this will be it.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Spoke to Dr. Fenichel - 5/20/09
I spoke with Dr. Fenichel today to clarify a couple things:
Take blood test on Day 1 before the first Thyrogen injection
Take blood test on Day 5 on the same day I take the scan
I can take the Calcium and Vitamin D pills as long as they don't have any dye in them
Stay on the Low Iodine Diet until after the scan/pictures are taken
Take blood test on Day 1 before the first Thyrogen injection
Take blood test on Day 5 on the same day I take the scan
I can take the Calcium and Vitamin D pills as long as they don't have any dye in them
Stay on the Low Iodine Diet until after the scan/pictures are taken
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
One Year Follow Up and Meeting with Dr. Fenichel - 5/15/09
Wow - I can't believe it has been a little over a year already since my surgery, and nearly a year since my RAI and scans. Time does fly.
It is time for my one year follow up diagnostic scan. I met with Dr. Fenichel on 5/15/09 for a follow-up visit and to discuss the upcoming schedule of tests/scans. Rather than go off of my Synthroid and allow me to get hypothyroid leading up to my diagnostic scan, she decided to give me the Thyrogen injections instead. The Thyrogen and scan are a five day process. Dr. Fenichel told me to get a blood test before the first Thyrogen injection and another one after the second injection.
Although I avoid going off Synthroid, I still have to go on a low iodine diet leading up to the scan. I need to start it two weeks prior to my first Thyrogen injection. I called up nuclear medicine today (5/19) and scheduled my first injection for June 25th at 9AM (530 First Ave - take A elevator to the second floor).
Below is a schedule of events:
June 14th (start the low iodine diet - this is 2 weeks before Thyrogen injection)
Blood Test #1 - take either day before or day of 1st injection
June 25th at 9AM - go to NYU Nuclear Medicine for Thyrogen Injection #1
June 26th - Thyrogen injection #2 (I will find out the time after my initial appointment)
Blood Test #2 - take after 2nd injection
Then the next three days consist of taking the RAI and then getting my scans/pictures.
It is time for my one year follow up diagnostic scan. I met with Dr. Fenichel on 5/15/09 for a follow-up visit and to discuss the upcoming schedule of tests/scans. Rather than go off of my Synthroid and allow me to get hypothyroid leading up to my diagnostic scan, she decided to give me the Thyrogen injections instead. The Thyrogen and scan are a five day process. Dr. Fenichel told me to get a blood test before the first Thyrogen injection and another one after the second injection.
Although I avoid going off Synthroid, I still have to go on a low iodine diet leading up to the scan. I need to start it two weeks prior to my first Thyrogen injection. I called up nuclear medicine today (5/19) and scheduled my first injection for June 25th at 9AM (530 First Ave - take A elevator to the second floor).
Below is a schedule of events:
June 14th (start the low iodine diet - this is 2 weeks before Thyrogen injection)
Blood Test #1 - take either day before or day of 1st injection
June 25th at 9AM - go to NYU Nuclear Medicine for Thyrogen Injection #1
June 26th - Thyrogen injection #2 (I will find out the time after my initial appointment)
Blood Test #2 - take after 2nd injection
Then the next three days consist of taking the RAI and then getting my scans/pictures.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Synthroid Adjustment
After my physical on Monday with Dr. Cocks, he told me that my TSH levels were undetectable which signifies that my Synthroid level is too high. Dr. Fenichel's office called me to tell me that they were lowering my Synthroid level from 150 to 137. I picked them up from Duane Reade today and will start taking them on Sunday, April 12th.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Follow-up with Dr. Heller - 4/2/09
I went to see Dr. Heller today for a 6 month follow-up visit. The last time I saw him was in October 2008. It was a pretty quick visit and he had good news. He felt all around my neck area and he said that everything felt great and he didn't feel anything abnormal. I told him that my Synthroid level was still at 150 and that I had my 6 month post radiation ultrasound in December 2008. He told me that he looked at my results and reiterated that everything looked good and that there were no problems. He wants me to come back to his office in another six months, so I have an appointment scheduled for 10/8/09 at 1PM.
We also discussed my upcoming total body scan and I told him that I will be contacting Dr. Fenichel shortly to have it scheduled. I asked him the "schedule of events" for my scan and he mentioned the following:
-I would get two Thyrogen injections over two days.
-Next, I would swallow the radioactive iodine capsule, which would be only a tracer amount
-On day three, I would get my scan and have the nuclear doctors look at my pictures
-On days four and five, Dr. Heller stressed the importance of the blood tests over these two days in order to monitor my Thyroglobulin levels. He said that this part of the process was as important as the scan itself. He told me that if nuclear medicine does not take these tests, make sure to give either him or Dr. Fenichel a call to make sure that the blood tests are taken.
He said that since I am taking the Thyrogen injections, I would not have to go off my Synthroid at anytime. However, he did tell me that I would have to be on the low iodine diet for two weeks prior to the scan - ugh.
We also discussed my upcoming total body scan and I told him that I will be contacting Dr. Fenichel shortly to have it scheduled. I asked him the "schedule of events" for my scan and he mentioned the following:
-I would get two Thyrogen injections over two days.
-Next, I would swallow the radioactive iodine capsule, which would be only a tracer amount
-On day three, I would get my scan and have the nuclear doctors look at my pictures
-On days four and five, Dr. Heller stressed the importance of the blood tests over these two days in order to monitor my Thyroglobulin levels. He said that this part of the process was as important as the scan itself. He told me that if nuclear medicine does not take these tests, make sure to give either him or Dr. Fenichel a call to make sure that the blood tests are taken.
He said that since I am taking the Thyrogen injections, I would not have to go off my Synthroid at anytime. However, he did tell me that I would have to be on the low iodine diet for two weeks prior to the scan - ugh.
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