Saturday, May 09, 2009

 

I Said, "No Biopsy"

I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to post about my follow-up with the endocrinologist at the City of Hope. Well, apparently I have three nodules in my thyroid. One is bigger than the others and after being talked to by two different doctors, I learned that the standard of care is to biopsy any nodule bigger than 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 cms. Well, I have one that measures 1.1 x 1.3 x .6 cm. The doctors really wanted to perform a needle biopsy last year, but said it hadn't changed. So, it was decided that we'd follow up this year. My nodules haven't changed in three years and there are no new ones. My TSH counts are within normal limits, and even though there is a history of thyroid disorders/cancer in our family, the fact that the nodules are stable is a good sign. The doctors were more insistent this year about performing the biopsy, but I can't understand this since there has been no changes and no problems with my thyroid hormone levels. So, I said I'd follow up again next year and we'd take it from there.

Last year, the doctors were even throwing around words like "Hashimoto's Disease" or "Graves Disease." Without a clear cut diagnosis, I know not to jump the gun or worry too much. So, I chose to put those words in my memory bank for now and continue with life.

Believe me, if there were changes and more nodules I'd be the first to say "do the biopsy." But, I can't wrap my brain around the possibility of more illnesses right now and since it didn't seem urgent, I turned down their very generous offer.... I feel like I've been through so much already and may feel more curious about my thyroid after I'm off the anti-rejection medications. I even asked my doctor this now seemingly stupid question: "If there were some cancer in my thyroid, wouldn't the chemo from my transplant taken care of it?" Don't any of you think that is reasonable to at least consider? Seems perfectly possible to me (of course, I'm always incredibly hopeful and optimist!)

So, that's the story behind my thyroid. Not to worry. We'll keep monitoring but for now, I'm enjoying life. Wishing all you moms a most wonderful Mother's Day.

love you all,
Nancy

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