Re: educating doctors

[Guest guest]

When I was diagnosed 8 years ago with follicular thyroid cancer, I

wanted to know all I could about it. I did a lot of research in

medical libraries and got reprints from medical journals. My doctor

(an oncologist) encouraged me, we traded reprints of articles, and he

would discuss them with me: ie: 'this was a very small study, unless

someone else also comes up with the same results I would discount

it'. I wanted to know what all my options were and what different

treatments were available and recommended. Now I sometimes remind

doctors that certain blood tests are due, etc. (I'm also diabetic).

Since my thyroglobulin has gone up, and my RAI scan was negative,

I've been researching again. Last week I had 155 mci I-131, today I

had RAI scan, with repeats on my back. Return tomorrow and see if

spot is still there after another shower, change of clothes, even

riding in a different car to get to hosp. Anyway, just wanted to say

for me knowledge is power - I can discuss options with doctors and

understand what is happening. This list is a great help in learning

about thyroid cancer and all the variations of treatments, etc..

Thanks all!

Jo in AZ

> > Hi Bj,

> > Do you know that the Endo

> > never mentioned the LID at all. I had to mention it to him. I

> have a feeling that in this area (Mid-Atlantic) they are not as up

to date on Thyca protocol as other areas of the country.

> >

> > Actually I feel as though I know more about this diagnosis then

my doctors do. Unfortunately I don't have the time nor the money to

> go searching for a " knowledgeable doctor " at this point. I will

have to educate them. Don't get me wrong I am sure they know

plenty...it's just seems as though it contradicts what I am hearing

here on these boards.

> >

>