- Re: I am SO confused! Please help!

May 30, 2003

Hi, -

Your question was about cancer cells producing hormones sufficient to prevent

TSH from rising. If that were the case, then the presence of any pre

ablation metastases not surgically removed would prevent

us from going hypo, and it's rare that anyone cannot get their TSH high enough

to scan (barring a large and active thyroid remnant).

You're correct that if cancer cells produce or convert T3 or T4, then that might

well prevent (or delay) TSH from rising, but I don't believe that they do. For

the purpose of scanning or treating, " hypo " is

generally considered to mean a minimum TSH of 25 (AACE) or 30 (most other

protocols).

I also wondered if it might somehow be related to either post partum or

lactation (you are nursing, yes?), but if your doctor doesn't know what that

relationship would be, I'm certainly not about to hazard a

guess.

I hope someone more knowledgeable will write in, and we can all learn if there

really is a connection between your stubborn TSH and your recent pregnancy.

NYC

BTW - has your doctor suggested a CT or other non RAI scan?

Bergeron wrote:

> It seems like we would be able to go hypo for a first treatment

> because we have just had a thyroid removed. As for a reoccurence

> same thing if we have only a little thyroid tissue our tsh would

> rise. but what if (not to say this is the case with me) the

> reoccurence was big. It is abnormally growing thyroid tissue so if

> it is producing t3(t4) wouldn't it take a heck of a lot longer to

> go hypo? what number is " hypo " ? My dr said it may have something

> to do with post-partum. although i can't imagine what. it's been

> three months. he said no problem just retest in 3-4 weeks. that was

> in an email. 3-4 weeks is a big deal for the kids and my husband

> maybe i'll see if once a week is ok. thank-you katie! any info

> anyone can give would be SO appreciated.

> Bergeron

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