Thyroglobulin Results

As I just mentioned on the other question on this topic, thyroglobulin doesn't mean cancer. It just means there are still thyroid cells. As the numbers are going down, that should be a good thing. 

What the oncologist is doing is not unusual. Protocols have changed a bit since I had treatment but getting a challenge scan at this time isn't wildly outside what would have been normal when I was treated (today is my 10 year thyroidectomy anniversary so I'm a bit of an old hand). Probably the onc would have done this earlier this year but wouldn't have wanted to bring your husband into hospital when Covid was so bad earlier in the year. 

Thanks Barbaral,

I hadn't thought of covid, although I didnt know the protocols, which is probably just as well as would have panicked over that too. 

Thank you for replying, I hope that you are doing well. 

Love Lilly

Hi all,

I was reading about tg recently as mine has gone up by the tiniest amount since RAI three years ago. Apparently 1.0 of tg represents 1g of thyroid tissue. Just to put it in perspective. This really reassured me before I got reassurance by my consultant x

Thanks Lydia, may I ask what yours is? 

I think its the way the letter is worded, it says, " In situations like this..... we do a challenge scan and stimulated thy test. And he says " Although its coming down, it is slightly elevated.

The tests don't come across as being routine for everyone, just in "situations like these" 

Because our son died of testicular cancer I am extra sensitive, picking up every detail of whats said. Your consultant sounds a bit more sensitive and reassuring. 

I thought a number under one was brilliant, his thyroglobulin  before RAI was 3.6. 

I read that 0.1/0.2 was taken as an excellent response and only 1 to 2% chance of recurrence and anything under 1 was still very good. 

I also read that it can take years before TG drops to the desired 0.1/0.2 and what they look for is a distinct pattern of TG results, as in not slight flucuations, but bloods going up at every test is more worrisome. 

love Lilly 

Hi Lilly so after RAI 3 years ago my Tg was 0.12 and this year it was 0.2. The tiniest increase but that could be because my TSH has been up recently. As barbaral says this doesn’t mean cancer.. just a tiny residue of tissue. Even the best surgeon in the world wouldn't get every single cell. Sorry to hear your son passed away, I understand the anxiety surrounding cancer all too well! I was only 25 when diagnosed so it stopped me in my tracks! And I am very very lucky to have an amazing consultant and I am still in touch with my Macmillan nurse who has been incredible! Could you seek reassurance from his Macmillan nurse? 
In worst case scenario he could always have another dose of RAI but they wouldn’t see this as being necessary unless Tg went up more. Also to remember is that thyroid tissue is super slow.. slow to die and slow to grow. Hence it’s slow reaction to RAI and it’s slowness in growing and cancer cells.. apparently we can have thyroid cancer developing for years without any symptoms! 
Lydia x