Why is TSH suppression so often the sole or primary goal in thyroid cancer treatment with little regard for Quality of Life (QoL)? We are told, over and over, that the vast majority of thyroid cancer patients do just fine for the rest of their lives on synthetic thyroid hormone replacement (THR) therapy evaluated by… Continue reading Suppression vs QoL
Author: Desert Thyca
Medullary Thyroid Cancer and Small Cell Lung Cancer Survivor
- Thyroid Cancer Survivorship Advocate
- Retired Intensive Care RN
- Equine Nutritionist
- Research Nerd
Thyroid Cancer Test and ICD Codes
Test and ICD Codes - Current as of 15 December, 2021These test and ICD codes can be helpful if your tests are being ordered by a primary care provider or an endocrinologist who does not specialize with thyroid cancer patients. Lab Corphttps://www.labcorp.com/test-menu/search Order CodeOrder Code NameResult CodeResult Code NameUnits224576TSH+Free T44264 19745TSH T4,Free(Direct)uIU/mL ng/dL10389Triiodothyronine (T3), Free10389Triiodothyronine… Continue reading Thyroid Cancer Test and ICD Codes
Doctor Doctor
So many doctors - how do I know which to choose?Who does the diagnosis? Who does surgery? Do I need an oncologist or an endocrinologist?The initial steps in identifying and diagnosing thyroid cancer are often confusing and you may be referred for several tests done by different practitioners. DiscoveryBecause thyroid cancer usually does not have… Continue reading Doctor Doctor
What Blood Tests Should I Request?
As thyroid cancer patients, when things are not going well the first place we tend to look is to our thyroid hormone replacement (THR) meds. Just as our thyroid interacted with every aspect of our physical and mental health, metabolism and daily activity, we need to remain aware of how our overall health works withn… Continue reading What Blood Tests Should I Request?
The Symptom Checklist
How to use the Symptom Checklist section of the patient Pathways Forms. Building your own Pathways Guide book can help you track and determine your individual thyroid cancer treatment as you progress from newly diagnosed to long term survivor. One of the issues thyroid cancer patients often face is being told their symptoms have nothing… Continue reading The Symptom Checklist
Quick Thyroid Tour
When T4 and T3 go low, TSH goes high. The hypothalamus senses low circulating levels of thyroid hormone —Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) — and responds by releasing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH - Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland.… Continue reading Quick Thyroid Tour
Falsely Elevated Thyroglobulin – HAMA
Serum Thyroglobulin (Tg) is the primary tumor marker measured postoperatively to monitor for recurrence of thyroid cancer. Tg concentrations reflect the mass, or amount, of residual thyroid tissue — remnant or tumor. An unexpected elevated Tg result which is not consistent with clinical findings and history is distressing for the patient and can lead to… Continue reading Falsely Elevated Thyroglobulin – HAMA
Basic Testing Information
Thyroid Level Testing for Thyroid Cancer Patients This is a basic outline of the thyroid tests most frequently asked about and are needed to properly monitor thyroid hormone replacement (THR) levels for thyroid cancer patients. TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland, a small organ located below the brain,… Continue reading Basic Testing Information
Talking to a Brick Wall
Why do I sometimes feel like I’m talking to a brick wall when I see my doctor? As a retired RN and a multi-cancer survivor, I subscribe to Medscape mainly to stay up on new advances in thyroid and other cancers which could affect me. Articles often offer other insights aimed at medical professionals —… Continue reading Talking to a Brick Wall
Take Patient Blaming Out of the Equation
The recent publication of Evidence-Based Use of Levothyroxine/Liothyronine Combinations in Treating Hypothyroidism: A Consensus Document brought a breath of fresh air to the thyroid community, especially to those of us on life-long exogenous thyroid hormones because we lost our thyroid to cancer. The Consensus Document, a joint endeavor of the American Thyroid Association (ATA), British… Continue reading Take Patient Blaming Out of the Equation
Thyroid Cancer Advocates 