I saw Dr. Tachman today, my endocrinologist as a follow up appointment to my treatment for papillary thyroid cancer and to make sure that I am on a correct dose of thyroid medicine.
First of all he pointed out to me that it will take a while for everything to level out. That includes my T3 and T4 which are thyroid hormones, thyroglobulin (see entry for June 25th for explanation of what this is) and TSH which stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. For those that are interested and understand these my T3 is 3.4. Reference range is 2.4 to 4.4. My T4 is 1.40. The reference range is 0.93 to 1.70. The thyroglobulin dropped from a reading of 46.4 on 6-19-08 to 0.20 on 8-26-08. That indicates that the radioactive treatment that I had is killing remaining thyroid cells. The TSH reading is 0.01. Reference range for that is between 0.3 to 4.0.
So, it was a good appointment. All the numbers are where they should be at this point in time. I asked him questions, he answered them and also added that I now need to take a mental vacation from all of this. I was told if he has concerns about anything he would certainly let me know. I will see him again in 6 months, about three month after my next radioactive iodine treatment…that is IF I need another one! I am praying that is not the case.
On Thursday I see my family Dr. for a routine physical. I already know some good news he is going to share with me. After at least six years of fighting high cholesterol my numbers are down and up where they should be. I am so happy about this. I have a family history and it has been quite a battle.
Our Pastor used Psalm 139 in his sermon this past week and reading it was such a blessing to me. I am not just a number to God. He knows me intimately and He understands me and how I feel, protects me and keeps his hand on me. Yay! Isn’t He wonderful?
Psalm 139 1-6
O Lord, though hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it!
Love,
Carmel
