Thyroid Nodules..AGE- 36 is inching up on me..

Two days ago I went for my yearly physical. I go to the Mayo Clinic because I work here and because the exams are always the most thorough. Also, everything is electronic so it is easy to see trends and changes over time. This is my third year as a patient. I have never had any issues but once did have a US and Mammogram after a very small breast lump was found (it was just a small cyst and eventually went away).

This time my Doctor was able to palpate (feel) my thyroid on examination. Usually you are not able to palpate it. My oldest sister (half-sister, same Mom) had Thyroid Cancer and then a few years later had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (note: she is good now..). I also have an Aunt on my Dad's side who had Thyroid cancer. My other sister (half-sister, same Mom) has been hypothyroid for a few years as well.

So, based on examination he said he would usually just follow up the thyroid in 6 months or a year but because of family history he wanted me to have an Ultrasound. Ok, I can do that. So yesterday I had the neck ultrasound. I was enjoying the cool gel and probe sliding on my neck (like a mini massage) so it did not stress me. I felt and feel grateful that he took the time to actually check my thyroid ...I have had many, many physicals (not at Mayo) that have never checked the thyroid the old fashioned way. He also ordered my usual lab tests and, as always, included a TSH level. TSH levels vary within a range. Abnormal results can indicate Hypothyroidism (high TSH levels) or Hyperthyroidism (low TSH levels). Interesting that one sister is HYPOthyroid...but the other presented as HYPERthyroid when she has thyroid cancer.

Today I am at work. Electronic records can haunt you when they are at your fingertips. Of course I looked up my results. I know that I am not allowed to look up any one Else's results, not even my spouses, and I have and would never do that. But, these are MINE. So--labs look pretty good...everything normal. I did note, however, that my TSH is trending up- but it is still normal. The Ultrasound results were also written up. There are three nodules on my thyroid..all under a centimeter in size. From what I can pull from the report they are probably benign cysts of some sort. The good thing is my actual thyroid (made of two lobes) is symmetrical and considered normal.

I have been waiting to today for a call from my doctor to see what he thinks about the two tests. He may consider a fine needle aspiration of one of the nodules (if it is a cyst) to send part of it to the lab to see the the cells are like. Or, he may use this as a baseline exam and simply follow it up in 6 months or a year.

I, of course, am now trying to understand what my thyroid is telling me. Maybe it does not like cookie dough? Lord knows I have had my share of cookie dough this year. Maybe it wants my husband to come home from Iraq (he will come home in about ..oh..SEVEN more months). Maybe my thyroid is telling me that although buying new running shoes, heart rate monitors, and lap timers is fun...they really work best if you RUN in them. I think it is telling me that. Maybe my thyroid is irritated that it has been ignored for almost 36 years--OK..OK..I hear you...I will give you some love.

"Dear thyroid: - I do appreciate your subtle powers and the essential roles you play in my health. I promise I will be more conscious and treat you better. Your human, Nicole"

Thank you to my doctor one again for providing a top of the line physical assessment!