Feeling Hopeless

I think you perhaps need to get your thyroxine dosage checked and monitored as it seems to me from your post that you have a lot of fast thoughts, anxiety and hyper reaction....this is NOT a criticism but is part of having too much thyroid hormone in your system, is your heart racing as well? You can get skin issues with thyroid imbalance too........I have thyroid issues and would suggest you get a second opinion on your thyroid treatment.......

If a CT scan cannot see anything and your blood tests are all fine then its unlikely to be cancer but you could have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in your medication or be on the wrong dose for you......

Good luck

Hopeful, you're being as proactive as you can be so good on you. If you have a mammogram Monday or some time next week another positive step. Have they run RA, lupus, lymphoma etc, bloodwork? It does take awhile to chase down each mysterious symptoms so don't give in to despair. Keep us in the loop and push for tests that will give you peace ofmind. HUGS Jo

Hopeful, like Jo mentioned, you're being proactive, that's key. Keep doing it. You've already had Thyroid Cancer, so IMO, you NEED to be vigilant about your health as it is. Hopefully you'll be able to get your Mammogram scheduled asap. I think once you and your team know what's going on there, you can make a plan that will reassure you. Fingers crossed.

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably be concerned too. There are studies that do support a link between Thyroid Cancer and incidences of Breast Cancer. (not to alarm you, just to say "hey, your concern is warranted and your team should take that seriously.")

The Breast-Thyroid Cancer Link: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Summary

Women with a prior history of differentiated thyroid cancer are at an increased risk for breast cancer. Furthermore, women with a history of breast cancer are at an increased risk for differentiated thyroid cancer. Despite sometimes conflicting results as to the magnitude and significance of this risk, the above meta-analysis demonstrates a clear association and increase in co-occurrence of these two malignancies. Although further studies are needed, clinicians should consider the increase in risk for second primary cancers when caring for these individuals.

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All that being said, try to breathe and remember that the waiting is the hardest part. I'm sure you know that full well, given you've already beaten cancer once.

It does seem strange to me that your Endo is not familar with Levothyroxine causing SEs like the rash and swelling you describe. That seems easily found on the internet for a layperson, how come they aren't aware? Have you seen this Endo for awhile and trust them? Stay on top of things. You're your own best advocate.

At any rate, we're here for you. Try to take things day by day or hour by hour, it gets scary sometimes to look at everything in a big picture sort of way when we're worried. Hang in there and keep us posted.

((((Hugs))))

Hopeful218:

Have you seen a breast specialist or dermatologist? It sounda like one of them might be able to tell you what it is.

Hopeful218

Is an ultrasound more accurate than a mammogram?

Neither is more 'accurate' than the other as they are very different exams and show different things, and as such they are complementary. Their combined findings are the foundation of the evaluation of the breast. At times they will tell you exactly whats going on, other times they will point the way to additional exams that will answer the clinical question. Let us know what your studies show.

Feelinghopeless...so sorry you are going through this. I hope you get some answers soon. To answer your question about ultrasounds being more accurate, mammograms are not the best screening tool for dense breasts which you have due to your age. Actually, MRIs ate the best screening tool for dense breasts. May I also say that because of all you have going on, IMO you should be treated at a major university teaching hospital. At least get a second opinion at one. Good luck and keep us posted. We are all here for you.

Hopeful, so glad you have an endocrinologist! Please excuse my ignorant comment about the speed of upping your dose.

With a clear CT scan and a clear ultrasound, I hope that has helped alleviate some of your worries! Good luck with the punch biopsy, and figuring out what is causing your troubles.