Update. Itching. Kidney Cancer but no connection.

[Ballito]

Hello friends. On Friday I went to see the kidney specialist who said there was a cancerous lump on my kidney but said there was no connection with the awful skin itching I have had for the last twelve months. In a couple of days I am going to have a neck to hip MRI so that he can see more details. He was very pleasant and when he and his team have the MRI scans they will make a decision whether to take part or all of the kidney out. Of course, that is providing the cancer hasn't gone anywhere else. I feel very calm and I have every confidence that the 'team' will do their best for me. Also I am very glad that this was picked up from my ultrasound scan.

I had to tell the specialist what medication I was taking, so I said lots of vitamins and three quarters of a tab of NDT Thyroid-S and that I was self medicating as none of the doctors thought I had a problem. He said that he also had an underactive thyroid and understood how awful the symptoms could be. He looked at my blood tests ( and unbeknown to me, my g.p. had also ordered another thyroid test as I had been a little 'brittle' to her the week before) so the specialist also looked at my latest thyroid test numbers and said that they were very good and similar to his and I must carry on self medicating!!!!!!!! I could have kissed him!!!!! Its a pity he isn't a thyroid specialist. I hope to see him in about three weeks if not before.

Serum TSH level 0.03 mU/L (0.27 - 4.2) It says below reference limit

Serum free T4 level 12 pmol/L (11.0 - 22.0)

Serum free triiodothyronine level 5.0 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) then it says

Decreased TSH - ? non-thyroidal illness, or dopamine or glucocorticoid treatment. Please repeat in 6 - 8 weeks or as appropriate.

I have to see my g.p. to discuss the thyroid blood results next month and I shall be happy to tell her what this specialist has said about my thyroid. I did ask him if I could repeat our conversation to her and he agreed. I was punching the air when I came out. What a difference it makes when someone is supportive and not obstructive. Thanks for reading. x

[Nanaedake]

I'm sorry to hear about kidney problems but glad your specialist is so helpful.

[Ballito in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you Nanaedake. I feel very positive.

[Hidden]

Hope all your problems are soon sorted. Di

[Ballito in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I am leaving it in the hands of the people who know about these things, and in the meantime I am getting on with life. x