I posted on this group last earlier in the summer: when I had a FNA
test for thyroid nodules; which at the time I was told was benign.
I then desubscribed from the list, figuring: end of story.
I then heard from my primary care physician, who had reviewed the
results and one further research, consulting with an endocrinologist:
and she now feels that we need to do a further test: a radio iodine
uptake test: the reason is that although the results were benign, they
were at the upper margin of benign: close to the limit between benign
and indeterminate. I am not TOO upset; because a biopsy that is benign
but close to indeterminate doesn't sound like it is clearly cancer.

But there are a couple of logistical challenges ahead for me:
my partner and I are going on a 1 week cruise two weeks from now.
After that, I will be out of paid time off for the entire year: I mean
literally: that if I get a cold, and absolutely can't come in, I have
to work a Saturday that same week to make it up. There is a clause that
we are allowed unpaid leave: under FMLA: which the medical test above
would fall under: but I would like to avoid the unpaid two half-days if
possible.

I am going to try to get the test done at a facility close to my work,
if possible: because this would avoid having to drive one hour each way
from work to get the iodine, then back to work the same day, then the
same thing for the test itself the next day.
That's not only a lot of time driving but a lot of gas: the problem is
that if she is not affiliated with a hospital or facility near where I
work she will not be able to allow this.

the other logistical thing is; what are the next steps if the nodules
show up as "cold": I understand that hot or warm nodules are rarely
cancerous but cold nodules might or might not be: since the biopsy
was "indeterminate": does this mean they immediately take out my
thyroid? Or will they repeat the biopsy?

the other logistical thing was that I broke my ankle this past February
(the reason why they found the nodules: they had done a neck xray to
make sure my neck wasn't injured when I fell): and could not go to see
my mother in California this year, but figured, that now I am recovered
from the ankle injury I'll go see her in February 2009. But if they
have to take out my thyroid, that takes my vacation time for 2009,
and plus I would not have recovered enough: she is well (at least fo
rnow: although at age 85 it is always day to day) and February was the
earliest, weather wise, I could see her: but I am sure she will
understand waiting. Am also not sure what the recovery period would
beafter surgery, for walking: I like to go on a multi day peace walk in
Nevada each year when I go to see my mother: and I had looked upon this
as another affirmation of being recovered from the ankle injury: but
can give up on this, because it is more important to preserve my life
if there is a chance the nodules are malignant. But it is just
disappointing.

Do any of you know what the suggested next steps woudl be:
with nodules at the borderline between benign and indeterminate, IF the
scan reports they are "cold"?
Other background is: there are 4 nodules. 3 are just cysts.
the one that was biopsied was partly cystic and partly solid:
and is I think around 1.5 centimeter in diameter: which is pretty big.
But I had no symptoms, and my thyroid levels were totally normal
(but isn't it a better indication of it being benign if your thyroid
tgests are either hypo or hyperthyroid?)

That is: would they just have my thyroid out, or repeat tests?

Would it be appropriate if the former for me to get a second opinion:
and if so, would an endicronologist, or an oncologist be a better
choice?

I know I am putting the horse before the cart, but this all happened so
fast: I was told all was well, then I suddenly got a call this last
week. The test itself was in June.

It was lucky in a sense that the call came so late: had it come say in
July, the test would have been scheduled for August: in which case I
would have had to cancel my cruise; since my employer's policy is
clear: if you use your paid time off, NO unpaid time except FMLA,
and I would have been short one day (although I think they might have
worked out a way for me to work on a Saturday informally).

Laurie