As Charm points out, getting your TSH level before you start treatment is a very good idea. This was SOP where I was treated back in 1997. I don't know why it wouldn't still be but it is always good to ask to make certain it happens. They also ususally monitor it during treatment.

However, that is not the end of it. Since your thyroid may decide to go haywire any time from during treatment to many years later, you will also need your GP to run your TSH levels every 6 months or at least once a year or if you are experiencing symptoms. Mine went really 'out of whack' after my surgery in 2001 and I had no sypmtoms. I could have been in deep troubole were it not for the routine check ups. Your GP can have this done anytime he does a blood draw for something else.

Take care,
Eileen

Hi Chris,

I too want to welcome you here. This is such a great place to find out information that will be so helpful to you. I did not find this site until I was 3 month's out of treatment.

I learned so much here and it has helped me all the way. I am still learning from everyone here. I am sure I will learn from you as well. So keep reading and eat as much as you want!! Snack, Snack

take care.. Diane

I too managed to continue to work for quite a while during treatment and just stopped going in this past week (about mid-way through treatments). I had planned to also use a VPN client to work from home, but found that the chemo anti-nausea meds induced too much blurry vision to make this practical. I applied for short term disability (which luckily gives me at least half pay for the time I'm gone) and will be on that until the end of treatment.

My white blood cell counts had gotten so low there was talk of stopping treatment. Then, in the past few days not having to deal with work, my white blood cell counts shot way back up. Go figure that resting and staying away from lots of people is helpful. Ha! My advice is to keep working while you can (it's good to keep your mind preoccupied), but AS SOON AS you start feeling a bit down, stop going or at least try to make alternate arrangements. Getting sick and having to stop treatment is the last thing you want to do. Take care of yourself first. Work will always be there when you get back.

let the journey begin. keep us posted often.
im glad to see u have a plan...for work...but please do not be disappointed if u cant stick to ur plan, cancer has its own plan. the biggest mistake we made was setting timelines for everything and well, it just wasnt realistic. take it day by day.

good luck with ur treatments.