#25755 04-09-2003 12:45 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | OP Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Hi all, First the good news: Tuesday was my regular scheduled 3 month check with the ENT DOC and all is well with the cancer cure.
The bad news is I have been feeling progressively more and more tired for at least a month. Just before my DR' visit I looked up the symptoms of low thyroid output. I had 8 out of 12 symptoms. Long story short, I was right and I am now on SYNTHROID.
I bring this up for several reasons. First I had no idea how many different symptoms hypothyroid can cause. Second, Any folks who are worried about depression may want to get tested as that can be a symptom of a thyroid problem.
Here are some of the many symptoms:
Thyroid Disease Symptoms Rapid and inappropriate weight gain or loss, despite diet/exercise Constipation or diarrhea Feeling extremely cold or hot Particularly high or low pulse rate High or very low cholesterol levels High or low blood pressure Fatigue, exhaustion Insomnia Hair, skin and nail problems, hair loss Puffiness, swelling in eyes, face, hands, feet Pains, aches in joints, hands and feet Carpal-tunnel syndrome, tendonitis Irregular menstrual cycles Infertility, miscarriage Depression, mood swings Anxiety, panic attacks Low sex drive Sensitive eyes Heart palpitations Hand tremors Hoarse or gravely voice Neck, throat discomfort, pain, choking feeling
If you have had head and neck radiation, Thyroid output problems are a possible and fairly common side effect. It is also fairly easy to take care of and the test is simple (blood). As I have learned the symptoms can sneak up on you so study up on the symptoms and keep a watch for them.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#25756 04-09-2003 03:49 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Hi Mark, Thanks for the hit list! That makes more sense of what I am experiencing. The doctors told me it was a 50% chance of thyroid damage (I had radiation and chemo only). I would imagine that in the very near future I will be getting a thyroid function test and end up on Synthroid.
Gary, Stage III, SCC, Right Tonsil
Gary Allsebrook *********************************** Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2 Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy) ________________________________________________________ "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#25757 04-09-2003 03:54 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 | Good information, Mark. I just want to add that at 8 months out from chemo/rad I had a sudden and sharp decrease in energy (went from running to walking) but thyroid tests all showed up weird. Endocrinolgist said chemo was still affecting the results -- even after all that time, which surprised me. I will have more tests in a couple of months, and until then just walk very fast. I read somewhere that at least 50% of people who receive head and neck radiation will develop hypothyroidism. Add to that the fact that at least 50% of all women will do the same, and I figure I will be on drugs by the end of the year (grin). I, and perhaps others, will be interested to know how easy it is or isn't to get the dosage right for you. Joanna | | |
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