It's been awhile since I posted ... after we were done with treatment, I had a horrible time with my feeding tube and its removal, and then I pretty much avoided everything even remotely related to my illness, including all the hobbies I did to pass the time while I was sick. But much as I hate it, coping with the after-effects just doesn't go away.

I've been incredibly tired since treatment, which I figured was normal, but I was getting frustrated about it all. I had a physical scheduled with my regular doctor this past week. I hadn't seen him since all the cancer stuff happened and he sent me on to the specialists, though he's been keeping up with the reports. Anyway, I wasn't expecting anything ... but it turns out my thyroid is all out of whack.

I guess it makes sense ... we did zap it, after all ... and it certainly explains the fatigue ... but I wasn't expecting it. I am glad to have a REASON why I have been so miserable, but I am also facing up to the fact that now I have another medical complication I have to deal with. He's starting me on Synthroid and I see him again in six weeks to see how things are going.

Anyone else been here? Tips? Advice? Things to avoid that I might not realize will affect me due to the cancer? Things to make this easier?

Just so overwhelmed. I know I've had it relatively easy, but will this never end?

Kristen

Hi Kristen - so sorry to read about all your troubles, especially with everything you've been through!

Thyroid issues seem to be pretty common around here. The good news is that they're treatable. I was put on Synthroid not long after my RT and now it's just one more little pill I take every morning. I will say that it wasn't until I saw an actual endocrinologist, as against my regular doc who started me on it, that I got to the right dosage. So that might be something to consider.

I think that once you get the thyroid issue squared away you'll see a definite improvement in your energy level. And that of course will make everything seem easier.

Good luck - sending positive thoughts your way!

Good point about the endocrinologist. I will say, my general doctor is VERY good about sending patients on to specialists when it is needed. Between the panic disorder, depression, PPD, and now the cancer, I can't even count the number of times the man has probably saved my life. We try to stay healthy and not to see him too often (he has his own health issues, with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and we want him to stay in practice as long as possible!). But when we do go in, he listens well and responds appropriately. When my mom had breast cancer, she went in complaining of underarm pain... the nurse immediately thought something to do with lymph nodes and breast cancer, and they had her in for mammograms and all the rest before she could catch her breath. And hers was a very mild case, not even enough to stage. They think it was hormone-related, and not a genetic one.

If we had known this man back when my dad was still alive, and having his heart problems, my dad would probably still be alive today. But we had a different doctor, and the in-hospital doctors were idiots (at that particular time).

Hello, as mentioned above, Thyroid problems are par for the course after head and neck radiation. Kris's Thyroid failed about 12 months after his rads. Treatment is simple and easy. A daily pill or two and a blood test every few months to check levels. This should help with the energy levels and hopefully you won't find the Winter too cold either. Kris was always freezing until his Thyroid was sorted..
Take care, Tammy.

Tammy is correct, Kristen. Mine failed about a year out, got terribly tired and run down. Took a test (Based on my history and treatment) and yes, thyroid was no longer functioning. One little pill every day (Tweaked dose once to find the right level) and no issues for seven years now! Best wishes and prayers.

Hi Kirsten, I'm just 12 months out of treatment and been told my thyroid too is under active . I feel so tired all of the time and cold but my GP doesn't want to treat it until my anaemia has been sorted my iron levels are very very low, on iron tables but if they don't raise by the end of the week will need a blood transfusion. Sorry I can't help with advice but do share your symptoms ... Good old radiotherapy eh? Saved my life so not complaining!
Take care
Di

Hi again , quick up date Drs office just rang I need to go in Monday for latest results so maybe come out with a prescription of some kind!
Take care