Hi Guys,
This is Kathy. I know I haven't been around on a regular basis in a long time. We have moved to Maine and had all sorts of changes.
I am writing to ask your opinion on how Kevin is feeling. Not looking for medical advice, I know the routine. I'm looking for personal advice from experience. He is really struggling with exhaustion. Still working in Alaska, so it hasn't shut him down, but when he is home he naps every day for at least 2 hours, sometimes more. They have put him on Synthroid for his thyroid, but it doesn't seem to be helping much.
Personally I want him to have another PET, but our radiation oncologist told him last April that he should just pretend he didn't have cancer and move on. I was a little shocked because it had not even been 3 years yet. Now Kevin doesn't want to even entertain anymore testing. I guess I am venting as well as looking for advice/ experience.
Thank you.

Hi Kathy, I hear your concerns . If I remember rightly Kevin works long 12 hour shifts ? I'm not really suprised that he is so tired when he comes home. It's a good opportunity to catch up on sleep and rest and recover , ready for the next stint. I'm guessing that he has had his thyroid functions measured since starting on thyroid replacements?
Kris is nearly 3 years post surgery and does still have a catch up nap about 3 times a week. As part of his continued surveillance I do check his blood work including a Full Blood Count, Thyroid Function and Biochem at least 3 monthly. I guess you have already had it all checked?
Here in New Zealand, no one gets regular scans. Kris has not had any scans since preop. He has 3 monthly checks and scopes with his ENT which in my opinion, is a great checkout. Remember most cancers are found by the patient , not scans. Also there has been research which shows no improved outcomes from regular scanning versus no scanning.
Keeping you and Kevin both in my thoughts,
Tammy

Hi Kathy!

Fatigue can be one of the stage after effects that happens to many patients. I know you didnt want to go thru more tests but a full blood panel should be done every 6 months. Specifically checking his thyroid and testosterone levels. He may be anemic which will make him tired as well.

Best wishes to you both.

Thanks girls. He has his blood checked every 6 months. They have increased the thyroid meds two or three times already. I will let it play out a few more months and see how it goes, then maybe try to be a little insistent on more blood work at the very least.
I know he is beat when he gets home. That time in Alaska is hard on him. Yes, Tammy, 12 hour days 21 days in a row. He has done it for 7 years, but, since tx, it's harder, which is to be expected I guess. I think I was just concerned because he sounded so tired last night. He was very frustrated too.
Thanks again for the encouragement.
Kathy