My sister was diagnosed with cancer of tonsils on 2/02 and had surgery and 7 weeks radiation. It was stage 4 with metastisis to one lymph node. It was a tough time and long months until she started feeling bettr, but she did. Back to playing tennis 2 to 3 times weekly and back to a part time job she really enjoyed. She does go for her checks, but on Friday she went to her GP and had some tests ran. She found out yesterday that she has to be on thyroid medication and she is also anemic. She admitted to still being tired. We didn't know that since she doesn't complain and her schedule is very busy. Have others had problems this far out from radiation with thyroid and anemia? :rolleyes:

Hi Molly,

I believe that we have discussed the thyroid damage due to radiaition on this message board before. And yes there can be damage to the thyroid caused by radiation. Not sure about the anemia...You'll hopefully receive some answers from more knowledgeable people than me soon.

In the meantime you might do a search of the main site and the messgae boards for information.

Good luck and give your sister our best. Glad she is recovering well otherwise.
Dinah

Low production from the thyroid after radiation is not uncommon, and does cause a significant drop in energy levels. Luckily the solution for this is a synthetic hormone in pill form, that after a month or two of adjusting levels should get things back on track. But rest assured this is common and not unexpected in patients who have had radiation to the neck.