I had my Thyroid taken out due to cancer, Anyone been there?

Question:

I had my thyroid taken out due to cancer. It's been two months and I have been through the radioactive iodine and I was in quarantine for the three days, then home for another week where I couldn't be around anyone for any real length of time. I just started the thyroid hormones. I have been having headaches a lot!! I have heard about hair loss, what kind of hair loss?? Still feeling tired. I know everyone is different, but I was just wondering if anyone else has been there and still on-going problems and what to do about them. The nurse told me for the rest of my life I will have to have a blood test every 6 weeks!! Any other symtoms anyone else had that I can look for?, and what to do for them besides from a Dr's view. I have looked on web sites, but I would like to hear some answers from anyone who has gone through this.
Thank you.

Answers:
My dad & sister had thyroid cancer and had theirs removed. I do know they have to take thyroid medication for the duration of their life. If you are experiencing headaches & fatigue, your medication dosage may need to be adjusted. Consult your Physician, not a nurse.

Other Answers:
Hello! I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in April 2003. I have alot of information and probably can answer your questions. Please feel free to email me at tjb_772000@yahoo.com so I can lend some support!

Welcome to the "cut throat" club..bad joke someone else once told me.

i have never had the surgery but i am a nurse for a surgeon that spec. in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. after having your thyroid removed because of cancer you have to take radio active iodine treatments and ablation in which you need to not take any thyroid meds until after these treatments. they want you levels to be very high for the treatment. but the great thing is 9 times out of 10 you will recover without any complications. thyroid cancer doesn't cause death unless it is metastatic
Source(s):
nursing degree

I was diagnosed with an 8 mm papillary carcinoma and a 2.5 cm follicular tumor in 2001. My entire thyroid was removed and I was given 150 millicuries of I-131 in an isolated environment. My T4 levels were adjusted over a 12 month period and I've been fine since. I did, however, lose my parathyroids as a result of the surgery and also take calcitriol and vit. D for calcium control.

I am willing to share as much information with you as possible; feel free to contact me at thycamail@yahoo.com.

yes, i had papillary, had the rad treatment, you should start feeling better when your tsh levels get regulated, i do not have a blood test every six weeks anymore after two years, more like six months, but i have a very cool doctor who watches me carefully. i recomend finding the best endocrinologist that you can, i also have a great primary care doc.

Hi There! I have been there and done that also. In 1991 I had the very same surgery and treatment. It was a roller coaster for about 6 months, trying to get my TSH levels right. I was on a mega dose of .325mcg up until about 3 years ago, when a hysterectomy further threw the hormones out of whack. Getting older has created other problems also, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and an everlasting weight problem.
When you were told you would have to do blood tests every 6 weeks, that's not forever. I go every 6 months. I've been cancer free for 15 years now, and the only complaint I have had is the weight problem. Before surgery, I never weighed more than 135lbs. In the first year after surgery I put on 60 lbs., and have been heavy ever since. I have tried every diet and exercize program in the world to no avail, I have just resolved that I will be this way until I die, might as well be happy with it. You will be fine, be happy you are alive and they got it in time !

my sister has

my mother died from cancer Im 13 she died October 16 2005 >< _

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I had my Thyroid taken out due to cancer, Anyone been there?

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