after effects of radiation and thyroidectomy

mjade

My mom was diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer just over a year ago. She had surgery to remove all of her thyroid and two radiation treatments involving week long stays in the hospital. She's now in "remission" and getting scans to ensure that any remianing cancer will be caught early. She retired after her diagnoses (she taught in public schools for 29 years), but with me in college she had to start a new job part time. I thought things were getting better, but she is exhausted and slipping into a deep depression. I live about three hours away and don't know what to do to help. She's angry that she's gained weight because of the constantly changing thryoid drugs, and feels tired all the time. During her treatment she wouldn't tell our family about the cancer because she didn't want to worry them. It has all been my responsibility to bring her back and forth to the hospital and doctor appointments and now it is my respoonsibility to try and help her fight this new battle. Can anyone help? I'm 22 years old and feel like I've had to grow up very fast. Jade

lisa66

Hello, I am sorry to hear about your mother. I am 37 years old and had thyroid cancer. I to, am having a hard time with weight gain. Due to the thyroid drugs that slows down our metabolism and slow down the growth rate of the cancer, it is very hard to lose any weight. The doctors have told me to seek help of a diet specailist with specific knowledge of the metabolic problems that thyroid cancer people do have. Diet and exercise it what the doctor has told me. Her energy levels should come up when she has found the correct dose of her medicine. I don't know how far out she is, I am just at 2 years since my last treatment and finally feel like I can get through the day without napping. The depression goes with it all.. maybe see if their are any support groups in her area. Is she alone? I am sure you are a comfort to her and a blessing that you can help her with her appointments. I hope this helps. If you want to talk more feel free to email me or your Mom if she has email. Take care, Lisa lisaspiegel1966@hotmail.com