Tired? Maybe it's not just the chemo

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Hissy_Fitz
Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
When I went for my monthly dose of Taxol this week, I mentioned (again) how tired I am. My doctor, who was pretty cavalier about it last month (he said, "It's probably just because we're trying to poison you."), suggested I might consider stopping the Taxol maintenance. I was speechless! (A rare occurrence.)

So the next day, I decided to get my thyroid checked. It's been on the blink for years and in addition to increased fatigue, I had been noticing an intolerance to cold (not common in summer, in Texas).

Today the PCP's office called and....lo and behold....my thyroid is low. So they bumped up my meds (Armor Thyroid) to 60mg per day and will re-check it in 2 months. If need be, we can increase it again.

Although it might have nothing at all to do with the chemo in my case, Taxol can do a number on your thyroid function - even a healthy thyroid.

Just another example of how we have to be our own advocates. So if you are bone tired in spite of good (for us) blood work, you might want to get your thyroid checked.

Carlene

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  • froggy1
    froggy1 Member Posts: 205
    #2
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    Thyroid
    Hi Carlene,
    So glad you figured this out. I have been on maintenance chemo and have not experienced the fatigue you are talking about. According to my Doc, it is supposed to be a walk in the park. 'Hope you feel better soon. Kudos to you for being pro-active! Luv, Froggy
  • Karen9182
    Karen9182 Member Posts: 60
    #3
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    thanks for the tip!
    Thanks Carlene, I have always had thyroid issues (graves disease) usually hyperactive, but at times, early on, it ran low while it tried to self regulate itself i guess... Not on maintenence taxol but on the initial rounds currently taxol/cisplatin. I was expecting a better "rest week" (days 14-21) but was unbelieveably tired. I will keep that little thyroid jewel handy to ask my onc on Monday when I see her.
    hugs,
    Karen
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
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  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #5
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    Karen9182 said:

    thanks for the tip!
    Thanks Carlene, I have always had thyroid issues (graves disease) usually hyperactive, but at times, early on, it ran low while it tried to self regulate itself i guess... Not on maintenence taxol but on the initial rounds currently taxol/cisplatin. I was expecting a better "rest week" (days 14-21) but was unbelieveably tired. I will keep that little thyroid jewel handy to ask my onc on Monday when I see her.
    hugs,
    Karen

    Hi Karen
    Just wanted to say that I just love your profile picture. You look radiant and happy :)

    Tina xx

    PS What stage in your treatment were you at when this was taken?
  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
    #6
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    Hello,
    It's good to know not
    Hello,

    It's good to know not all of our ailments are cancer-related.

    In response to Nancys' comment; I read also that many times cancer patients and former cancer patients will more than likely never get their original level of energy back as a result of all our bodies have been through.

    It seems to be one of those things associated with cancer that is just going to be unless we try to get our selves back by way of conditioning/diet/exercise, etc., or just letting time pass in hopes that our bodies heal. (Of course without anymore chemo).

    Sharon
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #7
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    msfanciful said:

    Hello,
    It's good to know not
    Hello,

    It's good to know not all of our ailments are cancer-related.

    In response to Nancys' comment; I read also that many times cancer patients and former cancer patients will more than likely never get their original level of energy back as a result of all our bodies have been through.

    It seems to be one of those things associated with cancer that is just going to be unless we try to get our selves back by way of conditioning/diet/exercise, etc., or just letting time pass in hopes that our bodies heal. (Of course without anymore chemo).

    Sharon

    Tiredness
    Hiya I have just been back to work today (first time since September 2009)for only 2 hours. All I had to do was sit at my desk and re-activate my computer account. I am now sitting in the lounge unable to do much else. I can't believe how tired I feel. It's bizare that I can go swimming, cycling and running and not feel as exhausted as I do now.

    My friend who had cancer a few years ago said that the chemo can stay in your body for up to a year. Now I believe her ha ha. However, if the chemo is still working then I don't mind the tiredness.

    Love Tina xx

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