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For those not “in the know,” I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer (papillary carcinoma) about 10 years ago, and about every 5 years I need to get a scan done to make sure it didn’t come back.

Long story short, I went completely off of the pills that deliver my thyroid hormones about 2 weeks ago (this is to prep me for the scan) and still have about 2 weeks left to go. Every day I feel a little worse and little less like sitting at my PC. It’s a total bummer. Once everything is said and done not only will my posting go back to “normal,” but I’ll make a post explaining about how this affects someone going through it.

Here’s a great website for you if you’d like to learn some, or have a family member about to go through it:

Canadian ThyroidCancer Support Group (Thry’vors)

I know I’m not from Canada, but they have some real good information. For example, a whole section on “going Hypo” which is what I’m doing:

“Going Hypo”

Our bodies require thyroid hormone; a hormone taken in synthetic form once the thyroid has been removed. Without thyroid hormone, the body produces an increasing amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). An elevated TSH of at least 30 mIU/L is needed for the RAI treatment to be effective. To achieve this rise in TSH, patients must stop taking their thyroid hormone replacement pills, or have their TSH stimulated by taking Thyrogen®, a medication given by injection (see section below). Going hypothyroid by hormone withdrawal, involves stopping levothyroxine, also known as T4 (brand names are Synthroid and Eltroxin) for approximately 4-6 weeks prior to RAI treatment. During the time that levothyroxine is stopped, Cytomel (T3) may be prescribed. Cytomel is a fast-acting (and fast dissipating) form of thyroid hormone used to minimize the symptoms of hypothyroidism during hormone withdrawal. Cytomel is stopped approximately 2 weeks prior to RAI treatment. ‘Going hypo’ is a gradual process with the thyroid hormone changes occurring slowly over the six week period. The longer the patient is off of thyroid hormone, especially during the last two weeks prior to RAI treatment when no thyroid hormone is taken, the more likely the patient will experience symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Some Symptoms Associated with Hypothyroidism:

• Tiredness, loss of energy, weakness
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares or excess sleep
• Puffiness and bloating especially in the face
• Loss of ability to concentrate, memory loss, absentmindedness
• Weight gain
• Anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, mood swings
• Depression
• Dry eyes, skin and hair; hair loss
• Change in menstrual cycle
• Joint pains and stiffness, muscle cramps
• Intolerance to cold
• Constipation
• Tingle or numbness in arms or legs
• Ringing in ears
• Slight changes in eyesight

Helpful Hints for “Going Hypo” and Preparing for RAI

1. Identify people you can count on for support and help before and after your treatment.
2. Obtain information from your Nuclear Medicine department or doctor regarding precautions and preparation for your return home from the hospital. Make sure your family and friends understand the necessary precautions.
3. Consult with your doctor about your daily activities including driving, and learn when you should restrict your activities. (Note that hypothyroidism is a form of physical impairment, thereby restricting you from driving in the final days or weeks before treatment.)
4. Prepare low iodine diet (LID) menus and have your pantry stocked with low iodine foods (see LID section).
5. Take naps as needed.
6. Watch alcohol consumption while hypo as the impact will be much greater than what you normally experience.
7. Keep your sense of humour.
8. Don’t expect immediate recovery right after your scan is complete. While patients feel much better in 2-3 weeks, it takes approximately 8 weeks for the thyroid hormone levels to normalize once thyroid hormone pills are resumed.

How great is that? They have much more advice on the website as well.

Okay, my fingers are freezing from all this typing (dunno, seems to be a side effect I personally get while off my meds) so I need to go try and warm ‘em up. Thanks for dealing with this and being patient with me!!