Radiation and Thyroid Function

sbelizabeth

I had normal thyroid function on my labwork before this whole breast cancer paducah started last year.  I finished radiation treatments in July. 

Lately I've been feeling puffy everywhere.  My eyelids are swollen.  My ankles are puffy.  I have a constant ringing in my ears, like I've been to a rock concert without earplugs.  I mentioned all this to my MO, who ordered labwork, and I'm significantly hypothyroid now.  She's guessing the scatter from the radiation treatments damaged my thyroid.

Anyone else experience this?  Is it permanent?  Will I need to take synthroid forever?

Like just having breast cancer isn't enough. 

Bar65

I was already on sythroid for years before the whole breast cancer thing.  I did pretty good through 7 weeks of radiation and then right after I stopped radiation I was beyond exhausted.  Took a blood test for an upcoming physical and found out my thyroid went the most underactive I have ever been.  I asked the radiologist if it could have to do with radiation, and he said no, but in my opinion it just seemed very odd.  Most likely you will need to be on sythroid for the rest of your life.

sbelizabeth

Thanks, Bar65.  I was at a breast cancer seminar last weekend and asked a medical oncologist who was on the panel taking questions from the audience.  She said the scatter from the radiation could well have damaged my thyroid, but that's the price you pay for zapping whatever cancer cells might be lurking.

Since you have experience with the thyroid thing, any idea how long before the synthroid helps me feel better?  Is it within days, or does it take months to gradually kick in? 

Bar65

I would say give it 6 weeks before you really start feeling better.  You are supposed to get your blood levels checked after 8 weeks to make sure your levels are okay.  They will adjust your meds accordingly.  I agree, I do think the radiation did something because it is very odd.  Especially as you get older, supposedly the dose of your medication is supposed to decrease, not increase like mine just did.  Hope you feel better soon.