“Grey skies are gonna clear up. Put on a happy face.” We’ve all heard these lyrics. I’ve been going through the motions for weeks. Probably longer than I care to admit. Get up, brush my teeth, wash my face, cry. Yes. You read that correctly. Crying has become a daily routine and I begin to expect it at some point during my day. Watch the news? The waterworks may start. Listen to some music? Let the weeping begin. I can’t, I can’t….
Okay. Enough. What can I do? I can get the bloodwork done that my doctor ordered and make the appointment to see him. Simple task. As the scans have shown in the past several months, my cancer isn’t spreading. This is great news….
I don’t like to use the word but – however, here it comes…..
I’ve been dealing with some side effects from treatment. So, I went to said doctor and we went over the bloodwork. I was told, when I first started radiation, that it would probably cause primary hypothyroidism. In layman’s terms, the radiation fried my thyroid. I have been on a thyroid pill for quite some time. We check on the number every four months, but my doctor had to cancel my appointment during the quarantine. So, here It finally came. “Kelly, your thyroid is at a twenty-six. It should be a four.” He gave me the look that I’ve seen countless times from those in the medical profession. “Uh-oh. This could explain the depression?” His reply, “Absolutely.”
“And, one more thing….”
“”Oh, goodie, there’s more.” He proceeded to tell me that my cholesterol level is at 350. Well, that one caught my attention. “Say what? Shouldn’t I be dead or something?” I calmly replied that I didn’t have a clue what I could be eating that would cause this. “It’s nothing you’re doing wrong. It’s your thyroids fault. Regulate the thyroid and in turn it will help regulate the cholesterol. Why didn’t I think of this.
The thyroid is a vital hormone gland that plays a role in metabolism.
Here are a few symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):
- Unexplained Fatigue
- Digestive Upset
- Irritability
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- High Cholesterol
- Constipation
- Hair Loss
- Cold Sensitivity
- Muscle Weakness
- Dry and Itchy Skin
- Trouble Concentrating
- Infertility
- Heavy or Irregular Periods
If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms – especially if you have cancer and have been through treatment, check with your doctor. It could be your thyroid.
I drove home from the doctor’s office, that day, believing that I could not handle one more thing. Turns out, with some help, I can handle anything.
Truth be told, some of the symptoms are still lingering, but I can see the light….
Until next time – K xo
