I don't have any MAJOR stories to tell or things to share, so I feel like I need to do a wrap up post and take a break. I did a follow-up visit with my Endocrinologist after RAI. She said that we just wait and check blood work for now. We are watching my calcium level, as it has been low. This is very common because of damage (during surgery) to parathyroid glands that regulate calcium intake. We also will watch my thyroglobulin level to make sure that my thyroid tissue is being destroyed by my radiation. Then, of course, we are watching TSH levels, this tells how we are doing with dosage.
We are still trying to get my dosage right... energy, weight, and temperature are still all major problems for me.
Weight - I have gained about 25 lbs. since surgery. It's frustrating after working so long to lose 80 lbs, to gain back 30 of it (5 before surgery, after my diagnosis) is super frustrating.
Energy - I sometimes take unexpected naps. If I sit down in the afternoon, I sometimes fall asleep quickly and unexpectedly. It's also hard to get myself out of bed in the morning... harder than it used to be, any way.
Temperature - I am still cold all of the time with the exception of when I exercise, in which case, I immediately start to overheat and can not cool myself down.
Other than checking blood work and adjusting medication, I don't have anything to do for 2 more months. Then I have another follow up with my Endo, followed by a neck ultrasound to check the residual tissue. (This happens 6 months after surgery) I won't have another Whole Body Scan until the 1 year mark from my first scan... so next Sep/Oct time frame.
That's it for now, just draw blood, take meds, and wait. See? Not much to tell, even though I know that my "journey" is far from over.
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