Cancer Support

OKNancy

(41,832 posts) Mon Dec 12, 2016, 10:49 AM Dec 2016

Question about thyroid symptoms after head and neck radiation

My husband has done so good with his cancer treatments. ( base of tongue)
Now, he did have a small nodule on his thyroid before all treatment began, biopsy was inconclusive.
They didn't do anything because he was getting radiation and chemo of that area anyway.

So now it's two months after his last radiation and he has developed a goiter. We haven't seen the doctor yet, but I'm positive that is what it is. I also did a lot of reading and this is a side effect of radiation. I did message our main cancer doc this morning.

I guess what I am asking is if anyone has had experience with this?

OH!! and another weird after effect. My husband's facial hair has turned dark and thicker. It's only his upper lip and "soul patch" area. Weirdest thing because he has been rather baby-faced before. He has totally grey/white hair and was prematurely grey ( starting at age 35 or so)

10 replies

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Question about thyroid symptoms after head and neck radiation (Original Post) OKNancy Dec 2016 OP

He might need Synthroid. I had thyroid damage from radiation. alfredo Dec 2016 #1

I'm so glad you responded. OKNancy Dec 2016 #2

Every case is different. My cancer was at the base of my tongue and on the right side of my neck. alfredo Dec 2016 #5

Yes, Robert has the same... and we have both mouthkote and biotene OKNancy Dec 2016 #6

I bought a flask at a local liquor store. It slips into my pocket. alfredo Dec 2016 #7

About the hair PennyK Dec 2016 #3

Robert didn't get the kind of chemo drug that caused hair loss OKNancy Dec 2016 #4

Radiation got mine. alfredo Dec 2016 #8

Cisplatin is nasty stuff. alfredo Dec 2016 #9

Always, always question cliffside Dec 2016 #10

alfredo

(60,154 posts)

1. He might need Synthroid. I had thyroid damage from radiation.

Reply to OKNancy (Original post)

Mon Dec 12, 2016, 11:05 AM

Dec 2016

They are upping my Synthroid script to get it right. My beard has come in darker, except for the jowls. Can do a later year Che, with my post cancer beard.

OKNancy

(41,832 posts)

2. I'm so glad you responded.

Reply to alfredo (Reply #1)

Mon Dec 12, 2016, 12:21 PM

Dec 2016

Sounds like he has some "normal" side effects then.
So taking the Synthroid is all you have to do...? Did it make the swelling go down?

alfredo

(60,154 posts)

5. Every case is different. My cancer was at the base of my tongue and on the right side of my neck.

Reply to OKNancy (Reply #2)

Mon Dec 12, 2016, 03:24 PM

Dec 2016

If he has dry mouth, get him some mouth kote. It tastes good and it works. I get mine from the VA. Biotene works too. I put it in a small spray bottle. You can get a cheaper brand at CVS. It's just as good.

OKNancy

(41,832 posts)

6. Yes, Robert has the same... and we have both mouthkote and biotene

Reply to alfredo (Reply #5)

Mon Dec 12, 2016, 07:37 PM

Dec 2016

He dislikes both and won't really use them.

alfredo

(60,154 posts)

7. I bought a flask at a local liquor store. It slips into my pocket.

Reply to OKNancy (Reply #6)

Mon Dec 12, 2016, 10:00 PM

Dec 2016

I always carry water.

I am waiting for a cop to pull me aside to see what is in the flask.

PennyK

(2,314 posts)

3. About the hair

Reply to OKNancy (Original post)

Mon Dec 12, 2016, 01:25 PM

Dec 2016

Mine is normally super-curly, frizzy like you can't believe. After chemo -- it's coming in STRAIGHT!
All the treatments I've done over my life: straightening, ironing, keratin...and apparently, all I had to do was CHEMO?