Stupid Medication

As we all know, the stupid medication is one of the most difficult things to figure out after surgery and is an ongoing struggle! 
At the hospital-
You'll probably have to take calcium after you have your thyroid is removed. This is because the parathyroid glands shut down from the trauma.  Hopefully your fuction comes back soon, so you don't have to swallow any more horse pills!  Unfortunately for me, I lost all parathyroid function for good. More to come on that in my blog named : Stupid Hypoparathyroid Disorder

You'll have to take synthroid or some sort of synthetic thyroid hormone.  You will also take blood tests regularly to ensure you are getting the correct dose because if it is a little off, you could experience hypo or hyperparathyroid systems and those are not fun!  Tired, Sleeplessness, Brain Drain, Dry Skin, Depression are just a few. 

Now, if all you have to take is Synthroid, consider yourself lucky!
I have to take care of my Hypoparathyroid disorder with even more meds!
Calcitriol- A Vitamin D Supplement in it's processed form, to help your body absorb calcium
Hydrochlorothiazide- To help your kidney's flush out any excess calcium, so that you don't get painful Kidney stones!
Calcium - Lots and Lots of calcium, taken at least 4 hours after your thyroid hormone pill. 
I've tried a few forms: Tums, Caltrate, Calcium without V-D, calcium with V-D.
My favorite? Nature Made Liquid Softgels by a landslide! I'm telling you, they go down easy and they have 600mg per pill + some added V-D, which you need even if you are taking Calcitriol.

All of this medication is crazy!  But, it keeps you alive and healthy.

So, how do we deal? You have to be your own advocate people! 
Sometimes I just feel crappy, so, I call my doctor and request a blood test.
Do I like blood tests? Hell no!  But I sure feel better when my meds are right.

Stupid Thyroid Cancer Resources

There are many great resources to get you or your family through this time. I've linked many of the sites I use regularly to find out correct information, local events, and fundraising opportunities.

Low Iodine Cookbook
A Must-Have as you prepare your body for the RAI treatment and/or Checkup.
Here is a blurb about the diet for your friends and family:

The purpose of a low-iodine diet is to deplete the body of its stores of iodine, to help incrase the effectiveness of the radioactive iodine scan or treatment. The premise is that when the radioactive iodine is administered, the thyroid cells will "suck" up the iodine, because the body has been so depleted. Preparing for RAI Treatment

Thyca: Thyroid Cancer Survivor Association
A great resource for educating, meeting others affected by this disease, and learning about Clinical Trials.
Another thyroid cancer survivor and myself will be starting a Support Group in the Portland area soon! More to come!

Livestrong
The Livestrong Foundation, started by Lance Armstrong after surviving testicular cancer, and going on to win several Tour de France races.  They have numerous resources, volunteer and donation opportunities.  They provide a journal to cancer patients trying to balance their medications, doctors and treatments as well as inspirational stories to keep you going.
American Cancer Society
Forget chat rooms, if you want to find out more information about thyroid cancer, use this site as well as the others posted here. You will get factual information about your or your friends/family's disease.  Chat rooms created panic for me, but now I've learned that people in there are operating on a "worst case scenario".  Not good for a newbie!

I'm Too Young For This Cancer Foundation
I love this site.  Get involved with other young adult cancer survivors with the "Stupid Cancer" campaign.  Join your local chapter and get invited to Happy Hour, bowling, or help organize an event to meet other people in your community affect by this disease.

Light Of Life Foundation
Want to get involved? This foundation is dedicated to thyroid cancer awareness.  You may have seen their ads to "check your neck" in some of your favorite women's magazines.
Young Adult Cancer Statistics

WIP