At times I wonder if certain cancer treatments are more dangerous or harmful than cancer itself. A couple of years ago, my cancer treatment made me radioactive for a couple of weeks to kill the remaining cancer cells. (No, I did not glow.) But I was isolated from friends and family for over 3 days. They even gave me a letter to carry in case the radioactivity left in my body set off any alarms in government buildings or airports! That caused me to step back and wonder if that treatment was worth the risk. It worked, so I guess it was.
I have friends that have gone through chemotherapy and take all kinds of medications with terrible side effects to treat cancer. The goal is to kill the cancer, not the person. At times, I wonder if the doctors remember that part. It seems like the side effects from the treatments drain what little energy is left in our bodies at the time.
I’ve moved on from cancer treatment to cancer follow-up procedures. My doctor recommended that I get Thyrogen shots and blood work to see if my levels change. The Thyrogen stimulates the cancer producing cells. The shots are administered two days in a row. One shot is the left buttocks and the other shot in the right. It is literally a pain in the @ss! I got the first shot this morning. Ouch!! It hurt and burned. Now I have a headache and feel a little nauseous from the Thyrogen. I don’t want to go back tomorrow for the second shot. I’ve learned that part of surviving cancer is staying positive and doing things that I don’t necessarily want to do. I will continue to fight the fight!!!
The results should be back next week. I will do my best NOT to think about it and live my life. (Although every time I sit, my sore butt will remind me of the shots!) There is no point in worrying about it today. I will need to remind myself of this several times a day. If the blood work results are high enough to detect cancer, then they will move forward with treatment. If not, then I will continue going back every six months for follow-up visits and testing. Either way, I guess this pain in the @ss it worth it. I am praying that the results are good. Regardless, I will get through it and continue sharing my journey.
xoxo,
Thyro-Jenn
Cancer SURVIVOR - The Journey 
I am so happy to have found your blog. Your low iodine diet tips were really helpful. Who knew Trader Joe’s had no sodium bread! That has really made a difference for me as I am on the LID now. Thank you!
Hello,
Right now my doc is getting ready to do the Thyrogen injections on me. 6mos ago I had to have a scan so I had to be taken off my meds for a few weeks. During that time my body slow to a complete stop. Where I was a very active person, I then just laid on the couch with not one desire to do absolutely nothing! This time, because of that experience, I am terrified of not being on my medication. That is why I am going to get the Thyrogen injections. I hope I can tolerate the shots, stayn on my meds and keep my energy. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on July 1, 2009…my whole thyroid was removed and it’s taken quite awhile to get my medication levels to the right place.
Good luck girls and keep the positive attitude and faith!I try every day.
Smiles,
Sylvia
I cannot believe you were just talking about the radioactive iodine.I had to take the radioactive pill today and of course they said no side effects.I don’t know if its that or not being on medication yet but I am so sick. I went out for a walk thinking that would help but came home and had a stomach ache and just don’t feel right.I am so tired of feeling tired!!! I know staying positive is a big part of the process but its getting so hard. In August I competed in a sprint triathlon and now it was all I could do today was to walk 3 miles.Tomorrow is another day and a better outlook and I know I can do it with the help of my guarding angel but she better hurry!!!Thanks for listening and the support