Question about thyroid symptoms after head and neck radiation

[OKNancy]

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)

[alfredo]

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

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]

2. I'm so glad you responded.

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]

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

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]

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

He dislikes both and won't really use them.

[alfredo]

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

I always carry water.

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

[PennyK]

3. About the hair

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?

[OKNancy]

4. Robert didn't get the kind of chemo drug that caused hair loss

Cisplatin. It's nasty, nasty, but with only three treatments, his hair on his head stayed.

[alfredo]

8. Radiation got mine.

[alfredo]

9. Cisplatin is nasty stuff.

[cliffside]

10. Always, always question

somehow I lost two replies to you, but the Cliff note version is to google, with your own filter... and to ultimately question.