Well it is five years past my total thyroidectomy. I have lost ten pounds and still have difficulty losing weight obviously. Other than that though it is amazing what five years can do. I feel fine. I am active and take kickboxing classes now! I work a full time schedule plus. I no longer require a nap after work. I am blessed that I am a teacher so I get summertime off and I really need it, but on a day to day basis I do not nap like I had to for years after the surgery. My hair is growing fine. The leg cramps have practically stopped and I think that is due in part to taking a calcium along with a magnesium pill each day. I am still taking 250 mcg of Synthroid each day. I only take the name brand because my endocrinologist stated that the generic pills are allowed to have to much of a variance in the amount of filler and active ingredient. If you take the name brand you are getting a more consistent dose. I think because this medicine is measure in the minute micrograms that is important. Along with those vitamins I take a multivitamin each day and my regular doctor found I am low on iron. I do not know if that is because of the synthroid or not. I do eat a lot of iron regularly but still supplement with a pill as instructed. Just last year at my physical she found out I was very very low on vitamin D. I was shocked by that as I feel I spend a great deal of time outdoors. So not during the off season months I take a vitamin D supplement as well. I'd still like to lose 20 pounds but it is still difficult and being 43 now seems not to be helping. I was following weight watchers diet for a while and didn't like points. I like to do calories, sugar and fiber. Now I'm doing myfitday.com and it allows you to track calories for free right online. I like that. And it is amazing how those little nibbles throughout the day add up. My scar is barely perceptible now which is so great. I'll get pic on her next... If you are going through this thyroidectomy, I want you to please know there is light at the end of the tunnel. It took me so long to get straightened out with my number, exhaustion and weight but I feel really fantastic now at the five year point. I have my endocrinology visit next month to look for the cancer marker and ultrasound the area - fingers crossed and I'll let you know!

Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Conference

Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association (ThyCa) Hosting 13th International Conference October 15-17, 2010
Thursday September 9, 2010
The Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association (ThyCa) is hosting its 13th annual international conference, on October 15-17, 2010, in Dallas, Texas, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel at DFW Airport.

According to ThyCa, the event is "for everyone whose life has been touched by thyroid cancer-- people being tested, those newly diagnosed, long-term survivors, people with advanced disease, caregivers, and friends." The conference will feature more than 80 sessions focusing on the latest research, advances in treatment and follow-up, issues for survivors and caregivers, and coping skills for well-being. More than 50 speakers -- including physicians and other specialists -- will be present.

You can register in advance for a discount, and walk-in attendees are also welcome. For details and a registration form:
•Visit www.thyca.org
•E-mail: conference@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org
•Write: ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc, P.O. Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545
•Call toll-free: 1-877-588-7904