RAI necessity and effects

[4myhope]

I had a TT last week for micropapillary cancer (4mm, 3.5mm and 2 mm).  I am wondering if you feel it is necessary to have RAI. (I am 39 and am done having kids - hysterectomy 3 yrs ago.) If so, will the dose likely be small enough so I can do it outpatient? How long should I be isolated?  My appt with the Endo isn't until next Friday and I am getting very nervous without any answers.

Also, I have had recurring UTI's for 1 1/2 years that the Urologist is unable to determine the cause for. What would the effect of the RAI be on  my bladder?  Could it finally kill off whatever is growing in there?!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Yes, this is a multifocal PTC -- isolation depends on where it is done as does dose.  Dose may be 30-100mCi depending on the doctor treating and the preparation for treatment -- ie, withdrawal from synthroid vs using Thyrogen.  RAI should not have any significant effect on bladder, but would expose bladder to radiation -- this may or may not help the recurrent UTIs.

[DENNIS D.]

I HAD PAPILLARY CANCER ON THE THYROID.  I HAD TT  AND RAI 2 YEARS AGO. THE RAI IS NECESSARY TO KILL OFF WHAT EVER CELL ARE LEFT AND KILL THE REMAIN THYROID TISSUE THAT MIGHT OF BEEN LEFT AFTER THE SURGERY.  THEY PUT PUT ON A IODINE FREE DIET FOR A WEEK AND THEN ON THE APPOINTMENT THEY WILL MAKE YOU DRINK THE RAI (IT HAS NO TASTE,  DOSAGE DEPENDS ON YOUR DOCTORS FINDINGS).  YOU MOST PROBABLY BE SENT HOME THE SAME DAY AND BE TOLD TO STAY AWAY FROM THE LITTLE ONES FOR A DAY OR SO DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT GIVEN.  THEN THE NEXT 6 DAYS YOU CAN BE IN SAME ROOM AS LITTLE ONES BUT A FAR DISTANCE.  I SENT MY KIDS AWAY FOR THREE DAYS,  IT WON'T BE A BAD IDEA TO DUE THE SAME.  I SLEPT ALONE FOR 5 DAYS JUST TO MAKE SURE THE SPOUSE WAS NOT EXPOSED. KEEP YOUR AREA CLEAN BY CHANGING SHEETS DAILY,  USE DISPOSIBLE UTENSILS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS..I HAD NO BAD REACTIONS OR EFFECTS FROM IT. BUY SOUR CANDYS TO SUCK ON TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH FROM DRYING UP FOR ABOUT A WEEK.....
IT SOUNDS SCARY BUT IT'S NOT.  GOOD LUCK AND TAKE CARE!!!!!!!

[At The End of My Rope]

did you work during your treatment of RAI

[DENNIS D.]

NO I DID NOT WORK FOR ONE WEEK...