Isolation from family, friends, and pets.

[Mumzilla]

I'm new to this forum, but from reading the posts, can see all the support provided here.  I was diagnosed with Papillary Carcinoma on Dec. 19, 2006.  Told about the low iodine diet, RAI, and all that.  What I'm worried about is being isolated (at home, not in the hospital.) from my family, friends, and pets. Do I need to clean furnature, carpets, etc before my family can use the room again?  If so, how do I do that?  My kids are 7 and 17.  How long do I have to stay away from them?  Seems to me that the treatments for thyroid cancer are worse than the thyroidectomy.  I hope these questions don't seem TOO silly, but I'm just going crazy worrying about infecting my family...Thanks.....Mum

[Mumzilla]

I guess I should have THOROUGHLY read through the posts before I sent this post.  I've read just about all the other posts and have had so many of my questions answered.  It's just nice to know that there is a place to go for answers and support.

[utahmomma]

Welcome!

I just went through RAI in November and had very similar concerns.  It really wasn't a problem for me and my children were great about it.  For the first three days I couldn't spend more than a few minutes near them (quick hug is okay).  Make sure that you wash your laundry separately, sleep alone for the first three days, don't share utensils, and flush at least 2-3 times all for the first three days.  

What you have to be concerned with is your body fluids.  Saliva, urine, sweat, etc.  It's not fun if you have a cold (which I did) because I knew I was sneezing radiation.  :-)  Do not kiss anyone (peck on the cheek only, if necessary), go to the gym (like you will feel like that), sleep with anyone, or share anything with saliva or sweat on it for about five days.  (Don't let the dogs lick you either.)

Don't worry about cleaning furniture unless you get a lot of body fluids on it (ewwww!).  You might feel quite warm after the RAI from the thyroid surges - my hospital recommended putting plastic (garbage bags work or a plastic tarp) between your sheets and mattress then thoroughly washing the sheets.  I just bought a really ugly pair of sheets on clearance sale then threw them away after.

You'll be okay - my teenage son quite enjoyed not having mom hover.  :-)

Here's a reference if you need it (your hospital will probably have a more complete one):
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/raiprep.html

You're right, RAI makes the surgery seem like a walk in the park but it's all worth it to be cancer free!!!  Oh, and the RAI itself is no big deal - it's the silly diet.

Welcome papillary carcinoma sister!!!