RAI

[sayeer]

Hello, I am new to this board.

I had a TT at the end of Oct. I  just found out that I have papillary cancer. They found 3 nodules all were cancerous as well. 3 out of 4 lymph nodes were also cancerous. The doc says the next step is going through the RAI. I have been reading up on the RAI and I am scared to DEATH to get it done. People seem to get lots of side effects from it. To prepare for the RAI in Dec my endo has me off all my hormone meds now. Will this affect working during this time before the treatment?
Does anyone have anything positive to say about RAI?

[sayeer]

Thank you both for the suggestions and help.

I wont be taking the thyrogen instead just going hypo until then.

Thanks so much

[pep88]

Shannon is right.  However I had a different story on the Thyrogen from my doc than she.  Not to say I wouldn't bypass going to hypo-he// ever again if I could avoid it, but my doc said that the RAI didn't work as well as if you went hypo for real, the first time.  You'll need to confir with your doc and both of you make that decision together.

And just know that in doing research on ANY given ailment or situtation on the web, please, please PLEASE keep in mind that you will hear a TON of negative/horror stories.  People only ever write those up.  It's juicy and scary and people read those.  The ones who sailed through their proceedures don't bother to address things like that on the internet or elsewhere.  I had a very easy time with RAI and the TT.  The psychological issues of knowing I had "cancer" were worse than the actual treatments for the disease.  And finding the proper medication wasn't a picnic either, but in the end, I'm cancer free and that's the most important thing.  And you will be too.  

Keep us informed and ask all the questions you want here.  Most of us that have been there, done that, will fill you in.  Good luck.

[shannon828]

OK, first off- THYROGEN.  Please ask your doctor about doing Thyrogen instead of going off your meds.  It has been approved for scans and treatments and eliminates the need for going off your meds.  There is no need to go hypo anymore.  If you want more info go to the Genzyme website...

Secondly, RAI is a pain (and the LID is annoying), but it's really only one bad day and then you just start feeling better and better.  I found the isolation time kind of relaxing, my boss rented me a house at the beach and I just took extra good care of myself.  The way I feel about this whole thing is that I've already been through everything (TT & RAI) and if I have to do additional RAI I've already "been there, done that".  You know?

Everything will be completely fine.  You will go in, get two shots, take the glowing pill, rest for a few days and then it will do it's job.

Best of luck and hang in there!!!