RAI treatment

[sayeer]

I was just wondering what kind of experience others have had with the radio active iodine treatement. Is it neccesssary really? Does it work? What happens during this time and other suggestions if anyone has any would help.
I just had a TT and they found cancer in some lymph nodes. I am not sure about the thyroid itself yet, I will be going for a follow up with my doctor next week to find out about the path report. He told me that the surgery went great and that he is confident that they got the cancer out the best they could. He said the next step would be the RAI.  

[nissah46]

The RAI is to ablate any left over thyroid cells. Even with TT, they can't always get all tissue.  Depending on your dose, you may be kept in isolation in hospital, or at home.  Sometimes your taste buds are affected for a while, and possibly your saliva glands.If your doctor allows, you can use Thyrogen, instead of going hypo.  You would go on a low iodine diet (LID) for two weeks prior to RAI.  
Trish

[amela321]

Here is a site that has great info about RAI treatment.  http://www.thyca.org/ablation.htm  
It gives you info on what to expect, possible side effects, etc....  For most, the RAI treatment itself isn't bad at all.  It's the going hypothyroid beforehand (if they are required to) that is difficult.

Take care,

Amy
Papillary Thyroid Cancer 1985
Recurrence 2008