Thyroid ablation, low iodine diet, isolation

[aune123]

Hi I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer (papillary multifocal in 2 nodules with metastasis to lymph node) after a lobectomy for a nodule. I am having the other lobe removed next week (also neck dissection) and then RAI ablation about 3 weeks after that. I just wanted to check if anyone knows, does one have to do the low iodine diet leading up to thyroid ablation for cancer, or is it only for the scans? My surgeon says no diet but I thought the low iodine diet applied to all the RAI treatments? Also, in response to some other posts, I will be in isolation in hospital for about 3 days until they are happy with my radiation level and then I will stay away from my family in an apartment for another week to ensure I do not expose my small daughter in any way. Apparantly you can still 'radiate' harmful levels for up to 11 days after treatment (obviously dependant on initial dose) so I am not taking any chances with my family. Small kids are especially vulnerable.

[aune123]

Thank you for the feedback! Yes I am getting the idea from all th different posts here and on the ThyCa Daily strength forum that the LID is essential so I am going to do it even if my surgeon says no need. I am seeing a surgeon and oncologist, no endocrinologist. My oncologist seems to have a lot of experience with ThyCA so I will call him tomorrow and ask about the LID and also using cytomel when coming off hypo to speed up recovery- a lot of people seem to be advising this.

[nissah46]

I would advise you to do the LID.  It is to starve any thyroid cells of iodine, so that they will suck up the RAI.  I did the LID for my ablation and for follow up scans.  The isolation from your child is also necessary.
Trish

[loonette]

I have papillary cancer Stage II (goiter included) and had a TT 6/24/09.  I have been on Cytomel for the past 3 1/2 weeks with only a few days to go.  My endo has me off all thyroid medications and the Low Iodine Diet for the next two weeks in preparation for RAI on September 11th!  I was told the idea is to starve any thyroid cells of iodine so it will readily take up the radioactive iodine.  However, I have seen others tell different stories with no diet needed.  I want to make it as effective as possible so I am going to follow a low iodine diet.  I believe you have to go off meds for scans too, but I will be asking for the Thyrogen shot for that!   It seems every doctor is different.  You said it was your surgeon that told you that.  Do you have an endocrinologist or thyroid specialist to ask?  Let us know what you find out.  

It seems other countries are much more likely to keep radioactive individuals in the hospital--good for you.  In the U.S. (at least in California), I have to go home and be paranoid about hurting my family!  

[ChitChatNine]

Welcome to our Community!  I am sure others will jump in and have advice!  As you wait you may want to do a Community Search for RAI, etc.

C~