DR. is pushing for RAI tx to 10 y/o dtr. don't know what to do

[annb352]

My 10 yo daughter was recently dx with Graves. We have not received the blood test yet to check for Graves antibodies, but the Dr. is already prushing RAI, scheduled in two week. I feel rushed and not provided with other options and I feel I will not have time to research all the options. My dtr is happy, active, and full of life. Please if anyone can give information or experiences with the two options, that would help in making the right decision for my dtr.

thanks,
Ann

[Super_sally888]

Please read more carefully on this.  From my understanding RAI is not the first approach if there is eye involvement.

Please get a second opinion.  OBviously something does need to be done.  But you need to be comfortable with that too!

[annb352]

Thank you for your responses. I do have alot of questions. I just want to know why they want to do an RAI before trying other options that is not so invasive. Is it her levels, her eyes (they are big and bulging somewhat, but has never c/o of problems with it), her rapid heart rate, her goiter. They made it sound like this is her only option with graves. But yet I read stories in here with other parents with children with graves who opted for ATD tx with good turn out. She is only 10 yrs old. I want to make the right decision.

[Ladyrumrunner]

Having gone thru graves and RAI I would say see if you could try the anti thyroid pills and see how she does first, if she can get regulated great. Then you stay the course maintaing euthroid if she has issues with the anti thyroid discuss the option of a partial thyroidectomy to see if that is an option. At her age I would do everything you van to protect killing her thyroid just yet. There are may Dr's who think regulating hypo is easy. We on here are the ones that don't fit in to the box of medical thought. Up until July 2010 I did not know anything about thyroid much less graves disease. I am still learning more and more every day due to the hypo issues I am having as well as the eye issue I have from the graves. There are pill that the dr can give your daughter to conger react the effects of graves while you can get all of your questions asked and make an informed dicession on what to do that is best for your daughter.  Get her into a ped endo for a second opinion.  You can hold off on the RAI until you feel informed enough to make the final decision.

[Super_sally888]

I would definitely be seeking a second opinion.  RAI is a permanent treatment and she'll be hypothyroid for the rest of her life.  

Please research carefully as well and don't make any rushed decisions.  Perhaps a trial of medications even before RAI, even if that does end up being the final treatment recommended.

From a quick google I understand that RAI could be considered in children with thyroid cancer, but even then the recommendations are mixed.