opinion?

[kyrela]

Ok I had thyroid cancer removed nov o8 and removed half of it, so I am still functioning on half and just got started on synthroid 50 mcgs, now would it be wise to have the other half taken out or just function with the one I have? Which would be easier to deal with part or none..? Also, do I HAVE to go through radiation? I'd prefer not to if I can help it.

[nissah46]

They won't give you RAI if you still have half a thyroid that is functioning.  According to the pathology on your tumor they sometimes go back and remove the other half. I stayed in hospital for 2 days after RAI. Then I was isolated at home for about another week. That involves sleeping alone, using a separate bathroom, not preparing food for others, washing clothes and dishes separate from others.  It is especially important to stay away from pregnant women and young children, and not bo too close to others for any length of time for that week.  Feel free to ask more questions.
Trish

[MANmom]

What kind of cancer do you have?  I have the same, I have papillary cancer after a lobectomy, I still have thyroid function, but I have Hashi's so my thyroid will not work in a while.  I am choosing to have the surgery.  You do not have to have RAI, but it does depend on the type of cancer you have.  If it is papillary or follicular, they recommend it.  Also, how big are the tumors?  If they are not large and you are in Stage 1, you can wait and have the other half removed when it is more convenient.  My kids are all over 13, so I am fine there.  There is only a small chance of spreading, and thyroid cancer tends to grow slowly.  I am choosing the RAI treatment because the cancer was actually in my thyroid tissue and not in my nodules they removed, the surgeon left a film of thyroid tissue around my vocal nerves to preserve my vocal function, so there will be thyroid tissue left in my body, I want it nuked so there is no chance it will come back. The Endo told me that I really only had to be isolated for the first 24 hours, then I could actually sit in the same room as my children, but at least 6 feet away.  Also, I could not handle food for a few days, so I am planning to make a pot of spaghetti sauce with shredded zucchini in it for them to eat when I am unable to make dinner.  That way they get all three food groups in one dish!  I will also make sure there are chicken strips and pizza available for them to eat.  You can find all kinds of answers to your questions on the net, do some research and keep asking questions here, this is a great resource for all kinds of information.  Also check the ThCa website, just google thyca.org.  They have all kinds of good info there...good luck!

[kyrela]

also, does someone HAVE to have RAI? If so, can they stay in the hospital for the days needed since I have 3 young children and being away from them at home wont work..