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Endocrinologist visit in an hour...

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Posted 7/24/2008 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Next phase of my new and abbreviated cancer journey here....

I see the endo in an hour. THe plan is that he will d/c the meds I am on and then in 10-12 days, I have to take radioactive iodine. THat is the magic bullet for thyroid cancer, it will ablate any remaining thyroid cells. From there, I have a scan, and then I can get onto a regular medication routine of hormone replacements and go on with my life. THe downer is that there is a period of isolation after the iodine. My endo mentioned that I will have to go IP for 2 days for it, which is not high on my list of things to do. Many people can do it as an OP, it depends on the dose (lower is ok for OP) or the living arrangements. I have plenty of room and an extra bathroom, as I would have to sleep in the other room and use my own bathroom for a couple days, which I can easily do.

I'll let you know what he says, fingers crossed for outpatient treatment!

Posted 7/24/2008 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
you will be in my thoughts and prayer

Blessings

blossombud

Posted 7/25/2008 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter Chris went through the iodine but for hyperactive thyroid. She did not have to follow the strict isolation that cancer patients do, but said she had no ill effects from the iodine. Isolation will be no fun with people but what about Tavish? He won't understand. That will be very difficult and I don't envy you. I love my dogs!! I guess you have a few days to figure it all out. Take care. Hugs MK
Posted 7/26/2008 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
Well, the endo told me 2 days in the hospital, a special isolation room on the cancer floor. Yea. Maybe 3 days if it is not metabolized fast enough. Paper coverings on the bed and floor to minimize contamination of the room.

The dose is much higher than what they give for hypoactive thyroid. I know someone who had papillary carcinoma last year and she was able to do her treatment as an outpatient. I guess different hospitals have different guidelines.

But then I felt like I got a gift. I spoke to the supervisor at the nuclear medicine department and he said one day in, maybe 2. One day I can do! I was mentally prepared for 2 and feel like I got a bonus with knowing that I mught be out in one day.

Radioactive scan on 8/6 and admit to hospital on 8/7.

Hospital guy said I could bring my laptop and use wireless internet, but I read that it is a bad idea because the computer can get contaminated. Will have to research this more.

I will have to keep a distance for a few days from the dog and husband when I come back home. I am trying to do a low iodine diet now, which is not easy, but just for 2 weeks. Fun.

It's always something!
Posted 8/1/2008 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
I have had the radioactive iodine twice now. 151 mcg each time. I spent all my time at home though. I had to sleep apart from my husband and our pets for 4 nights. I couldn't use the same bathroom or use the same utensils for 2 days. I had to stay at least 5 ft from people for 5 days. I think my longest restriction was 10 days where I had to stay away from pregnant people and kids.
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