Tyroid cancer
R iodine treatment in a few weeks... Any one know what to expect (pain or sickness??)
Hello,
The main side effects of this radioactive iodine treatment may be nausea, dry mouth, dry eyes, altered sense of taste or smell tirdness, breathlessness and some pain. If these occur let your nurse/ doctor know and medication can be prescribed for you.
The radioactive substance used for the treatment of thyroid cancer is given in tablet form. This is the standard practice here in Ireland. It is a way of giving radiotherapy internally, rather than externally.
The thyroid cancer cells absorb the iodine and receive a very high dose of radiation, which will help to destroy the cancer cells. Radioactive iodine has very little effect on other parts of the body since other cells do not absorb iodine as much. Unfortunately this treatment makes you slightly radioactive for 4/5 days.
During this time the radioactive substance will gradually be lost from your body in your urine, blood, saliva and sweat. This means you will have to be looked after in a special room because of the possibility of unnecessary radiation exposure to your friends, family and hospital staff. All these restrictions will be explained to you.
Do not hesitate to contact the Irish Cancer Society freefone helpline at 1800-200-700 for any further help.
With best wishes,
Cancer Information Service Nurse
Thanks !! Wow came across this question and realised it was me!! Time flys by managed to get over rai treatment feeling sick was not so good but all for the good of my health xax
There is a support group for thyroid cancer survivors and patients. It was set up by a thyroid cancer survivor, the website is www.thyroidcancersupport.ie. The support group offers support given by others who have been through this cancer and know what the treatment for this type of cancer can be like.
Hi Ash,
Sorry you haven't had an answer yet. I found this site which may contain some info for you.
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/type/thyro ... oid-cancer
Good luck with your treatment.
Flo.