Rai And Wbs Lots Of Qs

HI all, I go in for my RAI on Thursday.  I'm doing thyrogen and go for my second shot tomorrow.  So far so good.  I am from Canada and I understand things are different, but I keep reading that people go for a WBS a week or so after their RAI dose.  I asked my oncologist about this as I'm not having my WBS done until Jan. 09.  He said that there would be so much radiation in there they couldn't see if any other cancer cells remain.  Could anyone clarify that for me?

 I'm very sick of the low iodine diet.  I was on a very strict nutritional program, but had to give it up as the limited protein really didn't do well with me.  I am baking my own bread and thank gawd for that.  I'll be done the diet on Friday.

 I'm actually staying at a hotel (complimentary accomodations for cancer patients) and have asked several questions about whether it's safe for the hotel staff, but everyone in the nuclear med department keeps saying yes with limitations re: time and distance with people.  They had no concern with housekeeping taking my linens and such. 

 My dose is 50 mci, any thoughts on what I can expect.  Like can I go for a run, go to the gym (if no one is there), go to starbucks, etc.  Will I feel awful.  It's all so unknown.

 

thanks in advance

 

On 5/13/2008 Corduroy wrote:

HI all, I go in for my RAI on Thursday.  I'm doing thyrogen and go for my second shot tomorrow.  So far so good.  I am from Canada and I understand things are different, but I keep reading that people go for a WBS a week or so after their RAI dose.  I asked my oncologist about this as I'm not having my WBS done until Jan. 09.  He said that there would be so much radiation in there they couldn't see if any other cancer cells remain.  Could anyone clarify that for me?

 I'm very sick of the low iodine diet.  I was on a very strict nutritional program, but had to give it up as the limited protein really didn't do well with me.  I am baking my own bread and thank gawd for that.  I'll be done the diet on Friday.

 I'm actually staying at a hotel (complimentary accomodations for cancer patients) and have asked several questions about whether it's safe for the hotel staff, but everyone in the nuclear med department keeps saying yes with limitations re: time and distance with people.  They had no concern with housekeeping taking my linens and such. 

 My dose is 50 mci, any thoughts on what I can expect.  Like can I go for a run, go to the gym (if no one is there), go to starbucks, etc.  Will I feel awful.  It's all so unknown.

 

thanks in advance

 

My RAI was 150 mci and I couldn't see anyone for days and I was very sick..  I think going to the gym and to Starbucks would only expose people.  I am receiving the Thyrogen injections and tomorrow I receive the RAI tracer dose.  Even with that, they told me to NOT be around any pregnant women, babies or people with weak immune systems for 3 days.  I would be cautious and not expose anyone. You don't know who might be pregnant (hairdresser, manicurist, etc).  I'm putting off my pedicure until next week.  It's just my opinion and others should offer theirs.  Good luck with it all.  What type of thyroid cancer are you dealing with?  Please keep everyone posted on your progress.

My understanding is that the RAI treatment can take up to 6 months to do its thing.  After that time if any cancer cells remain probably a second dose is needed.  I also had my scan a week after RAI.  This can give some indication on the uptake.  Where the iodine is being absorbed indicates to the doctors where any residual cells may be.  For example, it is normal to have uptake in the thyroid bed although the thyroid is gone as a result of surgery.  Hope this helps some. 

 

On 5/13/2008 Corduroy wrote:

HI all, I go in for my RAI on Thursday.  I'm doing thyrogen and go for my second shot tomorrow.  So far so good.  I am from Canada and I understand things are different, but I keep reading that people go for a WBS a week or so after their RAI dose.  I asked my oncologist about this as I'm not having my WBS done until Jan. 09.  He said that there would be so much radiation in there they couldn't see if any other cancer cells remain.  Could anyone clarify that for me?

 I'm very sick of the low iodine diet.  I was on a very strict nutritional program, but had to give it up as the limited protein really didn't do well with me.  I am baking my own bread and thank gawd for that.  I'll be done the diet on Friday.

 I'm actually staying at a hotel (complimentary accomodations for cancer patients) and have asked several questions about whether it's safe for the hotel staff, but everyone in the nuclear med department keeps saying yes with limitations re: time and distance with people.  They had no concern with housekeeping taking my linens and such. 

 My dose is 50 mci, any thoughts on what I can expect.  Like can I go for a run, go to the gym (if no one is there), go to starbucks, etc.  Will I feel awful.  It's all so unknown.

 

thanks in advance

I just had my WBS this morning and am awaiting the results.  I personally was told NOT to stay at a hotel.  You are putting the personnel in danger.  I was given 100mc of RAI.  I was in isolation for 72 hours; flushing 3 times, washing bed linens and towels separately from others on a daily basis, using latex gloves with tvs, computers phones etc.  I had to use plastic eating utensils; cups, forks, plates etc.  I don't know how you could do that in a hotel.  All drs I know would warn against that.

As far as going other places; the answer is generally NO.  For the first 72 hours you can't have contact with anyone.  After that, you really shouldn't go to public places for at least 7 days.  I had to stay on the LID until I had my scan this morning; they wanted total absorbtion of the RAI.  It seems like an awfully long time to wait after receiving the RAI for your WBS.  I really haven't heard of that before.  I had first Thyrogen on Monday, second on Tuesday, and RAI on Wednesday.  The next Wednesday I had my WBS.  I ended up being on my LID for almost 4 weeks.  But at least thanks to Thyrogen, I never went hypo and had zero side effects to the Thyrogen or the RAI.

You might want to ask a few more questions....

Hi there, I had TT for papillary thyroid cancer on May 8, 2007.  I had my RAI treatment of 150 millicures on June 19th and then had my WBS 10 days later.  I am not sure why they are putting off your WBS until Jan. 09.  This past January I had a repeat WBS as a follow-up and it was clear thank heavens.  I am surprised that they are not doing a WBS after your RAI treatment to have something to compare to follow up scans. 

As far as your RAI treatment I had to stay at home  for five days and have little or no contact with anyone.  I had to keep everything that I used separate from my DH.  He couldn't be any closer than 6 feet from me.  I don't think you will be able to go jogging or go for coffee at Starbucks.  They should give you instructions regarding isolation after your receive the RAI.  Good luck and take care.

 

On 5/13/2008 Corduroy wrote:

HI all, I go in for my RAI on Thursday.  I'm doing thyrogen and go for my second shot tomorrow.  So far so good.  I am from Canada and I understand things are different, but I keep reading that people go for a WBS a week or so after their RAI dose.  I asked my oncologist about this as I'm not having my WBS done until Jan. 09.  He said that there would be so much radiation in there they couldn't see if any other cancer cells remain.  Could anyone clarify that for me?

 I'm very sick of the low iodine diet.  I was on a very strict nutritional program, but had to give it up as the limited protein really didn't do well with me.  I am baking my own bread and thank gawd for that.  I'll be done the diet on Friday.

 I'm actually staying at a hotel (complimentary accomodations for cancer patients) and have asked several questions about whether it's safe for the hotel staff, but everyone in the nuclear med department keeps saying yes with limitations re: time and distance with people.  They had no concern with housekeeping taking my linens and such. 

 My dose is 50 mci, any thoughts on what I can expect.  Like can I go for a run, go to the gym (if no one is there), go to starbucks, etc.  Will I feel awful.  It's all so unknown.

 

thanks in advance

 

Hi, I am from BC and went to the Van. Cancer Clinic.  Saw Dr. Wu.  I had my RAI on Jan. 9th and a WBS on Jan. 14th.  I had minimally invasive Folicular cancer with no spread.  I had the RAI because of residule thyroid tissue.  I also had the 2 thyrogen shots but he said I didn't have to follow the LID which was great.  I went through the treatment with no side affects at all.  I will occasionally get pains in my scar tissue but he said that is normal and could last up to a year.  I was in the hospital in isolation for 48 hours and after that he said to act as if I had a cold and to keep my distance from other people and use separate towels.  I went from the hospital to my sisters place and went shopping on the way there!  Best of luck!