I am living in Ireland and have recently had my thyroid removed. I was diagnosed with papillary throid cancer. Now I have to wait 11 months to get radiodine treatment. Has anyone any suggestions for me? I am considering trying to get the treatment privately outside of Ireland.
Hello I am just wondering about your wait - is that becasue of a queue for treatment or is it to let things settle down after your surgery? Either way it must be very frustrating for you. I have no experience of your type of cancer sorry I cant be more help but I wish you well. Good luck and welcome to the site! All the best Jools x x
I think you should get back in touch and ask them exactly why you are having to wait for this part of your treatment. Have you been on thyroid hormone replacement therapy since the operation? Does it mean that they will be scanning you later to see whether you need this follow-on, or not? Like Jools, I have no experience of this type of cancer. Looking on the www suggests that RADIOIODINE TREATMENT will mean swallowing the dose. Seems you will then be advised to keep away from children and pregnant women for a short length of time. Most of the sites seem to include at least one "ablation" or treatment with radioiodine. I hope it all goes well. Please let us know what happens, and look after yourself xxxx Penny
Thank you for taking the time to read my query. I am waiting because of the lack of resourses in our health care system. Since I last wrote I found out that I may be put on a waiting list for st. barts hospital in london to get the treatment I need!
My wife had Thyroid Cancer (2 tumours in neck) and a thyroidectomy. She did not have to wait too long for follow up Radioactive Iodine Therapy at Nottingham City Hospital - they have a special suite for treatment. It meant 5 days in isolation - after swallowing a radioactive capsule. The idea is to mop up any stray cancer cells that may have migrated elsewhere in the body.
I think you should talk to your specialist about why such a long wait for follow up? There may be specific medical reasons for your cancer type - as opposed to just a long waiting list! If you do go elswhere - Nottingham is very good. My wife has 6 monthly check ups at Nottingham Queens Medical Centre.
I had this trearment for an over active thyroid instead of surgery.I had to stay away from my job for 3 weeks as i worked with children.But i just had to watch that i didn't have close contact with my family and others.
I cannot understand why you have to wait so long for your treatment. i would push for them to see you sooner if the wait isn't for medical reasons.
I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in June, had my thyroidectomy at the beginnning of July and my radioactive iodine treatment in August. With my treatment on the first day I had to take an iodine tablet which had been specially treated to make it radioactive. The nurses then measured the amount of radioactivity I had absorbed and this was then checked over the next 4 days. I had to drink a minimum of 3 litres of water a day which helped flush the radioactivity out. I was allowed home after 4 days and could resume all normal contact including with children and pregnant women after 7 days. I had my treatment at the christie hospital in Manchester and the staff here are very good. If you want to ask me anything else about the treatment just let me know.
appointment for st barts are confusing. The first was agreed when we meet the surgeon, we had to chase then for my second lazer treatment there . but once there the treatment is first class. the staff were so kind and helpfull. wishing you a happy/good conclusion. blackcat
i recently had my thyroidectomy and right neck disection (on valentine s day this year). Right after my discharge ,the Covid craziness started and all my appointments for therapies and follow ups were canceled. The nuclear medicine doctor postponed my radiation as well for unlimited time because of the Covid. did u had ur radiotherapy after 11 months as they told you? Did this delay had any impact on ur health condition later on?
