Awaiting RAI scan results

Hi Angelina

Do you mean the scan they give at the end of RAI? If you do, from what they told me, it looks where the radioactive iodine has been taken up. As iodine is only absorbed by thyroid cells it is possible to see where those are, they hope that it’s all in the thyroid area in the bits left by surgery. The radioactivity should then kill off those cells. If the cancer has spread to other parts the scan can spot other thyroid growths over about a centimetre. That’s what I’d gathered from the chats at the hospital but you can probably tell from my description that I’ve no medical knowledge! The scan will only show thyroid based tumours - I asked as I too have other issues. I know it’s a very worrying time and it’s hard not to let your mind wander. Don’t feel guilty about taking time off work, some people like to keep busy, others can’t cope with any distraction. Try to write down any questions you have before the phone call and try not to worry, I know that’s easier said than done. Hope all goes well 

Oh and as for timescales, 8 months after my RAI I had bloods, thyrogen and an ultrasound scan to see how successful the treatment has been - that was 2 weeks ago so I’ve not got my results yet. The gp has been monitoring my thyroxine levels but other than that I’ve been left to recover.