Feeling Slightly Anxious

Hey Runner, 

I'm sure that whatever happens, you'll be grand and will get through it all. And you know we're here for you whenever you need us. 

Mine was a shock as I was told that 1 dose of RAI and I'd be good as they had no idea it had spread. 

Lass

Xx

Hi Lass

Your support is always fantastic.

Is it the norm to have a pre RAI scan? I am in Scotland.

I hope you are in less pain now.

Take Care

Runner

Heya, 

What sort of scan? Is it that you're being sent for something and are wondering if it's normal, or you're not and you're wondering if you should be? Lol

Also, where is it that yours has spread to and how do they know? 

And nope, not in less pain unless drugged up. It's doing my head in. Thought things were improving, but turns out it's only because I've found a comfortable place to sit. I was out the house for a preop assessment yesterday, just 3 hours from leaving to walking back in. But I was in agony when I got back, and everything felt like it was burning. The pressure from the waistband of my joggers was killing me as well.

But yet again, I was told that my CT scan showed nothing. So I'm fine.... I beg to differ. But at least my liver biopsy will be going ahead next week. I can add that pain to my current pain! Then hopefully one of them will be gone before the week after that, as I have a hysteroscopy with biopsy to check what my endometrial cancer is up to.

Lol. It never stops for me! 

Lass

Xx

Hi Lass

Thanks for replying. I wondering if it is normal to have a pre RAI scan? I was told they are doing it to check that it hasn’t spread to my spine or brain. If it has they carry out radiotherapy first.

They know it has spread because 21 lymph nodes were cancerous so they presume it has traveled in the lymph system and also in the blood. I have been told not to worry as Rai will take care of it. 

I do hope they get you sorted out and the doctors listen to you properly. I’m sure the heat won’t be helping either. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly with your liver biopsy.

Heya, 

Well, first off, for a bit of hope, papillary thyroid cancer often spreads to the lymph nodes. That's where it goes if it's generally going to go anywhere. Also, it was only found in 20 or 21 of your lymph nodes. That might sound a lot, but it's actually not as you've over 300 lymph nodes in your neck alone. Papillary also isn't the one that normally spreads further than the lymph system. It's quite rare for it to go elsewhere, that's usually follicular that goes elsewhere. 

Do you know why they think it might have invaded your vascular system? 

It's not normal, in most cases, to have a scan before RAI, because there's a WBS after RAI before you're discharged that tells them where it's been taken up; and therefore where or if it's spread.

However, the thing with RAI is that when thyroid cells take up the iodine, they swell. So if there's any suspicion of spread to vital areas, brain, spine, heart, etc where any swelling could have devastating effects, then they scan first just to check what's going on. 

I luckily had a CT scan before my TT which found my ectopic thyroid growth in my chest cavity by my heart. So it had to be removed before I had my RAI, or it could have stopped my heart when it swelled. So they're just performing due diligence with yourself to make sure you're safe and healthy throughout all the treatment. 

Hope that helps! 

Lass

Xx

I have had my scan pre RAI which was to check that it hasn’t spread to either my brain or spine. Fortunately is hasn’t spread any where, I know have a date for my RAI treatment. I feel so relieved.

I am getting treated in Ninewells Hospital, and there policy is scan pre RAI and scan on the day I leave hospital. 

Hi, that's great news for you after so much worry and anxiety. I've been reading about your journey.  

Best of luck for this next stage of your journey,

Kit xx

Hi Kit

Thank you, I will be glad when my RAI is over. 

I hope that your vocal cords start working soon and you are able to get the other half of your thyroid removed.

Good Luck

Runner

Thank you very much x