RadioIodine Treatment is a special form of therapy aimed specifically at thyroid cancer.
The thyroid gland is the only organ that absorbs Iodine. Following nuclear accidents, people are given Iodine supplements so that they will be prevented from absorbing any radioactive iodine that would kill their healthy thyroid cells.
In the case of thyroid cancer, the aim is in fact to kill any remaining (cancerous) thyroid cells that may remain following surgery.
The Radioactive Iodine is administered by swallowing a capsule that is dispensed from a lead lined container via a tube so that it is not touched by the practitioner.
The patient is then required to isolate for up to a week so that they don’t contaminate or expose anyone with a healthy thyroid gland, especially pregnant ladies of young children.
We are fortunate that we have a large house and I was able to stay in the ‘old wing’ (original house) with a separate bathroom, whilst Adrian remained in the ‘new wing’ (extension).
We were allowed limited time in the same room, maximum 2 hours but at least 2m apart! An alternative version of lockdown regulations!
After about 3 days I was given a scan to confirm any uptake of the radioactive Iodine.
Thyroid cells are slow growing, which is why thyroid cancer is relatively amenable to treatment.
After 9 months, stimulated thyrogen injections are given. One in one butt cheek, and 24hrs later in the other!
This is followed by a blood test which detects the level of thyroid cells detected in your system.
I still had some detected and so the blood test was repeated at 12 months.
Still detectable, therefore I was encouraged to have a second round of RadioIodine during the following year. This is called Dynamic Risk Stratification so the treatment is adjusted until the desired result is achieved. This avoids giving higher levels than needed.
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