Do you know anyone who took Radioactive Iodine for Thyroid Cancer and had to stay away from all other humans?

Question

My ex-wife had her Thyroid removed and they found cancerous nodules on it. As a result, she has to take Radioactive Iodine in order to kill off any thyroid tissue that may be left. While on the treatment, she may not go within five feet of anyone who still has their thyroids, otherwise theirs could also be destroyed. I've never heard of this. Is any familiar with this?

Answer 1

Precautions after treatment with I-131 RAI
Since I-131 RAI produces radiation, patients must do their best to avoid radiation exposure to others, particularly to pregnant women and small children. Therefore, there are certain precautions that patients who have been treated with RAI are expected to follow after their treatment. These guidelines comply with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and will be reviewed with patients by the medical institutions giving their treatment. Importantly, the amount of radiation exposure markedly decreases as the distance from patients increases. Patients who need to travel in the time immediately after I-131 RAI treatment are advised to carry a letter of explanation from their physician. This is because radiation detection devices used at airports or in federal buildings may pick up even radiation levels thought to be safe.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I am an oncology Rn in Illinois and we do thyroid ablations at least once every 3-6 months in our hospital. The radiation Oncologist told me about 4 years ago, we are the only state in the union which requires hospitalization for this procedure. It may change someday. These pt are put in strict isolation away from all other pts.
The pt who recieves the radioactive iodine is heavily radioactive for about 24 hours. We only allow visitors in the room for approx 15 minutes every 8 hours and no children or pregnant women or women who are of childbearing age are permitted in the room. We give the pt the phone number of the main nurses station and tell them to call if they need assistance. They are not permitted to bring personal belongings which may be accidentally radiated during the period of high radiation uptake.. They are instructed to flush the stool twice and the nurses do not take there stethescope or any other items into the room. We basically walk in and say hi and leave. All of the places they walk are covered with paper and the call light is covered with paper.
Radiation comes to the floor and must set up the room prior to the pts arrival. They are given instructions and then we call and tell them we are ready and they come up with a lead box and take the 5 radioactive tablets out and the pt swallows them 1 at a time. We are very careful to make sure the pt does not become nauseated. All kitchen ware is disposable and we send it to be locked up in radiation following the procedure and clearance of the room by radiation after the pt leaves.
We instruct them when they go home to stay away from children and women of childbearing age. They are still radioactive but not as bad as the 1st day. The uptake is in the thyroid gland, and I have taken care of at least a dozen of these pts over the last 5 years, so if that were true, I would not have a thyroid myself. They may indeed have told her this information though.

Answer 4

I took the radioactive iodine pills, and I had to stay away from people for 4 days, because I was radioactive, I was also told not to hold a child or a pet on my lap for at least 10 days....Make sure all eating utensils are plastic and use paper plates, let her throw everything out. Also in the bathroom, make sure to use the antibiotic wipes to wipe sink and toilet, and use paper towels to dry hands, also keep all her trash separate from everyone else....I will say that the treatment worked, and I hope that it will for her too.

Answer 5

specific, you will nonetheless want the thyroxine or it rather is equivalent after the thyroid is bumped off or perhaps dealt with with radioactive iodine by using fact the radioactivity on my own will shrink the interest of your thyroid. reckoning on what the purpose is of the radio-iodine, it could kill the thyroid without eliminating it. i've got been utilising a guy made thyroid replace for 30 yrs now. Now i'm on one called levothyroxin

Answer 6

Yes that is right, I had this treatment done less than 5 years ago. My husband quarantined me in the house, and they stayed somewhere else for so many weeks. It was awful. They left me styrofoam plate of food on the steps each day and night. I had to wait till they left, then I stepped on the porch to get it. I was so depressed.... Don't worry, she will do fine.

I left a link in case you wanted to read more about my experiences with thyroid cancer. I have started a mini-diary.

Answer 7

Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism. Learn here https://tr.im/2LgCq

Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).

1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.

2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.

Answer 8

Yes, it's very common. You are not radiactive after about 3-4 days, though. Thyroid cancer is highly curable, like 98% or something like that. She will be okay. good luck.

Answer 9

My girlfriend had treatment where she had to spray everything she had touched and her husband measured the radio activity off of a coke can she had touched. Sounds crazy but that is what happened to her but they did provide a spray to dissipate it from her bed and things.

Answer 10

I've never heard of it either. My bestfriend had that same procedure done a few years ago, they never told her that.