What should I expect?

[semgirl]

I was diagnosed with follicular carcinoma, Hurthle cell variant.  Had a complete thyroidectomy in November.  Now I am on a LID and off of thyroid replacement meds (am on the 9th day of all that).  Shouldn't I be feeling really tired by now?  I was told I would need to do this for about 21/2 weeks prior to radioactive iodine treatment and figured I'd be exhausted, but I feel fine (except that I hate the diet).  Also, the RAI terrifies me.  Putting that toxin into my body sounds ludicrous!  What do we know about side-effects and long term effects?  Anybody know?  Finally, what if it is not effective, if the iodine is not taken up by any straggler thyroid in my body?  Sometimes I get really afraid in all of this.  I just stumbled upon this website and hope someone reads my questions.  Those of you who have been through this already, I sure could use your encouragement!!

[bet643]

Sorry about your diagnoses. I'm not sure if I can help you, however, I don't want to see you hanging in the air going unnoticed. I was diagnosed with papilary carcinoma and had the I-131  after my total thyroidectomy. The only side effects I had, was a little sore throat. I had no other problems and the iodine did find stragglers in my sturnum. I was kind of freaked out by it at first, but the people in the nuke department were so wonderful and had explained everything in detail. I would rather take the iodine than chemo. Trust me, I've had both, but chemo for another type of cancer. I was only off of my meds for a week. I felt really dragged out. I was more freaked out about the whole body scan, being strapped down with a heavy piece of heavy machinery hovering 2 inches above my skull. Now that was freaky!  Now I do have a cousin with follicular carcinoma and she said she had no problem with the RAI. Maybe someone else might read your post and be able to help you more. Just hang in there. The RAI  is really the least of our problems. Just going to the nuke department at the hospital is enough to make anyone scared. I've been there so many times that I got to know everyone there by their first names. I guess I learned to kind of roll with the punches after 4 years. I hope you can get your answers soon. Please take care.

[bluestarmom187]

"Knowledge is power" over fear....

The one book that has helped me understand thyroid cancer is:

2008 Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment  ISBN# 978-0-07-149430-4


I checked it out from my local library. Which by the way, I just received an email telling me to bring it back. (oops!) I guess I just need to go buy a copy.
Hope this help some.