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RAI Treatment

Saz-Ann
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I am due to get my radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer in a few weeks time. I am always very positive and was told that my last pathology results showed no signs of any cancer was present from my last completion surgery. 

However, doubts and worries are starting to creep in again. Am I going to be more at risk of getting other cancers now? Is there a risk it will come back? 

The prognosis has always been good for me, as I know is the same for many with thyroid cancer, but I feel that because my treatment will soon almost be over my focus is turning to the 'what if' ...... I want to continue on my positive path but feel I need to be informed too. 

Thank you

Parents

  • Hello Saz-Ann and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn that you are having treatment for thyroid cancer.

    The best person to ask these questions to would be your specialist as they know your situation, the risk of cancer returning will depend on the type of thyroid cancer, the stage (its size and whether it had spread) when you were first diagnosed, and how well you respond to treatment. The risk is often low if it is an early cancer.

    The team at the hospital should talk to you about follow-up appointments and how often they will be. This is so the doctors can check on how you are and check there are no signs of cancer.

    Having Radioactive Iodine may increase your risk of a second cancer in the future, but studies have shown this risk is thought to be low. This is also something you could discuss with your specialist or nurse specialist (CNS).

    When treatment finishes you may find you go through many different emotions and it can be a time of uncertainty. You may find our information on life beyond cancer helpful along with Macmillan Cancer Supports after treatment information.

    I hope this helps in some way, please feel free to get back to us. You can speak with one of our nurses on the helpline Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm freephone 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

    Jemma

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Jemma

    Thank you Jemma for your reply and the links.  Life beyond cancer is something I really need help with. I have been looking through much of the information on your links. 

    There is still an element of disbelief that I had the cancer. It sounds strange after everything I’ve been through but I guess it’s just part of the process of healing.  

    Many thanks once again for taking the time reply to me 

Reply
  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Jemma

    Thank you Jemma for your reply and the links.  Life beyond cancer is something I really need help with. I have been looking through much of the information on your links. 

    There is still an element of disbelief that I had the cancer. It sounds strange after everything I’ve been through but I guess it’s just part of the process of healing.  

    Many thanks once again for taking the time reply to me 

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