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Reassurance regarding Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Mb2305
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Hi, 

I’m writing this for some reassurance/information. I hope what I’m saying doesn’t come across as rude or insensitive or that I’m making this about myself; I’m just struggling to find information.

I live with my Dad and he is going to be going into hospital on the 15th January for radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. I live with my Dad and I’m feeling really anxious for when he comes out of hospital after this treatment as I really struggle with health anxiety and OCD. This year has been really tough as my anxiety feels heightened after my Dad’s diagnosis and I feel really selfish and stupid for worrying about myself when he’s the one that is sick.

My main concerns is after he comes out, I’m stressed about what it will be like for us and what precautions we’ll need to take. A lot of websites talk about avoiding contact and not using the same things but we live in a really small house with only one bathroom and I can already feel my OCD really ramping up and almost visualising the radiation. I know that must sound so stupid but it’s like visualising germs everywhere and I’m panicking about how I’m going to cope and what we will need to do.

I really wanted to attend the first visit to the hospital with my Dad because I wanted to hear it all for myself but I couldn’t get the day off work and he’s not very good at telling all the information so I just want to know how bad it really is, are there many risks afterwards, what do I need to be doing? I’m worried he’s not telling me all of it.

Please, I do apologise again, I hope this comes across as ok. I’m not trying to be rude or stupid I just don’t know what to do. 

  • Hello Mb2305

    I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis and that he will be undergoing treatment for this in a few weeks. It's naturally a worrying time for you all. 

    The hospital will only let your Dad home once they are satisfied that the radiation levels in his body are at a safe level and there will be guidance for him, and for you as a family to follow in the weeks after his treatment. You can read more about this on our website here. 

    It might help to try and remember that many, many people across the country undergo this treatment every week and go home to safely live with loved ones. It's understandable that your anxiety may be heightened after your Dad's diagnosis and I'd really encourage you to speak to your GP, or mental health team if you are already receiving support. They will be best placed to help you put some plans in place to help you manage over the coming weeks. 

    If you'd like to chat with one of our nurses regarding your Dad's treatment you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). 

    I hope all goes smoothly for your Dad with this treatment phase and that you're able to get the help and support you need as well. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi. I had radioiodine treatment three and a half years ago and honestly, you don't have to do anything. He might have to do some things like flushing the toilet twice after use and I ate at a separate table to my family for a couple of days, but they really are just precautions to be extra-safe. Think of it this way: This risk to you is likely to be far less than the risk to him and if the radiation was a significant risk to him, they probably wouldn't do it.

    You don't sound rude or stupid. These are the sort of things that are hard to ask and it is confusing to get the info second-hand. But there really isn't anything to worry about.

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