The RLAC program is for patients and their families who have finished treatment. This program has many services, including support groups, seminars, workshops, counseling on life after treatment, and help with insurance and employment issues.
For more information, call If you have any questions about radiation safety, call Monday through Friday from am to pm. If you have an emergency after pm , during the weekend, or on holidays, call your endocrine doctor, or go to urgent care or the nearest emergency room. You may also call Nuclear Medicine at if you have any questions about appointment times or your treatment. Your feedback will help us improve the information we provide to patients and caregivers.
We read every comment, but we're not able to respond. If you have questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider. For more resources, visit www. Back to top About Radioactive Iodine Treatment Treatment with radioactive iodine lowers your risk of your thyroid cancer coming back. Back to top Before Your Radioactive Iodine Treatment Discuss your treatment plan Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Your treatment plan will follow these steps that will take place over a few days: 1. Breastfeeding and radioactive iodine therapy Radioactive iodine can collect in breast tissue with milk in it. Plan for transportation after treatment Radioactive iodine gives off radiation. Make a plan for getting home before you come for your treatment. Back to top The Day of Your Radioactive Iodine Treatment Showering You can shower with soap and water the night before or the morning of your treatment. You can use your usual deodorant, lotions, creams, and makeup.
Radioactive iodine is not used if:. You may take antithyroid medicine for several weeks or months before treatment with radioactive iodine.
The antithyroid medicine will lower thyroid hormone levels in your body and will also lower your chances of having a more serious problem called thyroid storm. You may also take additional medicines that can make you feel better and help your thyroid return to normal before you are given radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine has been used to treat hyperthyroidism for more than 60 years.
There is no evidence that radioactive iodine causes cancer, infertility, or birth defects. If you have had radioactive iodine treatment and you want to travel within a few days after treatment, prepare for any problems you may have at airport security. People who have had radioactive iodine treatment can set off the radiation detection machines in airports.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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The RAI treatment may take up to several months to have its effect. Frequently, the end result of RAI treatment of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism, which is treated by thyroid hormone replacement see Hypothyroidism brochure.
This is performed after the remaining thyroid cells including any cancer cells are stimulated by raising TSH levels by either withdrawing the thyroid hormone pills or by treating with recombinant human TSH. Patients are asked to follow some radiation precautions after treatment in order to limit radiation exposure to others see below. Depending on state regulations, patients may have to stay isolated in the hospital for about 24 hours to avoid exposing other people to radiation, especially if there are young children living in the same home.
Although the treatments with I are generally safe, RAI produces radiation so patients must do their best to avoid radiation exposure to others, particularly to pregnant women and young children. The amount of radiation exposure markedly decreases as the distance from the patient increases.
Patients who need to travel in the days after I 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 very small radiation levels.
They stay at a safe distance from you and can only stay in your room with you for as long as is necessary. This is because they will care for many people who have this treatment. So the amount of radiation they are exposed to has to be carefully controlled. It is important that you know that you are not at any risk from the radiation.
Being looked after in a single room can feel lonely. Some people find it frightening. It can help to talk to the nurses about your worries. They can reassure you. You may be able to take a few personal possessions into your room. The hospital staff will tell you if this is possible and what you can have with you.
They may suggest not bringing too many items in and nothing of value. Some hospital rooms will have a television and a phone. You could check before you go in to find out if this is the case.
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