Seven months post RAI

It's been seven months after my radioactive iodine therapy.  Yesterday, i went to my endocrinologist as I have been having palpitations the past two weeks.  There is also discomfort on the operated site.  I feel like scabs are developing inside my throat.

I had an ultrasound as ordered by my surgeon.  On the neck ultrasound, everything is as expected postoperatively and thank God no vascularity.  Though there is a benign lymph node that was seen.

To be sure, my endocrinologist ordered for Thyrogen stimulated RAI scan.  He said that it has smaller dose than what i had during the treatment, maybe about 4 mCi only and one day inpatient stay.

Still waiting for my insurance approval.

Post RAI check

So, it's my fifth month post thyroidectomy and my fourth month post RAI or radioactive iodine therapy.  I have been feeling good but not the same as I used to before.  There are a lot of hormonal swings like hot flushes but of course these go hand in hand with medication adjustment, hormonal imbalance, diet and post RAI effects, I think.

I went back to my endocrinologist and he ordered blood tests and ultrasound of the neck.  All blood tests are as expected except FT4 is a bit above normal.

The ultrasound showed small remnant area of thyroid tissue on the right side/postoperative changes?

Still waiting for my endocrinologist's plan.

Hopefully, no need for another RAI.

Claiming complete healing.

How to prevent boredom while in isolation

The RAI treatment for thyroid cancer requires a patient to be isolated in an all leaded room for a minimum of three days if it is done inpatient.  I was hospitalized for three days and was instructed to stay in my own room not sharing toilets with anybody.  So, what did I do to keep myself boredome free during the isolation?

1.  Smart TV and wifi.  This is a perfect match.  Strong wifi is a ++.  There are a lot of things  to browse on the net.  Good thing, the American Hospital Dubai has a well-equipped ablation room.

2.  Movie marathon.  Watching one movie takes about two hours.  In 24 hours, one can watch about 12 movies without breaks ha ha ha.

3.  Coloring book.  Adult coloring book are IN now a days.  It is a stress reliever and it brings out the creativity in oneself.

4.  Books.  Read lots of books.

5.  Pray.  Do not forget the most important use of your time, a conversation with God.

Post ablation whole body scan: The final step.

After one week from my RAI treatment, today I came back early morning to the Nuclear Medicine Department to have my post ablation scan.  I came early at 8:00 a.m.  I actually came earlier than the patient relation staff :).  When she came, I registered and paid the copay as this is insurance covered and I just had to pay for 5% of the total price.  I paid about 49 AED.  Then, I went to the PET/CT scan room.  I was given a gown to change.  removing the bra but keeping the panty on.  I was lead to the machine.  It was a huge machine.  I had to lie still on a very narrow bed.  I was strapped with cloth to prevent unnecessary movement.  First, the whole body scan and the last 20 minutes was the neck only scan.  It pays to memorize your prayers, as I was able to say my rosary, hail holy queen and memore.  I also sang few worship songs of course in my mind.  Then, had a conversation with God.  During the first part my heart was racing as i was covered with a plate about 2 inches or less away from my face.  I was catching my breath while hearing the technician saying, don't move, stay still.  As I continue my conversations with God, I slowly come to relaxation.  I kept my eyes closed by once in a while would open them.  This is the final stage of thyroid cancer treatment.  I praise God for the healing.  Now I am free!  I only have to maintain my levels and make sure that the cancer does not come back.  Fight like a girl!

 After the WBS, asked permission to take a selfie

The PET/CT

Freedom!

Just a few hours after I woke up on day three of my isolation, the radiation level came down to 9 uSV.  Today is my freedom day!!  I was discharged by Dr. Yang but to be continued to be isolated in my own room.  Below are my "aquarium selfie" collection with my visitors.

my very entertaining nurse :)

My nurse

Ablation day 3

Indeed  it is a good morning for my radioactive level is down to 18.3. Praise God.  It was a funny night last night because code red was called for my room.  Meaning: FIRE!!! Ha ha it was just me using the hot shower.  Apparently, the fire detector in the room has been acting like that  so it is not the first time that this happened.  It's funny i was in the shower enjoying my night shower when suddenly my phon kept ringing endlessly.  How am i supposed to answer that? Ha ha ha I took my towel and covered my body, went out and there i saw the nurses looking at me through the looking glass.  They were telling me we had a code red. The steam! Anyway today could be my freedom ha ha ha

Radiation level on day two

This is day two and my radiation level in the morning was 99 uSivh.  At about 10 am,  was asked to lie down to check again and it went down to 69.97 uSivh. Not bad ha. More water please.