Hi Ann & Christyanne,
Wonderfull about the massage. You need to have little treats whenever you can. I know I was terrified of my throat being touched and even just yesterday (almost 6 months after the operation) I accidentally hit myself in the neck when my hand slipped and still have a very uncomfortable feeling in my throat.
So I thought I would update you both.
In april I had the radioactive iodine treatment. Unlike either of you I did get the injections, 2 each day before the treatment. It is not a matter of money as it is all through medicare. I would suggest that you re ask your drs as to why they have not suggested this because as you have both said, the withdrawels of medication before this treatment is horrendous. The treatment itself, I found ok. There were no real side effects for me just very tired. I am surprised that they are suggesting 2 weeks isolation from your children because this is really overkill (i had read extensively on this). You are in hospital only 3 days. I went in on the Wednesday had the blood test to make sure all levels were ok to go ahead with the treatment. Then I was given the capsule at 2pm, in isolation till the Friday morning when they sent me for the body scan. I was out the door 12pm that Friday.
For the next 2 days after coming home it is recommended you don't have physical contact with babies or pregnant women. After the 4 days from the initial taking of the capsule, really everything is ok as far as contact. Of course you take care because it is in your system for up to 6 months. Apparently we can set off the radioactive sensors at international airports...lol...
I was very relieved when the radiologist at the hospital told me that my body scans showed the all clear because otherwise I would have had to wait another 2 months for results from the endocrinologist appointment. It was a relief to say the least.
However, as I had moved to Tasmania, I had difficulty getting into an endocrinologist in tassie to take over my care and when I finally got an appointment and therefore cancelled further treatment in Sydney, they had cancelled my appointment and made it a month later. MAJOR STRESS as I wanted to know what sort of care would happen now. Things are supposed to happen every six months and it was getting closer and I wanted answers of course.
I finally got into the endocrinologist late august. This specialist was very informative and certainly knew a lot. Apparently in Tasmania they are very used to thyroid cancers as it is very common there and she was also very experienced with the Hurthle cell and it is not the worst form of thyroid cancer there is one worse (don't ask me which on cause I was so relieved I did not hear the name).
So today my medication has been increased because the boost received before the radioactive treatment lasts 2 months in your system and I was so excited as I was loosing weight (I am quite heavy) and then the last 5 weeks I started putting on weight again even though I had not been eating any differently and when I went to the appointment she said my levels were lower and this was why I was gaining weight. SO hopefully I will be on a better level (takes time to change in your system) and I will be able to loose weight again.
Family can be a tricky thing. If you are positive they think you are casual about it and if you worry and are concerned they tell you you stress too much. Men don't really understand as they don't do 'sick' very well (or other people either like a mental illness if you don't look sick then you're ok).
Children will find it easier to understand "mummy is just tired today" and "please help mummy because...". Of course if your children are under the age of 3 that's different.
Because I ended up having 2 operations and the treatment all in 3 months, I was and still am very emotional at times (oversensitive) and find I get exhausted easily. I am not able to go for the walks I used to and I get physically tired easily. I have started a new job in july but just 2 days a week as a school chaplain. While I love this, I did not realise that walking and talking would be so exhausting.
I do try and stay positive all the time but I do have some down times. These I don't really share, its usually on my own at night as my husband does not understand (I look well therefore I'm ok).
Hearing from the 2 of you has been such an encouragement as I am truly blessed with good health.
One day at a time :)
Hope to keep hearing from you both.
Cheers Christine
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