I saw the endocrinologist today. He is happy with my progress. My voice is much better than it was, I am coughing only occasionally, and my voice sounds almost completely normal first thing in the morning. My endocrinologist says my incision is beautiful. (Ok…) He also says I need to have radioactive iodine treatment.
The radioactive iodine treatment will kill any remaining thyroid tissue. (Surprisingly, a total thyroidectomy often leaves behind thyroid tissue.) This will do two things. First of all, this will help prevent thyroid cancer from recurring. Second of all, it will also make it easier for my doctors to check for cancer recurrance. Once all of my thyroid tissue is destroyed, the doctors will only have to do a simple blood test to check for any cancer.
I haven’t scheduled the radioactive iodine treatment, but it’s more of a production than one would think. First of all, I need to go on a low iodine diet for two weeks before the procedure. I have to get two injections and a body scan before I can get the radioactive iodine treatment, so that they will know how much to give me.
Once they give me the treatment, I will have to be somewhat sequestered for a few days. I will have to use seperate silverware, keep about six feet between myself and other people, and avoid all contact with children and pregnant women. I will also have to flush the toilet three times after using it.
After a few days, the radioactive iodine will no longer be present in my system, and I can return to my normal activities.
I am not scared or sad, the way I was before I had surgery. I am more annoyed than anything, since I’ll have to go back on short term medical leave, and disrupt my life (again!), but I am not worried. With any luck, this should be the last step before I resume totally normal life.
Exxxxxxcellent.
emmasrandomthoughts 
Good luck with it.
Thanks.
Sorry to hear about the further treatment, although I guess this is the best since it will reduce risk and make life easier in the future! I’ve heard of this before, but had no idea what it involved–you’re right, it is quite a production! I guess it’s good it’s not a long-term thing, at least. Best wishes, as always!
Yeah, it’s just a few days of being locked up in the house, and it will reduce the risk of recurrance, so it’s for the best, really. Thanks again!
I’m happy you’re regaining your voice but sorry about the next step you have to go through. It sounds like it will be very tough, but I’ll send you only good wishes that this will be the last step before you can resume your everyday life. Stay strong, Emma!!
Yeah, it will be annoying, though not nearly so annoying and terrifying as surgery. I’ll be glad when it’s over though.
I admire and appreciate that you’re able to inject humorous pictures into this post about your treatment. Glad your voice is stronger now. Sounds like your spirits are higher. Just catching up on your blog here!
Thanks. My voice is actually completely back to normal. Or at least, my mom can’t tell any difference between the way I sound now and the way I sounded before the surgery. 🙂
Glad you like the pictures.
Thanks for this blog. I just had my surgery on the 10th — and I hadn’t gotten much detail on what the radioactive iodine would entail and when. I am worried I won’t be able to pet the cat who has been such a calming influence in all this…