12/16/2008 - Day 2 - Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Today was full of scans.  I had to be at the hospital for 9 AM and didn't see Kevin again until 11:30.  

Scan 1:  20 minutes - full body scan.  The machine was flat and an inch from my nose.  They literally rubber band my feet together before the scan, covered me with a blanket since it was so cold in there and told me to stay still.  No matter what, with each scan, the trigger word was 'still' and a mysterious itch would come over me.  It became a joke for me. 

I then had a 2 minute break to stretch before starting the next scan.  

Scan 2:  20 minutes - surgery site scan.  Again the machine was flat and an inch from my nose.  This time, my feet were not rubber band together.  She covered me up again and told me to stay still.  Each time, I would just fall asleep and the scan was complete.  

I was asked to sit in a chair in the hallway for 15 minutes and wait before being taken into another room.

Scan 3:  5 minute scan to take neck measurements.  Just like one yesterday.  

I was told to go to the waiting room and as I was walking they called for Mr. Halitsky - Kevin came around the corner as I was turning around.  I said 'hi' 'bye' and was off again to another scan.  

Scan 4:  45 minute Catscan.  This time, I was strapped down.  I had a sponge thing that went up my head over my ears and then a strap came over my head to hold my head still.  I had to put my arms straight down and my hands were strapped down to my waist.  So for 45 minutes, I had my head and arms pinned, was told to stay still while this machine circled slowly around me just a couple of inches from my face again.  Of course, the itches began again so I couldn't help but chuckle but better yet, so did my restless leg syndrome.  For those of you who don't know what it is, it's a creepy crawly feeling that runs down your hip through your leg until your leg twitches.  How the heck does one stay still through that. LOL!  I think I slept this time.  The whole time, all I could think of is my dad and mother in law being claustophobic and how it would be so hard on them.  

I was then given a 45 minute break to get some lunch so a quick salad.  When I returned at 12:30 it was time for more scans.  

Scan 5: 10 minute scan - surgery site scan.  This time a cone instead of the flat machine pointed at my neck.  I had to stay still but this time, I was starting to lose it.  My feet moved a bit more.

We then were directed into a room to wait for the doctor.  The doctor came in and explained to us in detail just where everything is at, what the TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, T4 Levothyodxive and T3 Triivdothyroxive (sp) levels should be, how the brain gives signals, hypothyrodism, hyperthyrodism, how to get those levels where we need them, etc.  And most importantly, where my cancer is.  Which is stage 1 but where they expected.  The thyroid tissue that was very hard to get to was still in the surgery site.  This doesn't mean that it was cancerous or anything, just that there was residual thyroid tissue there.  So I will be having radiation at a medium level 150 mCi.  So that means that I need to stay away from everyone for at minimum 5 days but 7 days is the running.  7 feet away at first and then after a couple of days, I can come within 3 feet for a couple of hours max.  The most important thing  is bodily oils/saliva/urine are the biggest concern.  That is how the radioactive iodine exits your body.   So a bathroom to myself, bag all of my food, paper products, etc separate from everyone else.  The good news, is that Thursday, I can eat normal again and will start my thyroid meds.  I'm thinking thick crust pizza loaded with toppings from Rellies but we will see.  Although, my taste may change by Thursday.  LOL!  Poor Kevin.

We have taken it easy tonight.  Nap this afternoon.  Dinner.  Hot tubbing.  Watching a movie "My Best Friend's Girl".  The calm before the storm.  The actual Radioactive Iodine is administered tomorrow morning.  

I can't believe how much snow they have here already.  We are supposed to have 3-5 inches by morning, I think they have close to 4 already.  Fun - NOT! 

I hope you are all doing great.  It's great reading your comments.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.