Anyone have any questions about the RAI treatment?

What’s the purpose of a RAI ? Just wondering. My daughter had that done along with a Thyroidectomy and they still missed some cancer and had to do a second operation similar to the Thyroidectomy.

The purpose of giving someone an RAI treatment is to get rid of any cancer cells that were not removed during the surgery which is usually very very hard to do because you can’t see the little cells. My very best wishes to your daughter!!!

They do the radioactive iodine treatment to try to get any residual thyroid cancer that was left over after surgery. Each case of thyroid cancer is unique. There is always residual thyroid cancer left after surgery because there’s no way to get into every nook and cranny. It’s also very important before getting RAI to go on a low iodine diet. Again thanks very very best wishes to your daughter for a speedy recovery!!!

Do you lose both smell and taste?

I may have to have the RAI treatment, Depending on the outcome of the surgery and what they find. I’ll be having my left lobe removed at the end of October and possibly the right the doctor is not sure until she gets in there. My question about RAI is I have read it can cause dry mouth, Nausea, and vomiting, and cavities and dental issues. Is this your experience? Also, do you have to stay inpatient while you’re having RAI treatment or is this outpatient?

My daughter went through an RAI. I don’t remember any dental issues but the other symptoms are correct. It’s outpatient and she had to be in isolation because of the radiation.
She had a Thyroidectomy also, and they missed some cancer. Best of luck to you! 🙏

Each one of us has a different experience when they have the RAI treatment. A good place to get a lot of answers speaking to the nuclear medicine department at the place where you’re going to have your RAI treatment done🙂. Every state has their own rules about isolation after having the RAI treatment. I did have some nausea and tell you the truth I wasn’t feeling fantastic but other people may have a different situation. Endocrinologist may also have some helpful hints for you as far as keeping your mouth lubricated with drops drinking
water and little helpful hints like that cannot hurt. The bottom line is don’t overdo it on anything like drinking too much water or too little one. Best bet is follow the instructions that you get from the endocrinologist and the nuclear medicine department. I believe the radioactive iodine treatment is very very important when your doctor tells you it’s necessary!!! my very best wishes to you!

@biga282
Thank you

@lindaadele
Thank you I’m just scared and wondering how others reacted to the RAI.