Our daughter had a scan on Thursday to assess how well the Radioactive Iodine (RAI) treatment worked. The residual radiation showed up in the area once occupied by her thyroid; there was none lurking here or there, where it shouldn't be. This means the cancer was contained in her thyroid and hadn't spread.
The RAI she received is the same type that is causing all the grief at the Fukushima reactor in Japan. Nuclear power plants have always given me the willies. The damage from accidents seems so hard to contain and radioactive waste so difficult to handle. Even the threat of unwitting contact with RAI, which has a half-life of eight days, is a problem. For instance, you're not supposed to spray surfaces with cleaner, because the RAI could become airborne. (We're to stay out of the "isolation ward" for two months.)
Sometimes I think it would have been better if mankind had not opened this Pandora's box, and yet, without atomic medicine, where would our daughter be?
I'm so glad for the good news!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy, the first day in our new home in Florida last month. I stared at the gulf. I took photos...I scanned the horizon...and GASPED when I saw it....the nuclear reactor that is used down here is just a few miles away.
ReplyDeleteI'm a pretty paranoid, phobic kinda person, but the older I get, the more REASONABLE the fears seem.
I'm SO happy that the good results got back to your quickly. Nothing is worse than waiting.
What great news!! I love it when it turns out like that. I'm so happy for your daughter as well as you and your hubby. Life IS fragile. We just have to keep having faith.
ReplyDeleteBest of news for your daughter and all of you as well!!!
ReplyDeleteHope u are all celebrating.
Hallelujah but prayers continue!
ReplyDeleteGood news -- but you are so right -- radioactive medicine is such a double-edged sword. I'm glad the 'good' edge is winning!!! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI took radiation treatments for 3 months back in 1988 and my lungs will forever be scarred because of it, but...no more cance since then so I too am thankful !
ReplyDeleteGreat news @ your daughter! I rejoice with you!
Thank you so much for all of your supportive comments on my blog. I was so touched to read that you are keeping me in your prayers and lighting a candle for me tomorrow. It means a great deal to me.
ReplyDeleteI also talked to the cancer coordinator about a thyroid guard and she said they will be sure that I get one when I get mammograms and when I get radiation. thank you for sharing that information with all of us!
I am so glad for the good news!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to read about your daughter's successful treatment. I expect she will do well, and be able to enjoy life again.
ReplyDeleteIn some ways it is gratifying to read your next two posts. Her treatment was successful, your life rolls on. Things could have been so different.
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