Controlling the Birth

Or not?

So I had radiation treatment in July. And all the doctors told me NO BABIES for one year. My OB told me to go back on birth control. In my head, I thought- for what? I mean essentially no sperm = no babies anyway, right? Well my theory was that with my shitty luck- I would be the one to get pregnant like a minute after glowing from the radiation and then be terrified that I did something horrible to my child. So I did what I was told and I went back on birth control. And I hate it.

So now I think I've decided to just peace out on the birth control. I HATE it. And while I know that's not the best reason- It's starting to push me in that direction. What I really need to do is some research on radiation iodine and pregnancy in the pretty freakin slim chance that I do end up knocked up. I think my endocrinologist would HATE me if that happened, but I don't think it will anyway. So maybe some research and THEN a decision.

I'm *GLOWING*

Not too much, but still glowy :)

I survived radiation iodine. And it's all finished. I wish I could have written stuff down while I was in there, but I couldn't take anything out with me cause of the contamination so that was a no go.

But let me describe a bit. I had my I-123 full body scan Wednesday morning. They gave me a small dose of radiation on Tuesday and then I returned to see where the "uptake" occurred. This would essentially determine if the cancer had spread anywhere else and help them determine the treatment dose for Wednesday afternoon. I got the results immediately after the scan and everything looked clear- especially the lungs and neck which was great news! No more cancer!

So I waited around for them to get the dose of I-131 (treatment dose) in house. I was admitted around 1:30pm and taken to my room. It was a pretty standard hospital room except EVERYTHING was covered in plastic or some disposable coverings. The phone, the door handles, the remote control, the ENTIRE floor- everything covered. Gloves taped to the walls everywhere in case I would need to touch anything that was not covered. The radiation safety guy came in to quiz me and make sure I understood all the rules and safety precautions. Lots of rules. I thought they were a bit of overkill before, but seeing all the paperwork and how seriously they take everything at the hospital, I guess I realized it wasn't anything to mess around with. So I signed my life away and pinkie swore that I won't make out with anyone or serve anyone food for 7 days (14 for kids). They came up with the pill in a lead box. I took it and they left me alone.

I fasted for two hours and then they brought me dinner. I ate and the showering started. In order for the radiation to leave your body- it comes out of your pours, your bladder, any bodily fluids. So all night long- starting at about 6pm- I showered every two hours. You drink, you eat lemon flavored candy (to produce extra saliva), and you shower. My hair is like straw. Sleeping with wet hair is not fun. Plus the air conditioning was making it FREEZING in my room. So I'm pretty tired today.

So when I took the pill, they measured my radiation levels and I was at a 25. I have no idea what that means, they just told me that before I could leave- I had to be at a 14. The more you drink (and pee, really...) the faster you get ride of the bad stuff. This morning when they checked me, I was at a 4.5. I was cleared to go home!

So now I'm at home, tucked away in my upstairs nook. I've already had some cheese and have enjoyed every.single.bite. Nothing left to do now, but wait it out. Lockdown ends in 7 days and I finally get my life back.

PS- if you read all that, you get a delish snack full of iodine.

Thyrogen Shot #2

No crying today...well not yet at least. A wicked headache again, but it went away a bit faster. I didn't even get lost coming out of DC. (pats self on the back)

And then I went grocery shopping. And I bought an OBSCENE amount of cheese. Cream cheese, mac and cheese, cheese-its. If it's cheesy- I bought it.

I have dreams of an Iodine filled Thursday.

Thyrogen Shot #1

Sucked.

Ok so the shot itself, while an intramuscular injection, was totally painless. About an hour after I got the shot, I had a HORRID headache. And just didn't feel right. Not really sick to my stomach or dizzy, but just off. I decided after getting the shot, that I would come back to work. Big mistake. I couldn't concentrate and ended up crying in my cube. I hate crying at work.

I'll be going home after tomorrow's shot.

Supplies

Did a little shopping this weekend to prepare for RAI next week. I was surprised to find out how much stuff I would need. I had to get stuff that is pretty much disposable. All of it will be thrown away after my week of isolation.

I had to get:

• Queen set of sheets


• Two Bath Towels


• Toiletries to include a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash


• 2 sets of clothes- one for sleeping and one for day time


• Socks and underwear

I also bought drinks to bring to the hospital and lemon flavored candy.

RAI Scheulde- Changed AGAIN.

I got a call from the hospital today changing my schedule AGAIN. WTF Thyrogen?!?!

So now I'm on a totally different protocol- 3 days of Thyrogen shots and then I'll be admitted. In the long run- it's good. Less time off work for me and a holiday weekend with no dietary restrictions.

But FOR REAL. Quit messing with the schedule (and my life).

kthxbai.

Low Iodine Diet: FAIL!

I'm supposed to start my low iodine diet today. I'm sitting here drinking my Starbucks- full of dairy which is a big low iodine no no. I was away all weekend and was highly unprepared for all that low iodine meant. It means a lot of shopping and a lot of cooking. Not cool, man.

Low Iodine means that until I get out of the hospital- July 21st- I can't have: dairy products (goodbye cheese- I miss you already!), processed breads/crackers, anything with iodized salt, seafood, or soy. So pretty much all I can eat is fresh fruits and veggies, and chicken or beef. Plain. No marinades or dressings (most have salt in them). I know it's temporary, but it sucks. It's just this huge reminder that I have cancer and I'm about to go through treatment for it. I'd rather just eat cheese and forget about the cancer part.

200th Post

This is my 200th post. I had all these good plans for my 200th post.
And then the lady from Nuclear Medicine called me.

I had my entire schedule for Radiation Iodine treatment planned out. I coordinated my entire life around it. Scheduling trips away, doctor appointments, my work schedule- all based around this hot mess of a schedule. My sister rescheduled my niece's baptism so I could go.

There is STILL a shortage of Thyrogen (you can read about it HERE) and so all my treatment appointments were pushed back three weeks. THREE FREAKIN WEEKS.

So now instead of being admitted on July 7th, I'll be in the hospital on July 20th. And of course- just pushes all things IVF even further out. FML.

Radiation Iodine Schedule

I talked to Nuclear Medicine today and got my schedule for Radiation Iodine.

Here's the scoop:
June 13: Start really sucky low iodine diet.

*Side note: You have no idea how much iodine is in food. Basically low iodine diet = only eat sucky foods. Awesomesauce.

June 27: Thyrogen Shot
June 28: Thyrogen Shot
June 29: Take I123 pill to prepare for Uptake Scan and have scan of salivary glands
June 30: Uptake scan to determine I131 dose

July 5: Thyrogen Shot
July 6: Thyrogen Shot
July 7: Admitted to the Hospital for RAI Treatment.
So they give you the dose of radioactive iodine and then you wait 2 hours to maximize absorption. And then you start showering, eating candy, and drinking water. They don't want to have radiation "resting" anywhere that bodily fluid may accumulate- your salivary glands, your bladder, resting on your skin from seeping out your pores. I was told at least 5 showers in a 24 hour period. I have to bring candy with me that will cause me to salivate. And I have to be constantly drinking fluid. Sounds fun, right?
July 8: Released from hospital once my radiation levels are acceptable for the general public.
July 9-13: Will be at home in isolation. I won't be allowed within 3 feet of anyone (including my cat) for more than just enough time to walk past them. JC and I will live on separate floors of the house. Boo Kitty will go on a week long vacation at my Mom's house. I'll need to get a set of sheets and towels that will be essentially disposable. JC won't be allowed in the same bathroom that I'll use. I'll need two sets of clothes- one day time and one night time. Each time I wake up, I'll need to change clothes and wash my clothes, sheets, and towels from the night before. I'll need to shower 2-3 times a day. All my plates, cups, utensils for the week will be disposable. (Sorry environment!)
July 13: Post Therapy Scan

So the good part- no real physical pain- aside from the freakin DRY ASS skin I will have after 85 million showers in a week. And after all that mess is done- I should have about a 2% chance of recurrence. Not bad odds.

I was hoping to get this done in June, but no dice. There is currently a global shortage of Thyrogen so this was the earliest they anticipate having the meds for me. Countdown to IVF: 15 months. Holy Crap that feels like forever.