You are correct she will have to wean her child. I had this treatment myself
and in fact they suggest that you do not even use the same bathroom as your
small children use for up to one month after. The treatment will destroy
cancer cells in the Mom but will also kill healthy thyroid cells in anyone
exposed. The treatment is very effective so much so that Thyroid is about
the only cancer that is referred to as completely curable. The Iodine will
seek out any cells that have originated in the thyroid and destroy them
wherever they are. The good news is that she will be able to nurse another
child if she is blessed with one.
We will keep this family in our prayers.
-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Carter [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 3:25 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: thyroid cancer, I-131 NaI
Hello LactNetters,
I'm in contact with a mom by e-mail. She has a 5 month-old child and was
recently diagnosed with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. There was
microscopic capsulary invasion, but no invasion of the lymphatic or vascular
systems. Her healthcare providers feel strongly that she needs radiation,
but think the cancer was most likely confined to the base of the throat.
The thyroid has been removed and she's to undergo radioactive I-131
treatment at the end of the month. NaI is all they use for ablation at her
treatment center. She's currently bf her baby, but was told she'll have to
completely wean her son. She's now taking synthetic T3 (Cytomel). Mom
must stop taking Cytomel on March 17, then take an oral dose of 29
milliCuries of Iodine 131 NaI on March 31. She has to be separated from her
children for 3 days. She was cautioned to prevent pregnancy for 6 months to
a year. She'll be on Synthroid the rest of her life.
This mom will receive 100+ milliCuries of radioactive I-131 and will have to
stay in the hospital for 7 days if the scan shows cancer elsewhere in her
body.
I searched the archives, but have found no positive news for this mother. I
read the case where a mother researched the I-131 treatment & elected to
refuse the treatment. Am I correct in determining that this woman
definitely has to wean her child? It appears that the use of NaI in such a
large dose eliminates the possibility for this mom to pump/freeze/test the
milk to use at a later time. I am completely out of my field and would
appreciate any advice.
Also, she wants information on to how to train her baby to go to sleep
without nursing. I won't suggest pumping since she's trying to reduce her
supply, but will suggest contacting a milk bank for donor milk. Dad will
need to take an active role in getting this little one to sleep.
Please keep this mom & child in your prayers today.
Nancy Carter, D.V.M
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