HI Nancy,
I worked with a mom who was dx with thyroid cancer during her pregnancy.  She
had her thyroid removed and was told that postpartum she would have to under
go I-131 irradiation of the remaining tissue.
I am going to make a short summary of the case and welcome you to email me
privately if you want more details.
First all thyroid cancers are slow growing and usually do not metastasis.
There is no reason to rush to the I-131.
My mother was in her 35 week gestation when she had her surgery and they
originally were looking at 3 months postpartum to use the I-131.

When this mom has to go through this irradiation she will need to wean
completely and have been weaned for a few weeks.  This radioactive isotope
tends to concentrate in lactating tissue and could have the potential of
serious effects on her in the future.  So pumping during this treatment to
resume breastfeeding is not an option with I-131.

I worked with the endocrinologist taking care of my mom and he was very
sensitive to her wishes to nurse as long as she could.  So he followed her
with ultrasounds of the thyroid area and she was able to postponed this
treatment until she was over 9 months postpartum.  Meanwhile she had been
actively pumping to have this hugh stock pile of breast milk to cover her son
for the next couple of months.
Dr. Hale was very helpful with my case.
I have a great picture of this mom's freezer with all her breast milk!
Ann Perry RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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