For treatment of papillary thyroid cancer, I received a dose of 5,550 MBq of 131I to destroy the thyroid tissue that remained after surgery. The doctor sent me home right away and told me that for the first two days I should keep a distance of about one body length away from others, sleep alone, and use my own bathroom.
After I came home on the day of my 131I treatment, I spent much of the day watching TV with my wife, who sat at the other end of the room (about 3 meters). At one point, while talking on my phone, I accidentally walked within two feet of her without thinking, then backed away. My questions are (1) Is this level of exposure okay? and (2) What are the possible consequences for someone who is exposed to an 131I patient?
Walking within two feet of your wife exposed her to very little radiation, even on the first day after receiving your therapy, and there will be no consequences to her from that brief exposure. The “extra” radiation exposure to your wife was much less than the amount of exposure we get from one day of living on the earth. (See an explanation of radiation exposures on our website.) So you and your wife should not be concerned about that very brief exposure as you walked by her.
You sound like you are a very compliant patient and take your doctor’s orders seriously. That is very good for you and your family. It is easy to forget for a moment and not follow it to the letter. In this case, there will be no harm done.
Marcia Hartman, MS
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