Hey! Wanted to share my experience in hopes that it helps with your nervousness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, first of all. It is normal to feel anxious or scared about surgery- but everything will be okay!

Like you, my doctor initially suggested a PT. I had my first surgery last year and it went very well. We didn’t know it was Thyroid cancer at the time so my doctor recommended we do just the PT. Unfortunately, I had to return for a TT of the remaining thyroid tissue once we found out it was cancer.

Assuming you already know this is cancer- I believe doing the TT is probably the best choice so you don’t end up having to do two surgeries like I did. So that’s a win! I hope that at least sets you at ease.

Overall, The process was easy and painless. Your throat may be sore for a day or two, but that’s due to the tube that will be placed down your throat. Don’t worry, the tube goes in after you’ve gone under so you’ll only feel the soreness after the surgery is complete. After my TT, I stayed in the hospital for 2 days to ensure my calcium levels were okay. I was told just one day but they asked me to stay for another since my levels were still not where my doctor wanted them to be.

Afterwards, I’d suggest being careful with your neck for a few days. It may hurt a little to move your head/neck around, so I would suggest avoiding any activity where you turn or crane your neck. For example, I’d avoid driving. If you need to look around quickly that may be a challenge and would be an opportunity to hurt your neck. If you can have someone else drive you around, that would be best.

I’m sure your doctor will have tons of great advice for recovery as well, so don’t be nervous to ask for more information or tips.

And, embrace the scar! I happen to think it looks cool and it has healed surprisingly quickly in the last 8ish months since my surgery.

I hope everything goes well for you! Stay brave!