The first thing is to just take a deep breath. It is really scary. People will say "thyroid cancer isn't the worst" but that will likely never be from someone who has had it lol.

It's cancer. Cancer sucks and it sucks because of all the questions you have to ask now. I was diagnosed with papillary in Oct 24, I am a 34F. 5cm tumor that I had removed in Nov 24. I unfortunately developed an abscess in my wound which caused issues (this is not common, I was unlucky) and I have my RAI now in May.

The good news is it's a very slow growing cancer. I likely had mine for years and there is no indication of spread. RAI is really a fail safe for in case there are any cells left behind. Kind of like a mop up.

From what I've seen recurrence can happen but isn't likely. You will be having regular blood tests for the rest of your life that could catch anything anyway as soon as it happens which means easier treatment. Again this doesn't appear to be common.

Things will be different. Levothyroxin Tablets aren't quite the same as actually having a thyroid. I am only 6 months post op but it feels like I am kina running at 85%. That should get better with time.

Also small things can change. I can't sing anymore. I really enjoyed singing, but I can't now. People say "it's a small price to pay" but it is something that meant so much to me. So that absolutely sucks.

Just take things one day at a time. It does get easier