My sister had Thyroid Cancer. A small nodule was detected and after the biopsy, it was decided to have it removed. After the final pathology report, it was determined that she did have cancer. Can't recall the exact name. A few months after surgery, Radio active iodine was done. That was two years ago. She has had several body scan to search for thyroid tissue and so far nothing has been found.
Thyroid issues will run on families. My oldest sister has hashimoto (Sp?) and I had Graves. My oldest daughter has Graves. I am closely watching my other 2 kids.
I had my thyroid surgically removed. The Dr. wanted to do a biopsy, and I thought it would be a waste of time. Let's just get the stupid thing out. (Been dealing with it for quite a few years) Well turned out I was cancer free, but my thyroid was in not good shape. So the Thyroidectomy was the right choice for me.
The Surgery itself was not that bad. One of the risk is injury of the nerve to your vocal chords. The trick is finding a really good surgeon. The surgery took about 2 hours. Not too much pain. My scar is about 2 inches long and is at the base of my neck. Alsmost where a short necklace or choker would lay. Over the years it has faded and you really have to look for it. I have heard that Surgeons do better scars than do ENT. The one hard part of the surgery is you have to moniter your calcium levels. Your parathyroid is near the thyroid and it regulates your calcium. During surgery the parathyroid is bruised and sometimes problems arise. I had to stay 3 days after surgery just to do bloodwork. I felt fine, but they would check my blood every 6-12 hours. I stayed on calcium suppliments for several months.
I know take synthroid each and every day. It took awhile to find the right dose. But once you do, you will be feeling like new.
Please PM if you have any questions. Good Luck and I know you are going to be fine. :-)