I did not have laryngeal nerve involvement but I question why the survey has to start with cutting a nerve. With all the Cyber- knife and micro type surgeries where they can use lasers and minimal cutting, why can’t they use something like that to remove the tumor from around the nerve rather than cutting it? Have you gotten a second opinion? I assume there are times where cutting a nerve happens but it seems odd to go into surgery with this as the plan. Maybe a second opinion would help to ensure that this is absolutely necessary. Have you checked into whether you are a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation? They shrink the tumor and people don’t need to have thyroid removed. You have to go to a doctor that actually does the procedure to be evaluated but maybe it is an option to save having your laryngeal nerve cut. Good luck!