I am a 68 year old woman - I ve had a partial,then total thyroidectomy (diagnosed with tall cell papillary-more aggressive than regular papillary), and 2 neck dissections for (so far) limited lymph node involvement. You will want to know the type of thyroid cancer and mutations, which will help determine how closely you are followed probably. I do feel it is important to be followed at a larger research hospital with experience with thyroid cancer. I am on levothyroxine. Am I more tired- yes probably, but I push myself and walk 2.5 miles most days, still work part-time, and hike whenever possible. If you only have part of the thyroid removed, your experience may be different. As many people have said, you also want a surgeon who has experience doing your surgery. Everyone s journey is their own, and different.....I'm thnakful to be alive, and try to live my best life every day... I wish you the best....