so sorry to hear about this and so glad you have finally reached a stage of less aggravation. i know this is not the same thing anywhere what you had as i have the aggressive papillary carcinoma. probably not on the right page, but, since you have been through alot it sounds like you might just be able to answer my question. i am going to have the radioactive iodine pill on may 8th of 2023. i just started to research and do not like what i am reading and the truth is, i didn't expect thyroid sugery to be as hard as it was. still suffering from the january 31, one on the right side, radical dissection. i still feel like i have the thick dog collar around my neck, swallowing is still hard. the whole right side of my body hurts no matter what i do. my main question was though: i am told i will only be at the hospital for 2 hours, have to suck on lemon candies to help the salivary glands. i just wonder what the real outcome is going to be as they said thyroid surgery, i would be fine. well, i'm not. thank you again for letting me vent. i can't wait till you post more about your radiation side effects. god bless

Grateful the cancer never returned but what a horrible journey you had to endure to get here. As someone said, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." You no doubt have a wealth of advice for those just starting out. Thumbs up to you.