Hey, I had thyroid cancer three years ago and in my experience, yes, it was as cureable as they say. My case was a little different than your husband's in that the first biopsy was clear that it was cancer and I had the entire thyroid and all the lymph nodes at one side of my neck removed, so a rather larger operation than your husband will have.

But even with that situation, I honestly don't think my experience was really much worse than say having one's appendix or gallbladder or tonsils or something removed. I was unwell for a couple of days after the operation because of the anaesthetic and my voice was a bit weak and I couldn't really turn my head easily or carry anything in my left hand for a couple of months after the operation. I took a month off work but that was mostly because I'm a teacher so obviously, being able to raise my voice (not to shout at students, but like to call them in from break time or signal the end of an activity that involved a lot of discussion) and to be able to turn my head quickly were important!

And that's basically it. I did have radioiodine treatment, but that is a one-off.

Hi Margaret! 

Firstly, thank you very much for sharing your experience. 

Interestingly, my husband works in education too and I help at our sons school. So, I will make sure he gets the healing time he needs. I understand those after operation symptoms can happen. 

I guess I'm anxious, because I'm getting worried about how I would cope if something goes wrong. Especially when you have a small child. I'm definitely more worry than he is. He told me the thyroid specialist and the thyroid surgeon  don't look especially worried. I guess it's human to feel that way about someone you love. I will feel okay once it's all done and see positive results. However, your message really helps and I appreciate it. I have to make and effort on thinking positive.  If you don't mind me asking, as the thyroid controls so many things in the body, how are you doing with no thyroid at all? Do they do a annual check? They told my husband that they will decide if he needs more treatment after the surgery. 

I find it interesting how many of us who have experienced thyroid cancer or other thyroid issues work in education. There seem to be a lot of us.

Yes, I have regular blood tests to check thyroid function and I also have yearly ultrasounds to ensure there is no recurrence. So far, so good on that score. 

Honestly, in my case, the medication worked perfectly right from the start and I felt no different. I know there are people who experience side effects in the early days while they are getting the medication right and may feel tired or teary,  but from what I've read, they are a minority.

I think it's natural to start worrying about worst case scenarios, especially as those are the ones you tend to hear about. And the word "cancer" sounds so worrying that it's hard not to stress when you hear it. 

Hello, I'm new to all of this. I'm also a teacher and having the same as you, surgery tomorrow and then radioiodine treatment. Thank you for posting and making this seem slightly less scary. X