LauraS's Journey with Papillary Carcinoma, Thyroid Cancer

Total Thyroid removal. Thyroid was wrapped around my larynx and pushing on vocal cord nerve on both sides. Doctor said I almost had to have my voice box removed. Resulted in paralysis of vocal cords, temporary loss of voice, loss of swallowing fluid ability. My voice is getting better. Its been 8 weeks and can talk now, cannot laugh well, sing well, or yell. I am able to drink fluids well now after 8 weeks time. Swallow studies show that both vocal cords are working now to some capacity.

Got out of thyroid removal surgery, only to have my mom tell me in my woozy state that I had thyroid cancer.

I received 50 mci of radioactive 131, which is a moderate dose. I stayed home and in "isolation" this whole time in my bedroom. Was very nauseas, weak, tired, headache, constant ringing in my ears, everything tasted wrong, slimy, and metallic. My face was swollen and my skin is so pale, probably from anemia. After a week, my nailbeds of my fingers are turning a weird red/purple color. It has been a week today since my RAI. I still am having nausea, headaches, and ringing in ears.