Do not worry, kiddo. I have been through that exact scenario, and am now on the other side. I have within the past year, been diagnosed, had ultrasound, then biopsy, then ended up having a thyroidectomy in June, so now have a pink "spare smile" at the base of my neck.

Because I am old - over 45 - they recommended I do the follow-up treatment with radioactive iodine, which was pretty un-exciting - like drinking lukewarm watered down Kool-Aid through a narrow straw. The worst part was dealing with not touching or being near people - annoying, but nothing like most cancer patients go through.