A.,
Yes, I did have my thyroid removed and had radioactive iodine treatment. I had NO problems getting pregnant afterwards. As I understand it from hearing TONS of other "horror" stories about about uncontrollable thyroids and issues getting pregnant. As I heard (from a nurse after my thyroidectomy) it was better for me in the long run to have the whole thing removed because then you have ZERO thyroid hormones. It's easier to control going up from zero then it is one that is up, then down, then up, etc. Hence the problems getting pregnant.
I would NEVER tell anyone how to treat their own health. I can only tell you what I did, based on my own condition. I don't know what solution would work for your friend. My only suggestion would be to try to deal with one problem at a time...don't stress herself out about not getting pregnant in the future. Of course, she should talk about this with her doctor and discuss her options and BEST future plans. Right now she needs to take care of herself and get herself healthy.
I realize this sounds "easy to say" coming from someone who WAS able to have kids. But I had to learn this when I too was not healthy. I was told that radioactive iodine treatments could increase breast cancer risks in the future. When I consulted MY doctor and radiologist about this they said, for your situation, we need to do the radioactive iodine treatment. That will keep you alive now (from thyroid cancer). We can't predict what's going to happen in the future, breast cancer, hit by a bus, etc. so our goal is to treat this the best way we know how NOW. Not exactly the answer I was looking for, however I am active, healthy, have wonderful children and NO breast health issues.
No decision is easy. The best she can do is be armed with the latest information, all the options for HER situation and be willing to live with whatever decision she makes.
I hope this helps. Feel free to have her e-mail me.
Sara