The role of I-131 is to ablate the thyroid remnant and to decrease the chance of recurrence as well as to treat any residual cancer. That being said, we are using less of it. So, a review of the pathology is warranted to determine whether I-131 is needed (ie, not needed for T1N0 tumors). The radiation safety issues should be reviewed with the treating doctor. Being off cytomel for 2 weeks will cause hypothyroidism but most young healthy patients have no significant problems during this time frame. There is the option of using Thyrogen to avoid stopping thyroid meds - he should ask his doctor about this.
Be sure you are aware of long term affects and any alternative treatments. My eye doc now tells me that radioactive iodine is what caused my swollen eyelids and eye probs. I took the meds for graves disease