Hi Emily,
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis but I'm glad you are reaching out and educating yourself on this cancer we here all share. It sounds like our situations are very similar. I was diagnosed in 2010 with a tiny spot in the gum tissue of my right alveolar ridge. I had consults at both UCSF and Stanford and had surgery at Stanford similar to what you describe you may have. They removed teeth and gum tissue and I had an obturator, but the hole was so small it filled in and I just wear a prosthesis which no one even notices. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. There aren't very many of us here with the cancer in this area of the mouth. I had low thyroid as well, before the diagnosis, and they just monitor it regularly and up the dose when necessary. Stay positive and take it a step at a time!
Love,
Karen