Total thyroidectomy halted mid surgery pending further pathology

My mom was scheduled for a TT yesterday and today I found out the doctors halted the total thyroidectomy and only removed one side because the growths on the other side were too dangerous to remove as they had attached to her trachea. This is what I know via my dad. The doctor said that the cancer looks to be some sort of hybrid and wrote down High Grade Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. We should have the results of the next round of pathology of the part of the thyroid they did remove. Has this happened to anyone before? My parents seem to not have many answers and the doctor told them they were being vague on purpose because they don’t know yet. Apparently they are going to have a panel meeting to discuss treatment plans before the appointment on Wednesday. I guess I’m just looking to hear similar stories if they are out there.