Brandon, you can do this. I know there are a lot of what ifs and maybes, but it
will all go well. Kris had an awake intubation for his first neck dissection. He doesn't really remembered it thanks to the drugs - Midazolam. This surgery too was post the radiation. Make sure you get onto the physiotherapy as soon as you can. This will really help those neck and shoulder muscles get back working again.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!