 "OCF Down Under, Kiwi" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 644 Likes: 1 | Hi, Denise
Were you given a set of exercises for the neck and shoulders? They really help and are not arduous. If you haven't got the exercises maybe you should ring the surgeon's nurse to ask about it.
From my experience, scarring can tether the tongue down somewhat. I'm not sure if tongue exercises can assist here but can reassure you that I managed to continue in a job that required a lot of talking after my first surgery resulted in a partial tethering of my tongue.
I think you'll notice a big improvement in three weeks but don't go back to work too early!!
The numb earlobe seems to be par for the course.
Wishing you well
Maureen
1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.
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