Hello to All, Does anyone have any new ideas on how to help relieve the numbness and swelling in the face and neck area? John had the modified radical neck dissection surgery on 2/6/03 - and the side of his face is quite puffed up, along with under the chin and side of neck. He has tried the lateral massage and that is not helping too much. He also tried sleeping propped up at night - but that is not good, since he always ends up sliding down on the pillow - and ends up in a flat position. He has tried taking Advil (as the doctor advised) but that's not doing anything either. Some days are better than others - but as of today he said it feels worse than before. The doctor on his last visit on the 25th, said that it just has to "run it's course". But I was wondering if using one of those hand-held electric massagers would do any good? There's a lot of numbness in the facial and neck area, so maybe something with more intensity would be helpful. Any ideas or thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!