 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Hi Jen,
I stress that you know what they expect to do and whether they need to take any saliva glands or cut muscle. You also need to make certain that your surgeon is an excellent plastics guy because all that hem stitching underneath counts for how bad the scars are going to be and how well the neck heals. I was in hospital for 5 days each time until drain removed. They WILL have you out of bed the day after surgery walking around. Remember to support your arm with the hand under the elbow if you feel a drag on the shoulder. Now is the time to get that stuffed animal that your kids are supposed to loan you because it will help support your shoulder and help comfort you while you miss them. Will be thinking of you and hope you do not need the pain meds. I didn't, but many do. Will be thinking of you on surgery day.
Take care,
Eileen
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Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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