I had a bilateral neck disection had 54 nodes removed. I am not sure if that was the best route for me. I guess I will find out when I do the wash...My doctor also knew how I felt about radiation and I am still terrified about the thought of having to have it. But then he didn't know that till after they decided surgery was the way to go. I got a clear bill when it was over with all nodes removed were clear it is just getting clear margins that we had to worry about. I am still in process of healing painful yes sometimes. Stiffness yes...MissKate it would be nice to know what exercises worked for you...at present I do some but always feels like I have pulled muscles...and a great deal of headaches