Hey folks, I don't want to alarm anyone.(mainly me.) I had my Neck dissection on 9/11. Their was minimal swelling after the surgery on my left neck. It seems that the previously irradiated area that was were the surgery took place has turned as hard as a brick. I had some Fibrosis after Rad.Erbitux. treatmemt. I did not have surgery the first time around because I was diagnosed stage IV SCC of tonsil. I also have had some lympodemia That would pool around my neck and face during the night. I never really knew what I would look like on any given day. So Just about five minutes ago I took my temp. and it was 99.2 any thoughts would be appreciated.I know this is a low fever but I have had cellutitus. Sorry about spelling. years ago. and I did just get out of the hospital on 9.13

Kris had radiation, followed 12 months later by surgery.
His neck is rock hard and has been since the radiation was completed. I think this is fibrosis from the rads. This is one of the things that makes surgery so difficult in the previously irradiated neck. I think what you are experiencing is very normal.
Tammy.

Hi Shawn.

I know what you're talking about, cellulitis, a bacterial infection. I don't know. Your best bet is to see or call your doctor or go to the ER. I had cellulitis on my foot, years back, and overnight it (redness, inflammation) was up to my knee, and went to the ER. Turned out I had an abscess, needed surgery in my foot from a cortisone injection in my heel I should not have been given. Of course things turned worse, caught staph, which went septic, and was in the hospital for three weeks to eradicate the infection. Anyway, I don't all the symptoms you are experiencing , other than hard hardness in the neck, but that's common with neck dissections, fever, I'm not sure about this far out, but could be related to surgery. You probably still have your stitches in, but as said, seek medical attention, better to be safe, being infections can move fast, if it is.

Good luck.

Thank you for the reply tamvonk, Congratulations on your NED status. My fever has gone away. But that is all that went. I feel as if lymphedema is trying to get the its usual stomping grounds. But can only get to the right side neck since surgery. My neck is so tight I feel as if something inside is gonna give and I will bleed out or something. That would really be a bummer to have made it through two Recurrent Cancers, just finding out about the third. I have had MRSA about six years back that dam near killed me. Triage staff treated me like I was a time bomb. I never got into a room so fast in my whole ER carrer. Could this be Cellutitus that is not presenting with the typical fever? any thoughts or opinions are more than welcome. Thank you

Shawn U.

If you had MRSA before, I believe you may be more at risk, but maybe not 6 years out, and not saying yours is. The only way to tell is through blood culture tests, and fever doesn't always have present for infections. I had hospital acquired MRSA too, and was in the hospital for 20 days, 20 days before cancer treatment with heavy chemo, which I don't think was good, and may be connected with my near fatal outcome, but I always had a private room after that lol, and anyone entering had to gown up. You have to see a doctor for your concerns, being you mention serious infections, bleeding, severe swelling, which may help resolve, calm any concerns you have when you speak with a medical provider.

Good luck.

Thank you all, I am planning to see a doctor today about the increased hardness and swelling. Like you said PaulB, I will feel much better after a see a doc. I will let you know what is going on in a new thread after I find out. Thank you one more time.----Shawn