Well, today marks the 3 week point since I had my hemiglossectomy, modified neck dissection and my radial free flap reconstruction done. My swelling is limited now to my right jaw line and still a bit in my left hand where the flap was from but my flap still feels like it's 3 feet thick! It is still stitched down to the right bottom teeth but I am managing to eat fairly well with some good placement with my fingers and very carful chewing. Can anyone out there tell me how long it takes before the flap starts to feel a bit more normal???

Of course I still am waiting for my pathology results-I won't get them until the 20th when I return to London's Head and Neck Oncology Center. They did remove 30 nodes but my surgeon told my husband after surgery that by eye, the nodes looked good, even the enlarged one. But I am still preparing for RT, especially since the toungue cancer was a recurrence of my SCC Stage 1 from 2003.

I guess I am just trying to adjust to my new "normal" and I would appreciate any input. My speech is quite clear, all the Docs were happy with that-I can even speak quite clearly on the phone.

Anyway, thanks for listening and for all you helpful info-it sure makes me realize that I am not alone in this journey.

God Bless you all-Betsy

Most excellent news. I have no input, having just had my own surgery last week, but am delighted you are doing so well! Good luck on your Oct 20th visit, hope the news is exactly what you want to hear!

Andrea

Thanks for the support Andrea, as we all know, the waiting is the hardest part! Hope we get good news.
Take care and God Bless,
Betsy

i think we had surgery the same day 9/21.i had a neck dissection and removed all the lymphnodes from my left neck and shoulder. doctor also told me they looked good when they came out and she was right. path reports were all clear and the node that was cancerous before radiation looked good as well.my nck muscles are tighter than dicks hatband and hard to move but started physical therapy yesterday.i pray your reports come by clear.i'll be thinking of you until you let us know.have faith.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! Did you have radiation prior to surgery? I started my physical therapy while I was in hospital and it has continued since I have been home and my neck muscles are at about 95% now. Just keep doing your exercises like they tell you and push yourself a bit more everyday and soon you will be right as rain! Good luck and God Bless, Betsy

Sounds like your doing well Betsy!! Remember to measure your progress in weeks not days. If you do have radiation ask your doctor what type you will receive? Reguler or IMRT. Kind of like comparing a shotgun approach (reguler) or a sniper rifle (IMRT). The side effects of IMRT can be much less than the other. Not all qualify for IMRT.
I had a pectoral flap so I can't comment on your
type.
Good luck on your pathlogy report!!!

All My Best, Danny Boy

yes i had radiation before 30 imrt treatments to the primay oropharynx and to the node that was protruding and fleshy. i'm glad to know physical therapy is going so well. if you are at 95% ifeel like i am at about30-40 but i know it will come with hard work and time.look forward to hearing from you soon.

Keep me updated on your Physical Therapy, I know you will do well! I'll keep you posted on my Path. report!
Take care and God Bless,
Betsy