DavidD, What kind of surgery are you having? Radical neck dissection? Modified radical? Or is it more extensive than that? I could only tell you that both my husband and I felt the same kind of anxiety that you are feeling, just before he had his modified radical surgery. I think I was more of a wreck for a good 2 weeks or so before that! But anyways - he got through it OK and since the doc also performed an Esophageal dilation - after a day or 2 in the hospital - he was eating solids and swallowing better too. The swelling really didn't start to kick in until a few weeks afterwards, and this is the main problem we're dealing with now. As apprehensive as you may feel now - push your worries aside, and I know if it was me - I would just want to get this over with - knowing it has to be done, and hopefully from there - start moving forward with the healing process. Good luck. I'll be thinking of you come Friday and sending warm thoughts and best wishes your way.