Guess I should add Dick's 2002 experience with the neck dissection. They decided on the ND because 2 nodes were noted / marked on his xrays. However, upon removal of those and other nodes, no cancer was found, which was part of the reason he did not have radiation and chemo (along with the clear margins, lack of spread, small size, and the well differentiated DX). He has regained most if not all of his movement in his shoulders, neck, etc., but still retains a barely detectable numbness by his ear. The negative ND was considered in his treatment plan. It is interesting how some don't need the ND, some have it before treatment, and others, after. He had it done because of the questionable nodes. He lost no salivary function. Don't know if any of this helps or not.