Hi DonnaJean, the hardened feeling around my chin and throat (I didn't even have neck surgery) is still with me and I am lucky that the stiff neck does not hinder my movement. I was told to expect this as a life long side effect and so when my neck has recovered from the severe burn, I started to exercise my neck every time I remembered it. During the appointment with my oncologist, when he felt around my neck with his hand, he always said,"hm, it is still quite hard" When I asked if my neck would become 'soft' again, he simply said, " maybe, just wait and see". I am not bothered any more since it doesn't do me any inconvenience--- I have no problem when parking my car.

Karen stage 4 tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/01.