Hi Beth,
It has been 2 months since my partial glossectomy and total neck dissection. I, too still have soreness and my left arm is not as strong as the right. I am still numb across my neck and shoulders, but the feeling continues to come back, little by little. About a month after surgery, I asked my surgeon to write me a prescription for physical therapy and a very nice woman saw me right away. She gave me some simple exercises to do like clasping my hands together, lying on my back and raising my hands over my head. I did this every day, 10 reps, and have seen the progress. The PT said not to do too much, and to heal before going into much more exercise. I am doing much better now, but am feeling mostly fatigue from daily rads. Today ends four weeks, and I have 2 more weeks to go. Hang in there, and be patient with the healing. Your body has had a major trauma and will take time to rejuvenate. Don't forget your nutrition and hydration and try the 10 reps. You'll feel better soon!

Barb


Teacher aged 48, SCC Left side and floor of Tongue, Dx December, 2009. Stage II T2 N0 M0 Successful partial glossectomy surgery with thigh flap and neck dissection 3/8/10. 6 weeks of radiation tx ended 6/30/10. Happily surviving!

"Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere."