Just got back from long return trip to Auckland with two friends. Saw one of my surgeons - the reconstructive guy - who said all was well and could feel no neck lump apart from a "capula" where he had joined two blood vessels. He advised me to go ahead with the ultrasound though which is booked for next week. He implied that provincial hospitals where this sort of thing isn't seen much get easily spooked. From now on I'll see someone every four months with Auckland in the middle - very reassuring.

So thanks to everyone who empathised. I hope nothing unexpected shows up in my neck - does not sound as if it's likely to.

Love to all
Maureen