You'll find a number of us learned lymphedema massage. Learning that and seeking out physical therapy following OC treatment were two of the smartest things I ever did. There are not enough therapists licensed to teach lymphedema massage. You really need someone who has taken the extra training for head and neck. I would think somehow you could be seen before October though!

I would call my doctor, just the way you are doing. There might be a PT who could give you physical therapy exercises as well as teach lymphatic massage. Both of these things will make you feel better, but make no mistake it is a long process to heal and get stronger after what you have been through. I wish I had a magic wand or some such thing to make it all better for you, me, and everyone else. I can tell you that you will feel better, just not as fast as what you want.

Anne


SCC tongue 9/2010, excised w/clear margins:8 X 4 mm, 1 mm deep
Neck Met, 10/2010, 1 cm lymph node; 12/21/'10: Neck Diss 30 nodes, 29 clear, micro ECE node, part tongue gloss, no residual scc
IMRT & 6 cisplatin 1/20/11-2/28/11 at MDA
GIST tumor sarcoma, removed 9/2011, no chemo needed
Clear on both counts as of Fall, 2021