Hi based on location - oral tongue - chances are your HPV negative. You will have drains but the neck dissection normally isn't too painful as the nerves are damaged post op so you'll be more numb than anything. The drains should be removed a few days post op.

You might look like you've gone a few round and be uncomfortable but pain isn't too bad. You will likely need physio post op for your shoulder but other than that recovery is surprisingly quick. Best of luck.


Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan