I had a tonsillectomy and my pharnyx where my tonsil(right)was, and the scar that it left behind swell and hurt on and off. I am 6 months post. In fact it is swollen and hurting a little now.

My doctor at U Of C told me that it is normal as we are still subject to toxins and viruses in every breath we take. We also took quite a beating with the radiation. It still scares the hell out of me. I have quite a bit of lymphodemia or swelling under my chin from lyphadic fluid build up. When I wake in the morning it looks like I am storing walnuts. I have been given a device that makes me look like Jacob Marley. It is suppose to relieve that so the fluid finds a new pathway but it doesnt. I also do massage on it. That does help quite a bit. And yes I feel some texturing in my neck from scaring as well.

I have learned to live from scan to scan.
I used to go to the doctor if I had the slightest twinge but as we all know if its back its back. You cant change that. Sad but true.

If your last scan was clear then your good until the next one. Thats the way it has to be. Unless you have a lot of pain or trouble breathing etc of course.

Swelling DOES NOT mean the cancer is back.

Your (his) doctor should have perscibed a antibiotic to see if it was in fact an infection.

Go, live, have a great vacation, believe that you (he) are well. Enjoy every second.

Robert Hamilton