I had three neck dissections, two radical, and the last with a pec flap. I have stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion in the neck, but manage without anything. I did do physical therapy a few times, basically for leg strength, neuropathy, walking, with a few exercises for the neck, and shoulder, being they took my neck muscle out. I notice my posture, and left shoulder is different from the RND. Some do lymphatic lymph drainage, acupuncture, physical therapy, but check with your doctor.

The radiation symptoms will differ based on the sites radiated, and the dosage amount. Usually the first time is up to 70Gy or slightly above, and reirridation is usually less, and usully to more targeted areas, which may not involve the oral or oropharyngeal area like the first time, which effects speech, chewing, swallowing, so it's different, but may have mote added side effects in the neck this time around due to the total radiation received.

Good luck with your recovery.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs