Chris,
I had and still have that feeling of someone gripping my neck and shoulder. I finished radiation 19 months ago. I remember about 2 weeks after surgery was when I first noticed it, when I started moving around more. I got very depressed over it. After radiation it really wasn't that much worse and now I really only notice it alot first thing in the morning. It is tight and I wish it could feel the same way it used to, but you really will adjust to it just fine.
Take care both of you,
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.