Francine,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this again after your first round in 1995. I gather that you didn't have any lymph nodes removed in 1995, so this would be your first neck dissection.

Are they really telling you that the lymphedema would be an issue for the rest of your life? Many of us have had it to some extent for months after surgery/radiation, but eventually it has subsided.

Also, regarding the shoulder/neck issues following this surgery: it's impossible to know completely in advance how it will affect you, and hospitals typically have to give you a fairly comprehensive warning about some of the worst-case scenarios. In my case, it has been 16 years since my neck dissection, and I've had relatively limited shoulder/neck problems. I've had occasional stiffness and a little bit less range of motion when I turn my head, but not much more than that.

I hope the team at your cancer center can try to come to some sort of consensus about what is the best overall approach so you don't feel that you're having to decide this on your own.

Cathy