Francine, I had a selective neck dissection and the swelling was gone within a few weeks. I did sleep with my head elevated, though, for a full two months after, which I think helped. I also have chronic muscle problems and maybe a bit of early arthritis in the shoulder on the side of the neck dissection and was concerened that it would make it worse and it hasn't.

I'm in the middle of radiation, and I know it's possible that might make the swelling worse again or aggravate the muscle but really I think it'll be OK. My doc also told me all the worst-case things that could occur before he did the neck dissection. I think they have to. But it really was very minor compared to what I expected overall.