Terry,
My neck dissection was on the right side only. They removed 30 lymph nodes and I only had one drain. I had very little pain from the surgery. My neck, shoulder, chest, and back were numb for about 2 months after. My neck is still numb. My biggest problem was that I had trouble lifting my right arm. I am still working at this, (surgery was in April) but it is much better. I still have some swelling in my face but it isnt that noticeable. I was worried about the scar but it really isnt that bad. The drain did not hurt coming out.
I did not have radiation or chemo. I think that after all you have already been through, the neck dissection will be a piece of cake.
Good luck and keep us posted!!