Hi Terry,

Like Mellay, I had a neck dissection on only one side, my left. I also had 30 lymph nodes removed, with a tongue resection and no rad or chemo. I can tell you the the lymph node removal was a piece of cake compared to the tongue surgery.

You've been through the worst part already. The drain removal is a 3 second procedure and really it is nothing. There will probably be some neck swelling due to a condition called lymphedema, but massaging the area will help create new channels for the lymph to drain. This will be shown to you by the ENT or physical therapist. Like Mellay, I also had my surgery in April and I am still numb on the side of my face. I know that this will probably remain this way the rest of my life (which I now expect to be a very long time). It is really no big deal. Shaving is still a strange sensation.

You can also probably expect some limitations in arm movements, but with good therapy, that should come back to normal. I was and still am at 99% of normal range of motion.

I was back to work (as a dentist) in 3 1/2 weeks and a full patient load in 4 1/2. And remember, the worst part for me was the tongue surgery. You won't have this problem.

YOU WILL BE FINE.

Continue to ask questions. We hear you.

Jerry