Heidi my dad had his right internal jugular vein litigated and a branch of his carotid artery litigated during his most recent surgery. We knew he had involvement in a lymph node but because its close proximity to them, they done during surgery. We never discussed it prior but it was necessary. This surgery required a pec flap to protect the area and that also became the piece of his tongue that was removed. It made for a lengthy recovery (he was previously radiated though). My dad had high blood pressure and high cholesterol prior to this and he was put on an additional BP med and his existing increased. I asked the dr what this had an affect on in the future and he said not much. He had a really good flow on the left side which supplied enough blood flow to the body.

Good luck tomorrow at MDA. I have heard great things about them. I hope they are able to provide options for your mom. We too are meeting with the director of RO at MGH and will see what options are available for my dad. Praying for good news for both of us.