Welcome to OCF, Debbie! Im sorry to read about your long history of battling different cancers. You will find info and support here.

Since you are experiencing pain and swelling after more than a month post surgery, I would definitely go back to your doc to check you out thoroughly. You can kill 2 birds with one stone. If you dont understand what your doctor is doing and why they did not do a neck dissection can you make an appointment and discuss this in greater detail with your doctor? There could be many other factors to consider why the doctor made the decisions they did and why the opinions are conflicting. Since your case is complex due to your long and varied cancer history, I would advise being treated at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) is very important. There have been many here who have been treated at Moffitt and the other top CCCs like MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, etc. CCCs are the most experienced in complex cases and using a team based approach where all specialists will be on the same page. Patients are able to attend the tumor board meetings and ask questions to ensure a complete understanding. Im not sure why your getting varying opinions if using a CCC. One thing to always remember... everyone is different and will respond to things in their own unique way. Our members do not have medical backgrounds, we arent qualified to second guess a physician. Time is important, especially if theres something showing up on a scan, I would suggest making an appointment for at the very least, a second opinion. Even if you found someone who has a similar tumor location, size and they are generally similar such as age, sex, previous cancer, etc they still arent an equal comparison as each patient is an individual and will respond in their own way, has their own medical history, etc. I know one of the top CCCs will do a second opinion without the patient having to travel. Im sorry but off the top of my head I just cant remember which one. Maybe your insurance company will offer some assistance in this? Im very sorry that I wasnt able to help you more.

Best wishes with everything!