Cancer4,
I had a radical neck last October before radiation. Was in hospital for two days and out. The nerve reaction to the surgery is the most annoying part I believe. Have to use the term annoying because I'm thankful the nerves are coming back. After surgery the things the doctors looked at most were the fact I could still raise my arm and the side of my face didn't droop. Sound scary, I guess it is, but I had a couple of very good surgeons.
There is pain involved as with any surgery but nothing I couldn't handle. Still I can't lay on my side or hold a phone to that ear. (although the phone thing is getting better) I have lost feeling in my earlobe totally.
For me I don't consider any of these things major, just annoying. That I can live with.
Hope this helps, any specific questions please ask?
Take care,
Dinah