Hello Mica,

I had a 6mm tumor on my right tonsil thst was poorly differentated. I had a neck disetion 1st.
They split my jaw in the middle of my lower lip down the neck curving over to my right ear. They removed the tumor but some was on the carthoid artery, they left that small amount and said they would target that area with IMRT radiation.

They than had a plastic surgeon reconstruct my throat with my right side chest pech muscle. Another option is to use a section of the underside of your forearm to reconstruct the throat and cover the arm with skin taken from your leg. A much trickery operation than the pech.
I don't know if all neck disectios are like what I had. Someone should post who knows this.
The good thing about the neck disection was after a few days things were tolorable. Not saying it wasn't a serious operation but whatever pain you will have can be (SHOULD) be managed. There wasn't much pain with mine.

One thing I've heard on this forum many times is:
"Throw every thing you've got at this bast__d of a diaease the first time" It is one unforgiving diaease. I truly believe that after traveling that path from DX to end of treatment.
They removed several nodes which all came back clear. My lungs and brain were clear. I was also
in fairly good health.

After 8 weeks had 33 treatments of IMRT radiation. I was lucky and had no side effects at all from the rad. From what I've read this is rare. "BOOM" Your down with treatment
and you and your family are on your own with your family. Thats the main reason this website is as valuable as it is. People have heard me say this many times and I will say it again:
:Who better to ask then who has traveled the path ahead of you:

Thank God I found this website. A place to educate yourself, which empowers you as you
talk with your doctors. Ask alot of questions and write them down ahead of time. We always forget one or two. The members here will offer what we would do under a simalir situation
and why. You have to be the one who makes the decision. There is so much information to gather and so little time. After you have done this go with your gut feeling, It usually never fails you. Don't be afraid of this operation, compared to field radiation and chemo most would op for the neck disecton.

Question for All: Do all neck disection involve splitting of the jaw at middle lower lip and going down either right or left to the ear?

Best of Luck Mica, Your friend Danny Boy!