Hi Fran,

I've been trying to find my previous post on this subject with no success so I'll see what I can remember. I've had two neck dissections, 4 years apart. The second was done on eradiated skin but it had had 4 years to heal. You want the surgeon that is doing this to have done a zillion of them and be the best plastic surgeon about. All those little stiches underneath are what makes for a good result. You want stitches, not clamps in the neck. I told me surgeon that 'I didn't do scars' and my surgeon did a marvelous job. I used Biafine cream on the scar for healing and also massage. Your PT can help you with that.

Do not let them take your submandible saliva glands unless they feel it is absolutely necessary because they are cancerous. We don't need our mouths any drier than they already are.

After the surgery, usually the next day, they will have you up walking. Support you arm lightly with your other hand under the elbow so you do not produce any drag on the bad shoulder. It also needs support in bed depending on how you lie. I had a stuffed bear my niece gave me that goes through all my surguries and is just the right size for resting my arm on. Once home make certain you still have a pillow to rest arm on whne sitting on sofa or that the chair you are sitting in has arms. If you start feeling any drag on shoulder while walking, support the arm. These problems go away after a few weeks of PT and you start getting your strength back. And of course it depends just what muscle if any they have to cut. They didn't have to cut any on me.

You are not supposed to lift anythin heavier than 1 lb for several weeks and don't do it or you may do permanent damage. You need to get hubby and kids to carry in the groceries and get their own laundry to the laundry room.

Both of my operations were relatively pain free and was out of the hospital in 5 days. Operation is quite long so make certain you are in a comfortable position on operating table. While you will look like you have been through the guillotine when you come out of OR, most of us have very little in the way of scars.

That's all I can think of for now. Will be thinking of you on the 5th. Speedy recovery.

Take care,
Eileen