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#40882 03-31-2007 03:31 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi Lisa,
Sounds like you and your dad have been through quite an ordeal. I hope things start getting better very soon.
Speaking from my personal experience, it is most likely that your dad's problems with his neck are probably a combination of 2 things. The removal of the staples could certainly cause bruising due to some bleeding under the surface of the skin. The swelling is probably from lymphedema. This is an accumulation of lymph fluids in the area where nodes are removed. There is no place for the fluids to drain with the nodes gone. He should definitely check with the surgeon about both of these things as soon as possible to find out exactly what is going on. If it is lymphedema, I'm not sure how this is handled. Since I had nodes removed only on one side, I was taught how to massage the fluids to the other side of my neck to establish new drainage channels. Not sure what is done after a bilateral neck dissection.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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