Hi Forum;

I had 68 staples that closed about a 14 inch incision following the removal of 27 lymph nodes. No fun having those staples removed - very uncomfortable - but no lasting pain. However, a fair amount of anxiety.

My ENT said it would be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years before any feeling had returned. I am now at the 16 month point, and while some sensation has returned to my shoulder area, what remains of my neck, ear & the surrounding area remains very woody to the touch with no feeling on the inside. I do feel a pain-like sensation when my ear is touched or bumped, which I guess is a good sign the nerves are coming back, but I am not altogether certain that is what's happening.

I feel I was poorly informed about this surgery, and strongly urge everyone who is contemplating a radical neck dissection fully explore its ramifications. My ENT left me with the impression it was little more than day surgery. As he once said to me "...if I told you what I was going to do, you wouldn't have let me do it."

Not what I would call an informative bedside manner. Its hard to criticize the man who helped save your life, but everyone should find out as much as they can about surgery before it happens.

The only real complication from my neck dissection was infection that arose as a result of my long hair (at the time). I should have taken the precaution of having my hair cut off rather than leaving it shoulder length. Proves that common sense ain't so common !

In any case, good luck and a speedy recovery !

JT2