DonnaJean, Oh Man I didn't want you to stop writing! (just try and beat a dead horse I dare you) If it sounded that way It certainly wasn't meant that way.

Further In my opinion If his breathing is affected I think a trip to the doc is in order. (even if you didn't worry I would say that.) Breathing is rather important and you can tell him I said so! (it is even a possibility he is having an allergic reaction to something he is taking) Set up the appointment for him yourself and take a detour from his swimming date. He'll never know until it's too late. Also have you seen a lymph therapist? they are not common therapists but you should be able to find one. It is a specialty amongst physical therapists.

Last for now is to let you know the shoulder is helped alot by either having someone lift his arm gently as he extends it straight out from the side. another way this can be done is to have him walk his fingers up the side of a wall as far as he can go. do this several times a day and see if he can go a little higher each time. You have to do this to keep the shoulder flexible. After a while he can try gripping something overhead and letting his body weight gently stretch the shoulder (that feels really good) over some time he should be able to do most anything except certain overhead lifting. (I consider my shoulder about 95% ok now even though it is gets sore sometimes).


Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.