Hi Nicki,

Glad the surgery is over and Tom is home. I warned you that he would look like they had run him halfway through a guillotine, but with a good surgeon, the scars should heal quite nicely. Ask the doctor about using a deep wound cream like Biafine on the scars and get him or a PT to show him how to massage the scar so that it does not tighten up. He should also be scheduled to start PT for his neck and arms within a week or two after surgery. Make certain that he does not lift anything over a few ounces for the first sevral weeks until the shoulder gets it stength back. As to the Dr. comment about living another 2 years, are you certain you heard that correctly? Or did he say that there was a 95% chance that he would not have a reoccurence in two years? A reoccurence is not necessarily a death sentence as some of us can attest to.

To a speedy recovery but don't push to hard and remember to take time for youself. You deserve and need it. It's been a rough road for all.

Take care,
Eileen