I had a bilateral neck dissection about 2 weeks ago. I have had difficulty opening my mouth very wide and also have trouble talking, swallowing and eating since the surgery. About a week ago I started developing lymphedema in the front of my neck. It's difficult to explain but my jaw feels swollen and hurts if I try to open wide. My doctor said he doesn't know why my jaw would be hurting and they gave me something to reduce the inflammation if that is the problem. It doesn't seem to be helping. He also said that I shouldn't start lymphatic massage for another 2 weeks. Could my jaw problem be related to the lymphedema? Should I be waiting to start the massage? I've read that lymphedema should be caught early although I can't seem to find much info on neck lymphedema. Any suggestions? I am really feeling scared and alone and depressed.