I had the problem after my neck dissection. On a follow up visit to the cancer clinic I mentioned this but as often happened there was little reaction and at that stage I had not discovered this forum to ask questions to this and other issues I was having eek
Was told by a physio that possibly my left arm had been put above my head during the 14 hour operation. (Makes sense as a section of inside of the wrist was taken as the free flap plus vein to inside of elbow.)
Could also not raise my arm and washing hair was a problem. Had massages and physiotherapy but after around 8 sessions was told no more could be done and even though I got 50% on insurance I was wasting my money. I was told with time it would come good on its own. One day around 4 months later I realised I had been able to raise both my arms to wash my hair without any problem. Woopey !!!
Cheers
Gabriele

History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.

1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family