Deb --

The fear of the unknow can sometimes seem overwhelming, and for some reason as we review the posts here and elsewhere on the internet, we tend to grab on to the most negative things.


I am just over a year out from the completion of treatment, and just got off the golf course after playing 18 holes with my wife. We played 18 yesterday and the day before as well! I have greatly diminished saliva, so drink lots of water and use the Biotene products. Some days are better than others, but it is something you learn to live with and really is not as horrible as it may sound right now. More of an annoyance, as is the neck and shoulder stiffness from radiation and surgery.

None of the residual effects are going to kill me, but the cancer was trying to. I selected the most aggressive treatment course, understanding that there would be side effects involved. Side effects are OK, in my book, compared to the risk of the cancer coming back.

The rock hard neck and the shoulder pain are both common after neck dissection. Your neck and shoulders will go through lots of different sensations over the coming months and beyond. Just communicate with your doctors, ask questions, do stretching exercices, and keep a positive attitude. You can do this!