[quote=JeffL]I just had rather lengthy discussion with doctors at the James and from Vanderbilt about this issue. Everyone here is correct, to an extent. The radiation fibrosis causes stiffness and thickening of the tissues, which can a) provide a superficial tightening, and b) exert pressure on adjacent nerves. The nerve damage from the neck dissection is an independent comorbidity, particularly if Level V nodes were removed. Both the Spinal Accessory Nerve and branches from the brachial plexus can be involved, as they travel through the SCM, scalene and trapezius muscles.

I have all of the above, and just started an exercise regimen to improve range of motion and hopefully reduce stiffness. [/quote]

I know we are not supposed to mention doctor names but if you happen to run into Dr "S" at Vandy (the tall one that probably still wears the high waters) how much I miss him from UT Southwestern. Tell him Ed said hello!

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023