Hi & good morning..the swelling has gone away but pain still seems to be lingering on his lower jaw the same side as surgery, he has a few followup visits this week and will have any questioned answered.

Ellen,

We were told that post radiation infection can happen months after radiation is completed.

It's normal for it to still be sore, sometimes we push ourselves - more acidic foots, spicy etc... once my mouth started to hurt I would ease up in the foods I was eating (do the bland and softer for a few days until the sensitivity went down) then I would try again. He could have an infection but I would likely go with the lymphedema - especially if it goes down during the day. But do have it checked out! Good luck and have a great week!

My hubby's face is still swollen. We go to the clinic tomorrow. Hopefully they will be able to help us.
He is feeling a bit depressed now. It is almost like Post traumatic stress. He is sad some days and feels as if this will continue forever. I try to keep him positive since he is only two months out of treatment. I think that he is doing well considering but he is scared and tired so i think that influences his outlook.

I am trying to keep things positive around here but I am so tired.

EllenB

You both need some time away! Time to focus on other things! Have him checked out then once you get some answers book a little us time. It is unfortunate but this is a part of your life. Even past the two year mark there's always something there however, you give it a moment or two then redirect. Hugs and take care... Hoping everything is clear.

Thanks Cheryl. Great advice. We both need to redirect. I tend to ask him every day how he feels. Perhaps I should wait until he is ready to talk about it. Hugs back to you.

EllenB

Would you happen to know what the mask was called. Was there a special name for it. I had to have a radical neck dissection in June of 2010 after two tumors on my tongue spread to my lymph node in the neck. It had attached itself to my carotid artery. The surgeon felt the best option was to remove all the nodes in the neck. Since then i have been plagued by the edema. My insurance will not cover the therapy and i can't afford to pay out of pocket for it. I have spent so many hours on the net trying to find some kind of answer and called so many companys but no luck!No one seems to have anything for the neck. Most times they think i have had breast cancer. Then when i tell them no its tongue and neck cancer they are at a loss as to how to help me. I have lost a little over 100 lbs but not in my face. I feel like i look so odd with A huge jaw and neck. My oncologist had recommended the therapy and gave me a script for it. When i told him my insurance wouldn't cover it he had suggested a pressure sock but never gave me a script for one. Any help or info anyone might have would really be appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Jen

Jen,
If it is as bad as you say I can't believe someone won't help you. I got a facial support, but I it was on prescription and cost less than $50. It was Facioplasty support by Jobst. Also says "Epstein". But the lymphedema specialist said you had to do the massage first or the bandage did not do any good. They made a little "wedge" that I tucked in next to my left cheek, which was slightly swollen. All you need are 3-4 appointments really to get going on the massage. Surely if you explain to someone that you have to pay it out of pocket they can give you an abbreviated version. The main thing is you doing the massage on a daily basis. Hope this helps somewhat.
Anne

Check on the web too there are sites that demo ky,photic massage for he head and neck... You can do it yourself several times a day. Good luck!