Ok, so laser update time...

I will be doing my next round of laser in a few weeks. In the meantime, I have seen a reduction in the lymphedema in my neck. It seems to have been stuck for a couple of months on the left side, but has recently softened up.

The scarring looks pretty good - it's not raised, and most people don't even notice it, which is good.

The tightness is still present, but feels less like someone is actively choking me, and more like I'm wearing a turtleneck that is too tight. It has also migrated to the sides rather than the middle of the front of my neck.

While I still can't feel the skin itself, I have sensation under the skin, which is increasing as well.

They are also treating the wrist. Last time I had no pain, this time - whew, it was not pleasant as I am getting more feeling in the wrist, especially around the outside margins of the scar. To be fair, I am allergic to local freezing agents, which they usually use, so I just have to put up with it, whereas everyone else can get frozen (yep, I get fillings at the dentist with no freezing too, lucky me).

It's hard to say whether the improvements are due to the passage of time, or the laser treatment, but I think the laser is helping as I see improvements after the treatments.

Will keep you all posted after the next round.

So, not much new to report on the laser side of things. It really has worked wonders on the scarring, but has not made any new improvements on the tightness or range of motion.

He has said it's a 2 year process. Bah, more patience.

So, I met with my surgeon for the standard follow up and we discussed the laser treatment.

He was very pleased with the results, and stated that the scar tissue was much softer than he sees without the laser.

I am starting to have even more mobility. The sensation is hard to pin down as I think my nerves are starting to repair, so there's a fair amount of tingling internally and some general slight achiness (like after a workout) again internally, although the skin itself is still numb.

As a result, the tightness issue is hard to quantify, although I think it is reduced in general, and definitely reduced in terms in terms of how far it extended.

So, positive results. This is a 2 year process, and I'm not quite a year in with good results so far.

Yeah!!!!! Always wonder if Botox wouldn't help too? It's a muscle relaxer?

Cheryl, I asked my ENT about Botox several years ago. He said NO! Botox paralyzes the muscle, basically freezes it so it doesnt work. Its not something he would ever advise an OC patient to do. Of course everyone is different and has different circumstances so what wasnt ok for me may be alright for someone else. Just use extra caution.

HHHHHmmmmm - I was told it was meant to relax the muscle. I could see how it would work if done at selected areas around the esophagus, (not completely relaxed - just enough to make it easier to swallow for some people. I am just putting it out there. I know it works well for patients who have a lot of muscular pain... Maybe in places like the jaw even? Just ruminating. hugs

Number 1 side effect of Botox is difficulty swallowing that could last 90 days or be permanent. Robert from days past had regular shots for the pain in his neck. It is a toxin, a poison that paralyzed muscles. You had a smart doctor Christine! Pain management folks want to use it for everything.

Ed

Bear in mind that Botox was originally a treatment for migraine headaches - the use on wrinkles was discovered as a side effect on patients. I was offered this is a treatment for my migraines, and personally I think people are nuts for injecting botulism into their face. That's why I declined way back when.

I would, however, encourage people who have concerns with their scarring and tightness to look into the laser option.

Also, I'm starting to have some feeling in the flap...totally weird.

I agree... not a person who would consider botox period. I was just ruminating about the possibility. I have no idea how it would work just wondered if anyone had tried it. I do know as I said - of it's use for pain..

Tina,
Yes, keep posting updates on this. Very interesting. I'll have to ask UCSF on this and if could help me. I've been radiated though so we'll see what they say. I have a very stiff neck from my recent surgery and I have to take pain meds in order to move more freely.

Christine- I've received Botox a month ago from the head/neck plastic surgeon and it's been a God send. But I needed it for my chin because it kept involuntarily twitching and it was getting worse. We don't know if it's from surgery or radiation but doesn't matter. So the Botox is used differently than what Tina/Cheryl May need it for but it does work on oral cancer survivors. It was my head/neck plastic surgeon that administered it and suggested it and my ENT concurred.