Well I'm home now what a fight that was to get home. Been home about 5 days now,really think I'm feeling better moving around alot more. Even started lifting lite weights wears me out. Met with radiation Dr last week he said we have a little time before we start. I have a little hole on my face they want it healed before hand,so I got some kind of suck vac to heal faster. My pain level went up a bit in my jaw,but I think its cause I'm home and taking more. I'll try to keep everyone posted more Dr appointment on Wednesday. You sure do see a lot of Dr while going thru this

Wasamason

Glad to see your home and doing fine considering all you've been through.
Just be careful and take it easy on yourself.

Good luck with your upcoming treatments.

Heidi

Glad you're home and doing well. Take it easy and prepare for the next steps. Your good attitude will go very far in how well you do. Keep it up.

Wasamason, my main social life last year was going to hospital, seeing doctors, dentists, speech therapists and psychologists!

You seem to be doing very well in spite of the big surgery you've had. I hope you can enjoy the respite at home before the treatment starts.

Have another question. I had lymph nodes removed from right side of neck and the removed some from left just to check. So here's my question its been almost 4 weeks post surgery and neck still swollen. I know everyone is different,but for those who had this done how long it take for swelling to go down. Kinda guessing that's why I can't pass swallow text. Thanks for your help!

This sound like lymphoedema to me. Once the Lymph nodes are removed it is difficult for the lymph fluid to drain and this shows up as swelling. Initially this area is quite firm and hard, but over time it becomes a sort of baggy oedema.
Kris still has this 3 years post surgery. Some days it is hardly noticeable, others days it is more pronounced.
Some people see a specially trained Lymphoedema massage therapist to help. I think you are still in the early stages of recuperation and recovery and this will improve given time.
Tammy

Thank you Tammy. My neck has been mostly wrapped couldn't really see and with all this new found time I have I seen it. Was wondering if just needed more time to heal or something else. Have a Dr appointment coming up should be able to find out more!

Wasamason

I ditto what Tammy said. It's Lymphoedema and this could last a very long time. My moms almost a year post surgery from having half her lower right jaw removed. She still suffers with the swelling. Ask your doctor to refer you to therapy. There are certain massages to help the lymp fluid get moving. My mom said it was very helpful . I learned a little from watching and now I massage my mom at home.

Good Luck
Heidi

Thanks sweetpe1. Have a Dr appointment in the morning I'll ask ,but I'm guessing probably have to wait till after radiation and chemo?

wasamason,
Heidi nailed it. Massage therapy helps this a lot! My pathologist showed me and my wife the best strategies and massages to use eight years ago, and again this trip around. Her suggestions and demonstrations have worked well for me. Eventually things got better eight years ago, not sure what will happen with the other side being dissected now.