I had radiation for cancer of the tongue and then last month had to have a neck dissection, removing lymph nodes and part of my tongue. The problem is now, a month after surgery, some very, very painful swelling is taking over my jaw and my life. Also, I have mucus thicker than "wallpaper paste" (as one lady said)and it stinks to high heaven. Should I be worried about an infection even though I don't have a fever?

As a nurse, if it stinks, check it out........nurses sniff everything, we`re a weird bunch.............my wife is constantly sniffing all my wounds.....Packer

Michael......Follow your gut instincts; if what is going on with you doesn't seem right, then by all means get what ever it is checked out! You know your body better than anyone. Painful swelling, in my opinion, is something worth mentioning to your physician. Good luck and keep us posted! Sincerely, Donna

Michael! Get thee to some antibiotics post haste! That was me with the wallpaper paste, and it does go away, but the bad smell means infection. I fininshed radiation and chemo, which came after the surgery, in truly great shape, high energy, and three days later was flat on my back in isolation with a roaring mouth infection and no white cells to fight it. Took me about a month to get back to where I was before. Do not delay with this. I was sicker with the massive infection than with any other part of my reatment. Go! Now! Call your doctor!!
Joanna