Hello Again Everyone

Here I am I made it through the surgery 4.5 hours long. Doctors took out 30+ nodes which have been sent for testing, I am having quite alot of pain for the first few days but now it

Raymond, I looked just like you if not worse, and 18 mos. out from surgery, am wearing low cut summer clothing and I don't think anyone notices the faint scars left. I sure don't think about them, so if you are at all worried about your future appearance, please know it will get MUCH better. Your picture sure took me back, though. And made me realize just how far I have come. Thanks for posting it. You can look for daily improvement, just a little bit at a time some days, more on others. You are heading for good times now!

Raymond,

Sounds as if you are doing really well, congrats and keep up the good healing!!!!

Dinah

Very Good News today!!!!!
Just came back from the surgeon

Congrats on your great news Raymond! and your picture is absolutely darling. :p Like Joanna said, the scar fades fast. Mine is getting lighter by the week. Thank you for sharing with us.

Sincerely,
Lisa

Hello again
I have a few questions for anyone who can help I

Hi Raymond,

I would go back to your surgeon and let him know about your exposed jawbone. As to the pain meds, I would ask for something strong enough to relieve the pain you have. Take Care, Daniel

Hi Ray.....First off, let me say how happy I am for you that there is no sign of cancer after the surgery you had! I tell you - hearing news like that is better than hitting the lotto. It's "priceless". My husband had the modified radical neck dissection done on 2/6/03 - and although the swelling has gone down - he is having the same problem you are experiencing with the "tight/hard as a board" syndrome in the neck. It's been like this now for awhile. He says it feels like someone put a "belt around the neck and started tightening it". He has been to his oral surgeon, radiation oncologist and even a dermatologist - and no one has mentioned anything that could help that. I was wondering - has your doctors advised you on getting any kind of therapy/exercises for your shoulder and neck region? I keep thinking there has got to be more one can do to help the healing process go faster - but perhaps it just takes more time. Eating is still difficult for my husband in many respects - although he has come a long way since when his radiation ended in November 2002. Food gets caught in his throat and he coughs it back up and has to re-swallow. I hope I'm not grossing anyone out too much - but that's his experience the way it is so far. The doctor did STRONGLY advise him to keep eating solids and chewing - that is supposed to help the throat area. As far as answering if this will all get better or be permanent - we are still waiting for the answer to that one ourselves! I hope in a years time (from his surgery date) - his neck and throat will be more supple and feel less constricting. But I guess only time will tell. If you hear anything more from your doctors on this condition or have any more news at all - please keep us informed. Take care and hope you are feeling much better real soon.

DonnaJean,

I'm sure we are all pretty hard to "gross out" at this point!

Glenn