#73296 04-17-2008 07:46 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Wed. morning, I had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from my cheek. My face has progressively gotten more swollen. Its now swelling down my neck and under my chin. No fever, but my cheek is warmer than other parts of my face. Swallowing is very difficult and I can barely open my mouth. My feeling is that I have an infection and need antibiotics. Diagnosis via computer isnt easy, but please somebody give me your thinking on this.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 46 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 46 | Hi Christine,
There could be a few things going on there. It could be what you said or it could also be an alergic reation to something like the anesthia. There are different types used, so this could be. It may be something totaly different. In any case, I would call the DOC right away and not take any chances. It may be nothing or it may be serious. Call the DOC and find out!!!
John
Stage 4A SSC Left Tonsil, back of tongue and Lymph nodes on left side. Tonsil removed, Chemo and Radiation treatments completed on June 26, 2008.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | It could be what we all call Turkey neck or waddle that most of us develop post radiation. We have had other posts on that topic, some humorous. Some of it will go away but most will not and I have tried everything natural. Don't even think about the plastic guy route as my RO told me since the cells in the radiated area have been damaged and may not heal properly.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Did you already have a neck dissection on that side? If so, it is not surprising that you are puffy post surgery since your lymph glands aren't there anymore and you may tke longer to have lymph fluid from the surgery drain away.
If you show any signs of fever, though, I would call a dcotor quickly. That's my (very nonmedical) 2 cents.
Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 341 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 341 | Dan had that happen and we called and they insisted we come right in. They feared infection - it turned out to be a hematoma. He had to go back in surgery and have it evacuated... I would definately call - it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Michelle, CG to husband (45), DX 2/08 Stage IVa Adenocarcinoma Salivary Gland (T2N2bMO)
Parotidectomy & ND 2/08, Tumor margins not clear, 4 of 30 nodes positve for cancer,
TX IMRT 39x, cisplatin 7x (completed 5/1/08),
PEG (4/22 - 7/9), No port. Currently in remission!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
No neck dissection. Cancer never got to my lymph nodes at all. All that was cut out was about the size of a quarter on the inside of my cheek. I didnt have a turkey neck before, this looks like a baseball under my chin. I went to ENT on Fri, my regular ent wasnt there so had to see another one. He thinks its just from the surgery. If its still this swollen and still hurting like heck on Monday, I will go back again.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 104 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 104 | Hi Christine,
I'm glad you've had your surgery and are recovering, and are up to posting. I've read about lymphodema from Donnarose, following her mothers surgery. My dad had a more extensive surgery than yours with reconstruction, in similar location, and excessive swelling for him has meant infection, 3 times I think. I told him of your pending surgery, and he has been praying for you. I'll let him know you've had your surgery, and of the swelling and let you know what he says. Maybe you could call the doctors registry if your doctor isn't on call, and get some antibiotic started before Mon., you shouldn't have to be in pain and wait.
My best to you,
Dad had oral lichens planus, and oral leukoplakia before T2 SCC,2 nodes.
DX10/23/03
IMRT 12/29/03.30 rad,3 boost.
Brachytherapy 3/8-3/11/04.
Recurrence Nov07 Stage IV.
4 Surgeries
No rads, no chemo
I have oral lichens planus,
thrush,leukoplakia 2/20/08
6/2/08 biopsies "inflammation"
| | |
| Forums23 Topics18,253 Posts197,150 Members13,337 | | Most Online1,788
Jan 23rd, 2025 | | |
|
