What do you wish you had known before you had surgery?

I mean, I knew there would be pain, obviously, and now Im back at home, managing it with paracetamol and each day I seem to be able to move a little more, but its getting up, getting comfy, coughing and sneezing are horrendously painful.

Hi Danzig6ee1b0 

My name is Steph, I'm part of the team who looks after the Online Community.

I was sorry to hear about your experiences following neck surgery. It sounds like you're struggling with your recovery and might benefit from speaking to your cancer nurse or doctor.

We have some information about what to expect after head and neck cancer treatment. As part of this information, we advise that:

"you should always tell your specialist about:

• ongoing side effects or symptoms that are not improving
• any new symptoms that do not get better within 2 weeks.

Your nurse can tell you what to look out for after treatment. For example, this might be a new ulcer or a lump in your neck, pain, or difficulty swallowing or speaking. Contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms or side effects. You do not need to wait until your next appointment."

If you're still feeling uncertain about calling your team, or just want to talk everything through, please do contact our Support Line. The Macmillan Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

We can help support you with how you're feeling emotionally as well as physically. 

We know that speaking to people who've been through similar surgery can also be helpful. I'd encourage you to revisit your head and neck cancer forum to share experiences and connect with others who understand how you might be feeling.

I hope this is helpful and aids you in finding the support you need.

Take care,

Hi BikerKa4ea78 

If you're worried, please do reach out to your team at the hospital or NHS on 111. Please don't struggle on, your recovery is important.

Alternatively you can speak to a nurse on our Support Line for some more general advice. Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

Thank you for sharing your experience and hope that your recovery improves.

Kidney surgery, not neck.

Hi BikerKa4ea78 

I have also replied in this thread to another member who has been through surgery on their neck. Sorry for any confusion.

You can look at the top of each message to see who is being replied to if you're not sure if the message is for you.

Fortunately mine was Lentigo Maligna Surgery which is a slow growing pre Cancerous lesion ...it was originally decided that Moh's Surgery would be appropriate ...but after consultation wit the Specialist MDT team ..it was decided that an excision of the Lentigo Maligna on my left cheek would be more appropriate ...the op was scheduled for yhe day after my Mum's funeral ... so it was a very emotional time for me. Unfortunately an infection set in a few days afterwards ...so 20 stitches had to be removed at A&E ..and the wound was irrigated ... I was also given intravenous antibiotics .  as well as a course of antibiotic capsules ... I then developed a stitch cyst on the incision ..which also had to be drained at A and E and more antibiotics given...then last Tuesday I developed an Abcess beneath the incision ...so they operated again to remove it ... I am hopefully on the mend now though ...stitches will be removed this Tuesday ..abd the wound looks much neater ...it has however been a very traumatic few weeks ... I go back to see the Specialist MDT team on 16th January ...and will get all 3 Biopsy results ...it was hard the day after attending my Mum's funeral ...it has been an emotional roller coaster ...but hopefully all will be well now.

I’ve got this on the 16th , first op ever . I’m pooping myself excuse the pun lol 

No, awaiting next stage.

Thank you. Lots to absolved.

Taking day at a time. Awaiting rext of next steps. Speech accected too.

Hi I’m new to all this , I recently had a top right lobectomy 2nd January 2026, the surgery was no where near as bad as I’d expected due to it being unknown to me then, if I’d have known it would have helped me. Thanks.