Neck dissection stiffness

No I haven’t heard of Eurax cream. Thanks Elaine, I’ll give that a try. Much appreciated. M

I also find E45 Itch Relief cream works for me - not on my neck scar as that is only an intermittent itch which I can mainly resist, but on my leg where I have some venous issues which cause intense itching.

Thanks Peter. I get itching on my forearms, backs of hands and legs too. It drives me mad, as I keep saying! It’s weird as I never got this before treatment, although I had eczema as a kid behind my knees and elbows. Like you, a hot shower brings instant relief but I wonder if it prolongs it too by maybe scalding the skin. All that said, it’s been ok today! 
I also read recently that 10% of people who take Lansoprazole get hives and itchy skin as a side effect. I’ve been taking it since surgery for over a year now so I’ve now given that up and am using Gaviscon for any acid reflux. Fingers crossed it’ll make a difference. 
Oh, the joys!

Hi Elaine

Yes you are so right everyone’s cancer experience and diagnosis is different. You have not said the cause of your cancer but I would think that my cause is different to yours. Mine was never going to be a ‘cure’ it has always been a ‘management’ pathway. Having said that my surgeon has done a brilliant job of management since I was first diagnosed in 2013 at the age of 59.

Please don’t spend time on worrying about a recurrence. You can waste a lot of quality time doing that. No one can predict the future

Living with cancer made me re-evaluate my life. I decided to appreciate every day for what it would bring and to not put off the things I wanted to do. As a result I have been very happy and fulfilled in both the small and big things.

I have found that having a positive attitude and drinking lots of Fortisip to keep up my strength has done wonders for me.

Sending warm regards to you.

Lyn

ER1 - remember that you now have one of the 9 protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010) and your employee will need to work with you to make any reasonable adjustments to your work regime taking into consideration what you have been through. 

I expected to be back at work very quickly but didn’t start until nearly 1 year later and that was doing just a few hours each day and building it up. Don’t rush yourself into things, especially work!

I've given up on the *prazole family of drugs as they did nothing for my throat issues.  I don't think I've reflux.  Instead my consultant has now advised Vit C and chamomile tea.  Thanks to Dani and the suggestion of honey in it I am just about able to drink a cup of something I regard as disgusting!  Early days, but I will persist to my next appointment to see if it clears anything up.

PFJTHS said:

Thanks to Dani and the suggestion of honey in it I am just about able to drink a cup of something I regard as disgusting! 

 I’m sitting doing my Garden Birdwatch drinking the very same 

MarkEL said:

I also read recently that 10% of people who take Lansoprazole get hives and itchy skin as a side effect. I’ve been taking it since surgery for over a year now so I’ve now given that up and am using Gaviscon for any acid reflux. Fingers crossed it’ll make a difference. 

Melatonin is the other thing to try. Take it at night before you go to bed. I’m trying it 

I used it on my daughter when she had chicken pox, it’s an anti itch cream. Worth a try and you can just buy without a prescription?? Hope it helps 

Thanks Sophie 

you’re so right, I wish I could feel the same. I’m trying to be positive but the left side of my head/ear/neck drives me bonkers, relentless feelings of stretching, fullness, pressure, deafness and buzzing. Even opening my mouth hurts now. Tbh, I’m 6 weeks post op and I think these wierd full feelings are getting worse. I’m sure it’s to be expected but can’t see how I can be positive yet whilst I’m so uncomfortable. Had a repeat mri head a few days ago and not had any feedback yet so I assume all is well, just drives me nuts. I’m anxious this is how I’m going to be from now on and fills me with dread :( 

I wish I could be more optimistic about life as I should consider that I’m lucky I suppose in the grand scheme of things that I’m alive but is hard, sorry what a moaner  All I do these days is plod, I’m tired and it’s boring ! 
thanks for your inspirational words though it’s something I hope I can be like maybe in time x