Neck dissection stiffness

Hi all as I have just joined the group I will give you a rough history of my journey was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue in Feb 19 six weeks of radio and chemo was clear for a year but unfortunately came back Nov 20 had surgery in Dec 20 had four tumours removed and my jugular vein and some sixteen other veins my surgeon said it was one of the hardest ops of this type he had done they worried that I would loose the use of my arm my ability to talk and to smile I'm happy to report that they didn't have to worry I feel fit and well and I have always been positive about it all I'm very much a glass half full kind of guy 

Welcome Ian. That is some journey. Glad you’ve come through it and retained your health and sanity. 

Good to meet you Ian, but sorry it had to be in here.  As Dani says, that is some journey! Thanks for the info and glad you’re on the mend. 

The body is a funny thing isn’t it , doesn’t sound great but we have to deal with what we are dealt but yeah pants sometimes 

elaine 

It's quite amazing how the body can bounce back I won't lie there were difficult times and because my cancer is a viral kind it doesn't show in blood I'm monitored very carefully Great to meet you all by the way and if there is anything you might think I can help with don't hesitate I will answer the best I can 

Hi Ian Welcome from me as well I too am a glass half full girl as well. Positive mental attitude got me through as well. Doesn’t work for everyone as a good friend of mine says miserable ones  get through as well. 
Hazel 

Thanks hazel

Hi Ian and welcome to the group.  Interesting path you've trodden.  I too have had the surgery and suffer from dry throat.  Not always, but I do need to keep water close to hand.  As you say, it is often during the night that it is the most problematic.  It was indicated to me that it is probably as good as it is going to get and is a result of the surgery.  I've never heard of the first bite - so thanks for the explanation.

Hi Peter thank you I'm the same always have water at hand at times it helps to get the food to go down but I find beer works better than water lol

Good evening Ian p, thanks for posting this, its amazing what we go through and how well our bodies can recover. You sound very much like me being a "glass half full" man, I'm sure this is what helped me get through my operations and treatment, it will give others a lot of encouragement and support by reading your post. Wishing you all the best,take care. 

                                                Chris