Follow up treatment following neck dissection

Also, I am going back to work next week (I only work two days a week anyway) but I'm still quite tired all the time and get severe back pain if I walk too far.  How long do people normally stay off after this op?

Hi Tony and welcome. I’m sorry I can’t help with the time of your convalescence. My cancer was in a different place. 
Once your biopsy results are through I’m sure you’ll be on immunotherapy pretty quickly. 
Melanoma these days is remarkably treatable with immunotherapy which has revolutionised treatment. It might be a good idea to head over to the melanoma forum too 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/melanoma-forum

Best wishes 

Hi Tony it is still early on for recovery from your operation.  I suspect that whilst the physical has healed, your body is still recovering from a major operation.  Going back to work is good for the soul so, if you feel up to it, do so.  Maybe there is an option to a phased return and to spread the 2 days out over the week??  I think a lot of us at your stage have some good hours in the day then need a rest later on.

It could be that the dissection has affected a nerve to the back.  I am not aware of that as a recognised potential issue from a neck dissection.  It is normally shoulder, chest and maybe facial. 

Could be they did some physical damage to your back in the operation in moving you, or in order to minimise pain elsewhere you are over compensating and straining your back.  I'd try to get some physio - I found that helped me greatly after my dissections.  My GP was fantastic at organising it without delay.

Dani

Thanks for your helpful reply.

Tony