Anyone had Neck Lymph Node cancer, a selective neck dissection and 6 weeks of radiation?

Hi, I’ve had a right neck dissection for lymph node cancer and two operations for tongue cancer. I had no problems with the operations but found the rig feeding tube very painful at first until the stitches were removed after 3 weeks The mask fitting for the RT is hard if you are claustrophobic but I was ok and got through it fine. Everyone is different with their recuperation but because I had RT on my tongue I’ve struggled to eat after 6 months but I’m gradually getting there. Other people have eaten throughout the RT. I hope this helps and I wish you well. Sue x

Thank you Sue, Good to hear you have bravely come through both surgery and radiation. I wish you well for the future!

Hi 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo tonsil cancer 7 affected lymph nodes. Still here7 years later. No dissection surgery would have been  too invasive  went the chemo radiotherapy route. Treatment s hard but I’m still here my ng feeding tube was. My n g tube was my lifeline helped me make a good recovery. 
Blog below details my experiences. 

Hazel xx

Good morning

Well done for reaching out on here there are so many wonderful people willing to support and share.

My treatment is bit different to yours ive got tonsil cancer ( even though removed as child) I'm going in for Tors robotic surfer next week but went in tuesday this week for neck dissection of lymph nodes. Its really not as scary as it sounds. Everything was really well explained to me by surgeon. Im in no pain at all just very swollen and stiff neck with a very impressive scar which will fade. I was expecting to be in hospital until at least thursday or friday but because there wasn't alot in my drain I was allowed home yesterday. Bit scary at first not having nurses around but hubby is doing well at looking after me. I'd advise to take any painkillers you are offered . I found it hard to sleep in bed last night so ended up on reclining sofa and slept like a log. Willing to offer any advise etc no question is a silly question.

Good luck 

Lins

Thank you so much for these encouraging words and I’m so pleased you found it less of an ordeal than it could be. Of course when the surgeon tells you about all the potential side effects from a neck dissection it scares you… May I ask how many lymph nodes were taken and in what area of the neck? 

Don't know how many were taken. My scans are showing that lymph nodes are clear but they take them to double check. My wound is from back of ear to my chin. They did do something to couple of veins that were posing a risk to my surgery. my cancer is where my tonsil was. Im having tumour out next week.

Hiya my friend yes ive got p16 tongue cancer and has spread to both my lymph nodes...but please don't worry it's very treatable and curable..I've had 3mths of double chemo.. and 6 weeks of 1 chemo and had 6 weeks of radiotherapy only got 1 more week left ..iam unable to eat or drink anything after week 5 on radiotherapy as now only get fed through my peg .and my neck is so sore and burnt but iam sure it's working and now have to wait 3mths for a pet scan to hopefully give me cancer free

Good luck, my friend…prayers that the PET scan shows all clear.

Hello  

Last year I was diagnosed with tonsil cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. From the scans it looked like possibly two lymph nodes but turned out to be one with no spread. 

I also had 6 weeks of RT due to the size of the cancer in the lymph node (42mm). 

I had a tonsillectomy and mucosectomy and the second operation was the right sided neck dissection.

For me, the tonsillectomy was more painful than the neck dissection. Take all the medication you need throughout the process. I managed the RT without the need for a feeding tube and manage to eat throughout, although the last week was a struggle and I started to lose weight. You’ll see plenty of advice on here, all useful. Keep on regular contact with your treatment team/CNS. 

The treatment has been described as rough. It is, there’s no point in sugar coating it, but it’s definitely doable. Keep asking questions to get a full understanding. 

Thanks, Chris. I’ve asked to see a clinical oncologist as up to this point I’ve only ever seen a maxillofacial surgeon. I want to understand if there are alternatives to radiation. How often do you see your surgeon now and have you had a clear scan by now?