Hi All,
It’s 10 days since the above surgery. The maxillofacial surgeon took out Levels 1-4 lymph nodes and muscle tissue on the right side..unfortunately he had to cut the great auricular nerve, so I have no feeling of my right ear or parotid gland area. Same for the affected neck area but hopefully that will come back eventually.
For those that have had this procedure, is it normal to feel like you have a metal brace around your neck due to the tightness and swelling and for it to feel rock hard under the skin above the cut line? How long was it before that eased? Are we talking weeks or months? Are there any other symptoms or side effects that are likely to crop up?
I had dissolvable stitches underneath the cut and on the surface the scar is healing quite well so far, but is there anything I can be doing to help the overall healing along. I’m taking a high dose turmeric supplement as an anti inflammatory, doing my assigned exercises, eating healthily (cutting out as much sugar as possible) and putting Vaseline along the cut line.
Would be grateful to hear your own experiences.
Thank you.
This forum is amazing so many people helped me on here on my early days. Before I felt so alone not knowing anyone with this cancer so it was a godsend to be able to read other people’s stories and know you’re not alone with it.
Thats brilliant the relaxation techniques you’ve done have helped. You’ve made a huge step forward already. When I had my second op I stopped eating as I was terrified I would choke the fear was just too much and shut my brain down. I had hypnotherapy as I knew I needed help and to eat!!! She talked to me about facts that there was no treason for me to choke and breathing exercises to calm me down I also used it for my radiotherapy with the mask so yes keep going with the breathing exercises.
that’s good news the hosp are helpful but do push if they don’t contact you. Looking back I wish I had pushed more for help but I was just too exhausted and felt bad asking which now I know is crazy! But to be honest real life people going through it is where you’ll get your best advise. Yes stay well away from Dr google so much of it is out of date. I made those mistakes and scared the life out of myself
You could also start a subject conversation on here asking about the tube as I’m sure someone will definitely be able to help you.
Macmillian helpline is also very helpful for medical stuff and if you just want to chat to someone. I know it feels like a huge mountain at the moment but each day you’re moving forward. Celebrate the small wins as they are so important. One of mine was when I was able to eat liquid food on my own without being scared. It was the best day of my life 
Nat xx
My fella had a total laryngectomy
Do contact the laryngectomy association.
They are here
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
