MRI result - 2 months after right sided neck dissection

Further to my last post, I thought I would let you know next steps following my right sided selective neck dissection and resection of of the right submandibular gland done early April.

The reason I had an MRI done at this stage in my recovery was at the request of my ENT specialist following a diagnosis of Muscle Tension Dysphonia. The MRI (with contrast) would establish what was going on internally to perhaps be the cause of MTD and to find out if there are any cancer cells still in the neck following surgery, and because I refused radiotherapy. 

The news is that there is thickening (scar tissue) around the pharynx which carries food to the esophagus and air to the larynx (maybe why I get breathless when trying to talk). So I will carry on having voice therapy to help with that. However, the good news is that there is no evidence of residual/recurrent disease! Surgeon did a good job!

Next steps is close radiological follow up (full body CT scan at 3 months) as well as clinical follow up. If cancer does return, and subject to the PD-L1 test showing I am a suitable candidate, I will be given immunotherapy. 

In the meantime my wooden neck, which can be very painful, will be treated by an Oncology Physiotherapist and also with Acupuncture - both of which I will have to pay for as I don’t have insurance.  I will carry on keeping my sugar intake low, take appropriate supplements (mainly those that deal with inflammation) and try to relax!!