Hi, I am new to the group and have just been told there is still cancer in my lymph nodes four months after chemo radiotherapy for tonsil cancer. They are getting me in ASAP for salvage radical neck dissection. Has anyone else gone through this?
Hi. I've not had a salvage neck dissection, but have had 2 dissections. The first to remove an enlarged lymph that was cancerous (in the pathology) and the second a few weeks later to remove most of the lymphs on my right hand side looking for further evidence of cancer. In both cases the recovery was quite quick and relatively easy - there were some longer lasting issues where they had touched my accessory nerve and they took around 18 months to settle down.
Obviously your dissection may be even more intrusive depending what they find and the need to get clear margins. That may change the mid to long term side effects especially if they have to cut nerves etc. Have a good chat with them as to what they think may be the issues you will face going forwards so you are prepared.
Peter
See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
