Head and neck

I just had two tumors removed. 1 tumor and my right tonsil removed and they took extra tissue away. They used a robotic arm which I found fascinating. The cancer had spread to my right lymph node so I had the neck dissection got thr whole right lymph node out. I had my accessory nerve damaged in the process. Sometimes its impossible to not tear it. So im left with shoulder pain neck pain my right side of my face throat lip all on the right side is numb feels wierd. My speech and diet has been affected. I so wanted to eat food and be able to swallow and I did it. It hurt like hell. I had to have further surgery on the 20th of January this year 2022. Took more tissue away as the cancer cells developed on the tissue they took the first time. My throat is sore I've been up all night in pain nothing taking it off. I hope everything goes OK we can do this !!!!

Shellywesty85 .Sounds like you’re going through a tough moment, hopefully improves for you soon , I’m off to have my radiotherapy mask fitting this week so probably not too long for my treatments to start . Thanks for sharing your experiences and let’s keep fighting it .

Morning Ozzer hope your OK. Have you had mask fitted? Not pleasant. 

Hi Shellywesty85.  Tonsil pain is some of the worst going.  From experience I know that if they go back in - even with the tonsil removed - the pain comes right back!  I feel for you.  As to the accessory nerve...  They "nudged" mine, as often happens, and I had problems with my shoulder movement, but with determination and physio I suddenly realised that after 18 months it was almost back to normal.  Recovery is a long term thing and nothing is guaranteed.  But fingers crossed for you.

Mod1067 , hello , thought I was going to have it fitted but instead had teeth xrayed  and see oral dentist for discussion , all healthy so got go ahead for fitting +CT scan this coming week so gradually progressing towards treatments starting, thanks.

Hi Ozzer, if you need to chat let me know. I had 6 weeks of treatment. I know everyone is different, but if I can help with anything let me know. Josie

Appreciate that Josie thankyou , hopefully you got through your 6 weeks ok too to get views on peoples experiences 

Hi Shellywesty85,

What pain relief have they prescribed for you? Have you tried fentanyl or oxycodone?

Xxxx

No im on liquid morphine slow release morphine tablets zomorph tablets gabapentin then paracetamol aspirin and mouthwashes. I am unable to eat not eaten since wed 19th Jan had my second op on the 20th Jan still not able to swallow. The pain is unreal 

Is it the pain that is the problem with swallowing Shellywesty?  I had robotic surgery to remeove a tumour from the base of my tongue - the pain was excrutiating.  I was prescribed Difflam spray to anaesthetise the area plus Difflam mouthwash and Oxetocaine and Antacid Oral Suspension to swallow 5 minutes before eating to numb the throat.  I could only manage the Scandishakes that were prescribed and they took me ages.  It seemed like a never ending story of getting things down be it all the pain relief, laxatives, Scandishakes etc etc all in liquid form.

It also helps to take your pain relief 30 minutes before eating so it is at maximum efficacy.  Hope you've been prescribed some laxatives - they're a must with morphine.

Linda x