Diagnosed with lymph node cancer

Hi Jellyshoes 

So sorry to see you here.

Hopefully the surgery will sort the cancer  out. Is this a recurrence of the tongue cancer or something else? And what sort of dissection are you having? 

It’s ok to be scared but are a few folk on here who have had similar surgery so I’m sure they will pop on with some words of advice. 
Best wishes. 

Hi sorry you are back  on the cancer merry go round. I had chemo and radiotherapy bu5 am sure a few who have had neck dissection will pop on with tips. Is this s new cancer or a reoccurrence from your tongue cancer ?

Hazel 

Hi thank you for reply, my surgeon has said first cancer tongue is not secondary to my tongue cancer.

i am having a total neck dissection and may have both sides done depending on results of head and neck scans which will show obviously if I have it anywhere else.

I have to be honest I did suspect the lump under chin was cancer but everyone else told me to be positive. I am a bit numb and suppose cannot take it all in.

Hi, thank you for your reply and journey through the cancer train. I will take a look at your blog, and I’m so glad your 5 years post treatment. 

Thanks Jellyshoes 

That sounds like a pretty demanding surgery. I would suggest that you find out exactly what your surgeon proposes so you know what to expect post op. Sometimes an important nerve supplying the shoulder is damaged ( the Accessory) 

Sorry I have more questions. 
You must be terribly disappointed but surgeons and oncologists can work wonders these days. 
Hazel RadioactiveRaz  and I have a friend who was treated for throat cancer squamous cell carcinoma then developed a lymphoma but she is well now and living g a good life. 

Hi Jellyshoes

So sorry that you have to go through another op that is so disappointing for you. I have had a neck dissection on both sides of my neck at different times as I had 2 further occurrences of cancer after my first op. Not the same cancer as yours. (jaw cancer) I recovered quickly from the neck dissections although I have some altered sensation in my neck and for a short time after the ops could not raise my arm very high. This quickly righted itself. I think it depends on the extent of the neck dissection as to how much it can affect arm movement. I was given exercises to do from the physio in the hospital.

I am doing fine now and have recovered well from the latest op and back to doing most of the things I did before.

Don't be scared you are in good hands with your medical team and early diagnosis makes a big difference. I am still going strong and luckily had an early diagnosis too.

Sending you hugs

Lyn

Hi sophie66,

Thank you for your kind words, I have been told by by lovely Macmillan nurse that my shoulder might be stiff so physio will be given.

catching early is positive and reading your account of similar diagnosis makes it easier.

Haven’t been on here for while, as been waiting for notice of operation plus numerous hospital appointments. Had pre-op four weeks ago and am getting depressed waiting for surgery. I now know I’m having radical neck dissection both sides, plus radiotherapy after. 
I guess the waiting is the hard part and then going through radiotherapy.

Reading how everyone copes with their diagnosis helps and gives me an insight in what to expect in the future. Still scared though! 

Hi jellyshoes 

yes waiting is awful but at least you have a plan going forward. Keep busy. Get some fresh air. Be kind to yourself. If you’re not sleeping it might be worth visiting GP to prescribe you something. 
Keep us updated. 

Hi Yes the waiting’s the worst part. Hopefully now you’ve a plan things will soon be set in motion. Radiotherapy is hard but it’s doable I was 61 when diagnosed had 35 sessions no surgery. 
hugs Hazel x