Newbie

Stay positive.

Hi Eliza. Sorry to see you here with us. There are quite a few a few of us here who have had a neck dissection so hopefully somebody will pop in to reply. 
Regarding your jaw surgery, one of our community champions chris2012 had a similar operation on his jaw. He’s often around in the evenings so should lend a hand. 
Fingers crossed everything g goes well and that you won’t need any further treatment 

Hi Eliza,

I had a neck dissection as part of my surgery to remove some lymph nodes. I found my shoulder had dropped as the muscle and nerve were moved so it went "on strike" as the surgeons put it. I'm now 8 weeks post surgery and have found my shoulder has just started to raise back up to normal. I thought I'd share this so you can be prepared for something similar maybe.

I've found keeping positive about everything is helping get me through. Take the wins where/when you can and focus on the positives that will come your way

You've got this!

Hi Eliza. I am sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. You have such a great attitude taking it one day at a time as that will really help you with your journey. I have had 3 ops at different times for jaw cancer but have not had a reconstruction. I have had my upper jaw removed but was not a good candidate for a bone transplant as I was told for me there was a high chance of failure. Consequently have had implants put in my cheekbones with a titanium bracket attached to them that my upper dentures attach to. I am very happy with the result. I found that I recovered from the neck dissection quite quickly and was only in hospital for 2 days for this. I could not raise my arm very high for a few weeks but that recovered well and I have no problems now. I had my last op in 2022 and am now living a great life albeit with one or 2 changes.

Best wishes for your upcoming op.  

Lyn

Hi Eliza Rose

I had right lower jaw reconstructed from fibula bone in my left leg, at time of surgery I had six teeth removed and neck dissection. Well done you for staying calm, taking one day at a time after surgery is also good.  Have complete confidence in your surgical team and their skills in taking us apart and putting us back together!  Three years since I had surgery and have always had wonderful support from ‘the team’.  Get as fit as you can leading up to your surgery it really helps recovery.  If I can answer any questions from my experience, ask away.  All my very best wishes to you.

June