Neck dessection

Hi Chris, I didn't have chemo or radio but had a neck dissection/partial mandibulectomy. I'm sure there are people on here who have had one after treatment so hopefully they will be along shortly. Any specific questions, please ask. 

• Wondered if was normal to still feel some pain in neck 7 months after neck dissection. My husband thinks something’s coming back so go for a scan next week.

ChrisB24 said:

Wondered if was normal to still feel some pain in neck 7 months after neck dissection. My husband thinks something’s coming back so go for a scan next week.

It’s good to get on top of these things because sometimes something is going on. I hope there isn’t but best looked at. 

Hi Chris.Over time I have had 2 neck dissections as well as ops and radiotherapy. for jaw cancer. My neck definitely feels different where I had the dissections, a bit tight and altered sensation but I did not have any pain. I hope that the scan can clarify things for your husband and hopefully it is something that is easily explained.

Lyn

Is it normal - yes I think most of us having had dissections have a troubled neck.  In most cases we get used to it as part of the "new me".  That said do get it checked out by his clinical team.  I had an unusual journey but I thought it was just my dissection scar playing up and in fact it was a tumour.  For the average H&N survivor this is unusual so please don't worry, but do get it checked. 

Hi Chris, I remember being in a lot of pain at the beginning and someone telling me it would be much better in 6 months and it was. However, I did still have some pains every now and then and worried that it might come back but the 9 month MRI was all clear. It does take a while to recover from this brutal surgery. Good luck with the scan. 

Hi there, can I ask how they treated the lymphoedema along your scar line? I’m having the same issue. I also have extreme tightness and pain in my neck and wonder how long before things ease off. I’m 6 weeks post neck dissection surgery.

I had a neck dissection in September 24 and RT which ended at the end of December. I have a stiffness/tightness in the area of the neck dissection which I am slowly getting used to. As Peter has said, it’s like a new me feeling that I’m coming to accept. 

I highlighted an issue to my CNS a few weeks ago after I felt a swelling below the dissection. She quickly arranged a face to face with my consultant and it was fully checked confirmed it was muscle movement/rebuilding after the surgery. Always best to have these things checked out. 

Hello Raewyn, I didn't have any specific treatment for my lymphoedema along the scary line except for messaging it myself everyday with vitamin e cream. It has gone down a lot from 18 months ago but takes along time. I don't notice it much now but gentle massage will help. Look on YouTube for lymphoedema massage, there are a few good ones on how to do it properly. I have also had a couple of private lymphoedema massages which may have helped but they are expensive. In the end I'm proud of my battle scar and I no longer feel I need to hide it.  Best of luck. X

Thanks so much for your reply.  Sorry for the delay in responding .. had a vicious couple of days with a lot of pain and swelling in my neck. It coincided with a visit to see my oncologist and on the spot she organised an ultrasound and blood test as at this point in my recovery I shouldn’t be getting this much pain.

Anyway the ultrasound showed swelling…with the tissues under the skin and a neck muscle being puffy and holding extra fluid, but no other issues like lymphoedema. The blood test showed no infection. So, plan is to up my morphine intake to four hourly with paracetamol and ibuprofen (and a strong laxative!). Had a much better night’s sleep so feeling a somewhat better today and the sun is shining! Pain is so debilitating.

I have to be patient - not my strong point :-).

I’m planning a return visit to Oz in October, so hopefully I’ll be well on my way to recovery by then!