modified radical neck dissection

Mi2bys

Hi there. Has anyone recently gone through this? My surgery is June 6th. This after total thyroid removal last year and total hysterectomy 1 1/2 years ago. Both due to cancer. This is on my left side with a radiation iodine pill to follow about a month after. I've done a lot of research but this is my first time joining a network. Thinking I would feel so much better getting info straight from the horses mouth (if you will). Thank you, so much and God Bless!

Alpinelife

Modified Radical Neck Dissection

I have had two modified radical neck dissections. Although my experience with it was not very difficult to endure, your experience could differ. Post surgery was not very painful and I was sent home after an overnight hospital stay. A few days later I had a surgical drain removed, again was not difficult. The only “after effect” has been numbness round my ear (on my right side, left side is fine). You can have fluid retention in your neck as a result, but this can be managed with neck massage techniques. 

I hope your experience is not difficult and best of luck. Just remember its better than the possible alternative. 

big G

Alpinelife said:

Modified Radical Neck Dissection

I have had two modified radical neck dissections. Although my experience with it was not very difficult to endure, your experience could differ. Post surgery was not very painful and I was sent home after an overnight hospital stay. A few days later I had a surgical drain removed, again was not difficult. The only “after effect” has been numbness round my ear (on my right side, left side is fine). You can have fluid retention in your neck as a result, but this can be managed with neck massage techniques. 

I hope your experience is not difficult and best of luck. Just remember its better than the possible alternative. 

Neck dissection

I to had the neck dissection with multiple nodes removed on both sides. Mine is pretty much the same as alpinelife. I went home the next day with the neck drains removed 3 days later. One side I have a little ear numbness and the other side is fine. I have some fluid retention which I do the neck massages to help. You can have a specialist do these some insurances pay for these some don't.I decide to youtube them and do them my self. Good luck with yours you can do this.

BOB438

Modified Radical Neck Dissection

Had a right side neck dissection June 2018.  23 nodes removed, one positive for cancer.  Had a left side neck dissection August 2018 after a Pet Scan showed a hot spot.  52 nodes removed, one positive for cancer.  Radiation and chemo recommended but I declined due to the side effects.  Had a Pet Scan December 2018, all clear.  My next Pet Scan is June 10th.  The dissections are not bad at all.  Neck drains a bit uncomfortable but no big deal.  I received 10 sessions of PT for neck massages called MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) to stimulate the change of your lymph nodes drainage ports due to the surgery.  Not a big deal but you have to do them.  PT assigned me daily massages and they are working.  Still have numbness along the scar, some facial numbness but I'll take this over jaw bone deterioration due to radiation.  I'll post the results of my June Pet Scan when they are in.  Hoping I made the right decision.  Good Luck! 

Mi2bys

Thank you

so much--Alpinelife, big G and BOB438! This is definitely doable! I am so grateful for your responses. This, I know, is the least of my worries but how are your scars?? Jaw to collarbone?

Alpinelife

Mi2bys said:

Thank you

so much--Alpinelife, big G and BOB438! This is definitely doable! I am so grateful for your responses. This, I know, is the least of my worries but how are your scars?? Jaw to collarbone?

Scars

My scars are not to bad, but are noticeable. They have been fading over time though. Don’t get stressed about it, there are always ways to work around it.

SuzJ

scar

isnt noticable..

Get a Jobst Lymphadema garment its a wonderful thing (except when its hot, and Im hot and the famn thing is stangling me!) BUT it did do more than massage, it gave me a pretty neck (theres that vanity again)

big G

SuzJ said:

scar

isnt noticable..

Get a Jobst Lymphadema garment its a wonderful thing (except when its hot, and Im hot and the famn thing is stangling me!) BUT it did do more than massage, it gave me a pretty neck (theres that vanity again)

scars

Scars also get better over time. Use Aquaphor or Miaderm cream regularly they will help them fade. Aquaphor is a litttle greasy but is less expensive then the Miaderm cream. 

SuzJ

Plus..

Most important - make sure you wear sun block, your skin wont go red, but it will get a dirty ashy look, that you'll have to clean off - thats not the surgery, the radiation

Mi2bys

Thank you

to everyone! I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Praying everything goes as smooth as all of yours ~ I had horrible complications after my hysterectomy. BOB438--anxious to hear your PET scan results. Prayers all around!