Neck dissection complete

jeepman
jeepman Member Posts: 109
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello everyone,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been bust getting back to my new normal. My neck dissection is complete now and the pathology came back negative: no surviving cancer, thanks to the team of Doctors at University of North Carolina's Cancer Hospital and of course, GOD.

As of now I am cancer free and have been getting back to work and starting to exercise again. I was able to run for the first time in about six months just the other day. I think I was able to do about 2.5 miles. I certainly didn't set any new records for speed but wow, did it feel good to run again. I am getting back to my life again and starting to do cross-fit. That is a work out!

Thanks so very much to so many of you who acted as multiple sources of inspiration and encouragement for me before, during, and after treatment. Life is good and God is great.

Mike

Comments

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
    Good for you
    I've had to rehabilitate myself a few times throughout my years of treatment. It takes a little longer than it used to, but I'm patient. I'm looking forward to running again myself when the situation allows. Carry on and best to you.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    WTG...
    Way to go...it'll only get better from here.

    Best,
    John
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #4
    Mike
    That is really great to read. So glad that you are doing so well.
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #5
    sweetblood22 said:

    Mike
    That is really great to read. So glad that you are doing so well.

    Keep it up
    Mike I got up to 6 miles this year before my knee gave out. Try to incoporate a little restoritive yoga in there to deal with the neck disection mobility.
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #6
    happy dance
    Mike,

    Thanking God for your speedy recovery and doing my happy dance.

    Blessings
    Debbie
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #7
    Hi Mike

    Great news, just so glad to hear everything went well and you are back to your new normal you so soon.

    God bless and keep you my friend
    ╠╣ONDO
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,034 Member
    #8
    Outstanding
    Beep Beep,

    Great news, Tooting the horn as I pass you bye while you are running. I hate running, my brother loves it. Good on you as you trot down the path to getting back to normal.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here
  • Goalie
    Goalie Member Posts: 184
    #9
    MarineE5 said:

    Outstanding
    Beep Beep,

    Great news, Tooting the horn as I pass you bye while you are running. I hate running, my brother loves it. Good on you as you trot down the path to getting back to normal.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #10
    Goalie said:

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug

    Me too....
    and thirteen years later, I still have to make allowances for that. Of course, I lost the sternomastoid muscle on that side, which makes picking the neck up against gravity in exactly the direction that muscle used to pull impossible, or nearly so. So yup, working under the car I have to make allowances for. I quit doing situps and started using a crunch machine that allowed me to work from a sitting position, long ago. Still haven't grown that muscle back:)
  • Patti678
    Patti678 Member Posts: 55
    #11
    Congrats! I'm sure you are
    Congrats! I'm sure you are happy to run again. I had a neck dissection In September so I understand your pain.
  • Husker Fan
    Husker Fan Member Posts: 65
    #12
    Goalie said:

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug

    Excercise and Sit-ups
    Doug,

    You made me sit down my computer and try sit-ups. HAHAHA.

    I haven't been exercising since all of this has been going on as I have had some fatigue and didn't want to add to it. I have been out walking a mile or so every few days, but nothing more. I have been getting a little fidgety to ride my bicycle (I ride over 2,000 miles a year), but weather has turned (suppose to snow tonight).

    Anyway, I just did a few sit-ups and my wife thinks I have just lost it! I did feel a little pull in my shoulder and neck, but it is encouraging. TORS (throat surgery August 10th, neck dissection August 29th and last radiation treatment… TODAY!

    David
  • Husker Fan
    Husker Fan Member Posts: 65
    #13
    Goalie said:

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug

    Excercise and Sit-ups
    Doug,

    You made me sit down my computer and try sit-ups. HAHAHA.

    I haven't been exercising since all of this has been going on as I have had some fatigue and didn't want to add to it. I have been out walking a mile or so every few days, but nothing more. I have been getting a little fidgety to ride my bicycle (I ride over 2,000 miles a year), but weather has turned (suppose to snow tonight).

    Anyway, I just did a few sit-ups and my wife thinks I have just lost it! I did feel a little pull in my shoulder and neck, but it is encouraging. TORS (throat surgery0 August 10th, neck dissection August 29th and last radiation treatment… TODAY!

    David
  • Husker Fan
    Husker Fan Member Posts: 65
    #14
    Goalie said:

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug

    Excercise and Sit-ups
    Doug,

    You made me sit down my computer and try sit-ups. HAHAHA.

    I haven't been exercising since all of this has been going on as I have had some fatigue and didn't want to add to it. I have been out walking a mile or so every few days, but nothing more. I have been getting a little fidgety to ride my bicycle (I ride over 2,000 miles a year), but weather has turned (suppose to snow tonight).

    Anyway, I just did a few sit-ups and my wife thinks I have just lost it! I did feel a little pull in my shoulder and neck, but it is encouraging. TORS (throat surgery August 10th, neck dissection August 29th and last radiation treatment… TODAY!

    David
  • Husker Fan
    Husker Fan Member Posts: 65
    #15
    Goalie said:

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug

    Excercise and Sit-ups
    .
  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    #16
    Patti678 said:

    Congrats! I'm sure you are
    Congrats! I'm sure you are happy to run again. I had a neck dissection In September so I understand your pain.

    Great News
    That is great news. How great it is to finally get back to doing those things that we love to do and what a blessing that we can!
  • jeepman
    jeepman Member Posts: 109
    #17
    Goalie said:

    Sit up
    Hey Jeep, I am now more than six months post neck dissection and I can report that about the only lingering problems I have, I have never seen on here.

    I hesitated to bring them up because most folks had a lot more happen and are suffering more. I had a fairly low-level dissection in which he went in and took 26 lymph nodes, - all clean or dead - basically everything on the right side but - very importantly - only pushed around the nerves and muscles and cut nothing else. Because of this, within a couple of weeks, after the tubes came out followed by the stitches, I was able to do most things. It took about six months for all the numbness from ear to jaw to go away but it was never anything more than a curiosity, like an hour after the dentist. By about the same time I had about 90% of mobility in all directions which is pretty important for a hockey goalie, I'll tell you.

    But what is the lingering problem? It still hurts too much to do sit-ups. OK, in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor compared to others and that was why I never mentioned it. For you manly types, it also hurts when lying under the car fixing a tailpipe or any time I have to hold the head up that way. Since it doesn't hurt to use the abs machine in the gym where you sort of bend over, I know that it is just the neck and I am sure it is from the dissection.

    I would be very interested in hearing from you about this over time but again, if that and the lymphedema are the worst complaints, I'll take it. Best of luck, Doug

    Progress report
    Doug,

    Just wanted to give you a progress report as I near my second post treatment scan. I had 12 lymphnodes removed, all "no evidence of disease". I was very happy to hear that. My surgeon was Dr. Weissler at UNCCH and I simply can't say enough good about him and his team. He tried to limit his cutting and move things around once he got inside. I am now six weeks post neck dissection and not really feeling much in the jaw/ear/neck. I had to relearn how to eat as my mouth doesn't clear the teeth anymore, there are the crazy zaps associated with the nerves growing, etc.

    I still have limited articulation in my neck, but it is getting better. I find that the less I "baby" it, the better it gets. I can second the "laying under a car" comment. I have been restoring an old Jeep for several years and it does hurt. But like I said, I try to push myself evertime I do something.

    There are a few other side effects but nothing to write home about. All in all, I can't complain and am very glad to be done with treatment and on the road to recovery. I will keep you posted on things as they progress.

    Mike

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