8 weeks on from surgery

can make.....You look wonderful!!   

p

JF22,

You looked a little under the weather, but now you look great.  I spent an unplanned 12 days in the hospital to start my journey (what a nightmare).  Looking back, the rads are just a part of the whole.

You might want to check the must have list in the Super thread prior to starting your treatment sequence.

Good luck girl, you will do fine.

Matt

The healing of our bodies after major surgery is simply amazing.  I wish I would have thought about pictures before and after....to show others the hope of healing after.  I was cut from ear to ear.  And 21 months out....the incision lines are barely noticable.  My ENT surgeon put in many, many tiny little stitches.  I remember looking at them the first few weeks wondering how the heck he did this.  I do needle point and sew alot.....so of coarse I notice dumb little things like this.  Lol !  Thanks for the positive post !  Katie

jackflash22 said:

stitches

I think I could give my surgeon some sewing lessons, he stapled me together with what looked exactly like paper clips, The ridge was ugly and knarled but after spending everyday while watching TV I massage Bio oil in and before I went to bed I applied Aloe Vera. Something worked as most of my scar has flattened and is normal skin colour just the throat needs to fade down but its a fraction of what it was. When they took the staples out the tool looked just like a paper staple remover, there was a student watching and I said she could take them out if she was allowed she was thrilled to bits and didn't hurt me once. 

I had alot of inside stitches also....and stitches in my mouth as they extracted all my teeth at the same time.  I was very surprised they didn't use the staples....most others have had them.  I kinda looked like a voodoo doll for a few months.  My surgeons technique was precise....and I was very blessed he did such an amazing job.  I remember looking in the mirror in hospital, of coarse I was on a IV drip of morphine at the time......but I just marvled at the tiny stitches....and of coarse giggled at the drain tubes coming out of my neck on both sides.  These dissolved on their own....and I could take showers with them in.  I think the worst for me was the stitches in the gums top and bottom.  I felt like I was constantly pulling thick string out forever as they healed and came loose.  Ick ! 

I'm very impressed with how well you've healed.  All my best to you !  Katie

fishmanpa said:

*Shudder*

Oh Man! That gave me the heebie jeebies! That brings back the memory of seeing myself for the first time after surgery. I freaked out! The tubes, staples etc. I was sure I'd never perform publicly again. But like your after pic, unless I said I had surgery, no one would ever know. 

You look great! it's amazing what our bodies can do. 

"T"

and I am not the one with cancer. Rob had no disection so not sure about the muscle and nerves but I work in a doctors office and it will take a little more time for them to recouperate. Nerves and muscles heal in a longer peiod of time than skin. 

give it more time but know that you look amazing now

Also remember these are scars of battle and your are winning.

I was always bothered by my c-section scar and horrible stretch marks, but hubby says you body went to battle to give us our kids and he doesn't even notice them. I am really lucky in this world to be married to the almost perfect man.

Sandy

jackflash22 said:

Erase

I've been trying to erase these pics as they are so gruesome but try as I might I can't I don't want to put anyone off but it looks worse than it really is. I had very little discomfort can't remember having any pain as I was numb.

My surgery was 9/4/2014.  Radical tonsillectomy and modified radical neck dissection (included submandibal gland...spit gland).  The tube down the nose was by far the most horrific in the hospital although the drain tube was pretty gnarly when they pullled it out.  My point, I have similar picture.  Yes, how amazing our bodies are to heal so quickly!!!! 

I too have nerve deficits.  My ear down to my breastbone is still numb.  My smile is crooked, tongue is crooked and my arm will only go up halfway.  I cannot pull the car door shut when driving and have a hard time doing my hair.  Doctor said we'll know in a year IF it is going to subside.  I can live with it.  I just worry about tasting food.  Still can't taste and am now doing radiation that will kill off taste buds and spit buds (I'm sure there's a technical term...idk).  I don't want to eat.  I force the ensure daily.

People do want to see your picture.  Thank you for sharing, it takes courage. 

You look fabulous!  I hope your smile comes fully back soon and you'll let us know when it does, okay?

Michelle

Hey Jackie,

Those are great photos showing just how quickly and well you recovered from your surgery, which as you wish, will serve to encourage others just going into the process.  Congratulations on your successful surgery and regaining your ability to swallow again, that's awesome!!  So now, you won't be pegged to your PEG for a terribly extended period of time.  The radiation treatment, while not a walk in the park, will hopefully go quickly, just buckle up.  Keep It Mov'in Forward!

PATRICK

jackflash22 said:

Swallow

haven't got my swallow yet but I'm down for surgery to try to open my throat but haven't yet got a date.

Jackie,

I needed to pay closer attention to the dates of the photos, I noticed the September, but missed the 2013, so the swallow comment was a lot belated.  Hopefully your throat will be successfully opened, and the pegged comment will still be apropos.

PATRICK