Bilateral Neck Dissection Anyone?

I met with the head and neck surgeon and he says I need a bilateral neck dissection. This will be my 4th neck surgery. I have a metastic HCC on the left side of my neck which may involve a major blood vessel. I will have another CT scan to determine the location of the tumor relative to the artery. I also had an HCC mass on the right side which was removed in May, but with positive margins. Hence the need for the bilateral surgery. I'd love to hear from someone who has undergone this surgery. I was hoping it would be done soon, but the doctor will be on vacation so the earliest I can have it is July 23rd. After the surgery, I'll have external beam radiation and RAI. I've never had either so again would love to hear of other's experiences.