modified radical neck dissection

johnsonbl said:

It's not too bad...

Had it done on my left side.  In hospital for 2 days.  Took about 2 weeks to heal up.  They should warn you of potential damage to nerves in your neck that may lead to shoulder weakness.  It's pretty common and can be mostly remedied with physical therapy.  You'll suffer from lymphadema and stiffness in your neck...again can be remedied with physical activity and therapy.  I'm 2 years out...still have a stiff neck, still have some ache in my shoulder but it doesn't slow me down too much.

 

You'll survive, that's the important thing.

 

Brandon

so much!. The vain part of me wants to know how your scar is? Mine will also be on the left. When were you able to get back to your normal activity and working out? 

Lora

johnsonbl said:

My ENT did a great job...

My scar isn't very noticeable at all...  I'm not as good as I should be about sunscreen so it get's a bit more noticeable as my neck tans.  Most people don't notice it.  I've never had the people cutting my hair mention it...which is a pretty good indicator in my opinion.

Yes, I do everything I did before...golf, fish, work in the yard, coach baseball...all that jazz.  I think I mentioned shoulder weakness and stiffness.  I have these but they are more a nuisance than anything.  Staying active is the most important part with all of this.  The more active the better.  If you baby things then they get stiff and cause more trouble.  It was probably 2 weeks or so before I felt comfortable doing too much that involved a lot of neck movement.  But after that you just gotta go for it.

I have a great one too! He removed my thyroid a year ago. I feel so confident after your replies. Now onward soldier...

Thank you again!!

tommyodavey said:

The Scar

I had a radical right neck dissection back in 2012.  At first the scar was like Frankenstein.  But then I noticed the surgeon cut me along my normal neck fold line and today no one can tell it's a scar.  My guess is they'll do the same for you.  Give it a few years or less and you'll never notice it.

 

going in Thursday, Can anyone tell me how they deal with their panic? Mine stems from clausterphopia and the neck drain -which my surgeon says will be in 3-4 days. This is my 4th surgery in 1 1/2 years so I am not a rookie. When I was 10 I soaked my cast (from foot to knee) under water and took it off because of the clausterphobia~ and they want me to have a drain in my NECK?? Common sense out the door- this is freaking me out!!  Any experiences out there? GOD BLESS you all!