Connect
← Return to Anyone had neck dissection surgery? What are your tips?
Discussion
Anyone had neck dissection surgery? What are your tips?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Sep 13 5:46am | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
Hi,
I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in two lymph nodes in March and had the radical neck dissection where they removed all 42 lymph nodes, areas 1-5, nothing else, on July 3, 2024.
Still recovering, my right shoulder has been compromised BIG TIME , neck is tight and the swelling is almost gone. I am grateful they got all what they were looking for and that at this moment I have no cancer.
Now I wonder how my body will respond in the long term, living without the 42 nodes ?
Replies to "Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in two lymph nodes in March and had..."
Hi there. I had a modified radical neck dissection years ago. All lymph nodes removed on left side. Just prior to surgery I had an accessory nerve repair, damaged while removing a simple non malignant lump (fat). This is how they discovered my thyroid cancer. I would imagine you will have physio and home exercises. After all this time, if I skip a day with my exercises I’ll be very stiff. Questions to ask: were they able to save your accessory nerve? It the supply for largest upper body muscle, the trapezius and can cause a lot of problems because there is lack of muscle support, lifting, reaching etc.
Best of luck. You are very early and I’m sure you are in good hands. 💕
Connect
Hello @toddrap. That must have been a massive surgery. It sounds like you are healing well. Was your melanoma on your head or neck? Your question sounds like a valid one for your surgeon. Have they suggested any physical therapy for you? I wonder how much the lymphatic drainage will be maintained by the normal side of your neck? My neck dissection involved fewer nodes and the superficial parotid gland and I have only a dry mouth to deal with 12 years later.