Hello, I had a left neck dissection in 2022 before I had TORS surgery to remove the primary tumor in my left tonsil. Due to lymph node involvement in 2 nodes,I had 32 nodes removed. Today I still have lymphedema but consider it mild and treat it with self massage and a compression garment. The surgery did damage my accessory nerve but through physical therapy I have regained 90% of my pre surgery function. Im concerned with the long term effects of the accompanying radiation treatment such as fibrosis, carotid stenosis and dental issues but taking it day by day. Im
grateful to be alive and choose to dwell on the positive aspects of life and do my best to live as normally as possible. I do have first bite syndrome that occasionally happens but not an everyday occurrence. When I get down or start feeling sorry for myself because I’m not the same as before cancer I remind myself I’m alive when others with the same cancer are not and I need to embrace life. I hope this helps.