Chin numbness after total thyroidectomy & neck dissection: Help

Not sure if you want to hear this, but it is what I've learned from Mayo after having a tumor removed from my carotid artery bifurcation, then 9 mos later, a biopsy of 1 of my several thyroid nodules. The numbness and tingling has never lessened since my tumor resection last July 2025, and I have been told by Mayo that the longer it goes, the less likely it will improve. I also am experiencing dysphagia, and have been since then. Feels like a wad of gauze stuck in my throat. 2 weeks ago I had a thyroid biopsy, same side, and the numbness is more pronounced. The GOOD NEWS is, my facial muscles work just fine, and Mayo was very diligent w a pre-surgical embolization and installation of a coil to divert blood supply from the tumor. I can live w the numbness, and I may have to. I've accepted it; happy to not have muscles drooping, etc.

My parotidectomy was done in 2014 or 15. I don't remember exactly. In addition to exercising facial muscles, I did some gentle massage on the scar. I was numb from my ear to my chin. It took several years before it stopped feeling numb all the time.

@kathleenmkastrup, I added your question to the Thyroid Cancer support group as well as Cancer: Managing Symptoms.

I hope you saw the helpful posts from @denzie and @gangcarotid1. Kathleen, have you tried massage?