@shane1954 I could written your post! Had identical surgery 6 months ago. 2 weeks hospital with without tracech and feeding tube. I had no idea the trouble I was in for. Eating had been a nightmare, lost 40 pounds. Eating better now, but still troublesome. They damaged my spinal accessory nerve and have been im extreme pain that came about 2 weeks after. Have been on pain meds and shoulder is drooped and deformed looking. Doing pt so there’s hope. Swallow therapy too.
They removed part of lower palette too, mouth feels rearranged.
The hair thing too. Good to hear it can come back. Didn’t have chemo or radiation. I think it would have killed me.
Just had 6 month mri and cancer free.
Wondered how old you are. I am 78.
Saw surgeon last week and pretty much said another 6 months for nerve and swallowing recovery. Lucked out not getting chemo/radiation. I have a lisp but can talk also.
It has been a nightmare recovery, didn’t want to tell that person who was asking about it.
Thank you for posting, was reassuring to read someone who had same surgery. the pain in clavical/ surgery made everything so hard.
Glad you’re doing well. Read about triming the flap, but. There will be no surgery again, won’t do it.
Thanks for posting and sharing.
All the best to you and hope all good things for you.
Cindy