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Lymphedema in the neck after laryngectomy

Posted by msherfinski @msherfinski, Jul 18, 2020

Hi, msherfinski here. I am 2 1/2 months post complete laryngectomy. I am experiencing severe Lymphedema in my neck and jowls area. Has anybody else had this problem?? I believe the swelling is holding up my progress. Thanks for any input.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 18, 2020

Hello @msherfinski, Have you discussed the swelling in your neck area with your doctor or surgeon? It could be a serious side effect of the laryngectomy surgery. Here's some information from the American Head & Neck Society on Lymphedema and causes: https://www.ahns.info/survivorship_intro/topical_review-lymphedema/

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msherfinski | @msherfinski | Jul 18, 2020

Yes, my surgeon is very aware of my concerns. He scheduled me with a Lymphedema Specialist on Monday. He didn't seem overly concerned. I had this from radiation 2 1/2 years prior.

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 18, 2020
In reply to @msherfinski "Yes, my surgeon is very aware of my concerns. He scheduled me with a Lymphedema Specialist..." + (show)
@msherfinski

Yes, my surgeon is very aware of my concerns. He scheduled me with a Lymphedema Specialist on Monday. He didn't seem overly concerned. I had this from radiation 2 1/2 years prior.

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@msherfinski, I have lymphedema in my legs but had not read about it being in the head and neck. Here's some information I found that includes a self massage video tutorial.

Patient Guide: Head and Neck Lymphedema following Cancer Treatment: https://torontophysiotherapy.ca/head-and-neck-lymphedema-following-cancer-treatment/

Are you able to share an update with us after you meet with the Lymphedema Specialist?

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2 replies
msherfinski | @msherfinski | Jul 18, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "@msherfinski, I have lymphedema in my legs but had not read about it being in the..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@msherfinski, I have lymphedema in my legs but had not read about it being in the head and neck. Here's some information I found that includes a self massage video tutorial.

Patient Guide: Head and Neck Lymphedema following Cancer Treatment: https://torontophysiotherapy.ca/head-and-neck-lymphedema-following-cancer-treatment/

Are you able to share an update with us after you meet with the Lymphedema Specialist?

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for the info. It looks like excercises and massages are my options.

REPLY
msherfinski | @msherfinski | Jul 18, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "@msherfinski, I have lymphedema in my legs but had not read about it being in the..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@msherfinski, I have lymphedema in my legs but had not read about it being in the head and neck. Here's some information I found that includes a self massage video tutorial.

Patient Guide: Head and Neck Lymphedema following Cancer Treatment: https://torontophysiotherapy.ca/head-and-neck-lymphedema-following-cancer-treatment/

Are you able to share an update with us after you meet with the Lymphedema Specialist?

Jump to this post

I will do that John. I see her Monday morning.

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msherfinski | @msherfinski | Jul 20, 2020

Just got back from seeing the Lymphedema Specialist. Like I thought it's going to take excercises, massages and compression to get rid of the swelling in my throat area. When they told me after my laryngectomy that they tested 81 lymph nodes and none of them were cancerous, I didn't know they removed them for testing. This is why I'm so swollen. Oh well, another obstacle to try to overcome!!

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 20, 2020
In reply to @msherfinski "Just got back from seeing the Lymphedema Specialist. Like I thought it's going to take excercises,..." + (show)
@msherfinski

Just got back from seeing the Lymphedema Specialist. Like I thought it's going to take excercises, massages and compression to get rid of the swelling in my throat area. When they told me after my laryngectomy that they tested 81 lymph nodes and none of them were cancerous, I didn't know they removed them for testing. This is why I'm so swollen. Oh well, another obstacle to try to overcome!!

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@msherfinski, Thanks for the follow up. I'm thinking if it were me, I would prefer exercise to drugs anyday. I hope you can let us know how the exercises go for you. Like you said...another obstacle to overcome and you can do it!!

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msherfinski | @msherfinski | Jul 21, 2020

Yes I can!! I got a great Specialist. Dhe seem sdcc very determined to help me with my problem. We bbn hit it off right away!!

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birdsforever | @birdsforever | Jul 21, 2020
In reply to @msherfinski "Yes, my surgeon is very aware of my concerns. He scheduled me with a Lymphedema Specialist..." + (show)
@msherfinski

Yes, my surgeon is very aware of my concerns. He scheduled me with a Lymphedema Specialist on Monday. He didn't seem overly concerned. I had this from radiation 2 1/2 years prior.

Jump to this post

Ugh. So sorry. My husband had severe lymphedema and after seeing many specialist we were referred to Cancer Treatment Centers of America - They had us see a lymphedema specialist in Chicago. He did surgery a new surgery and the results have been wonderful. We saw Dr. Daniel Liu CTCA Chicago - again, wonderful. I would recommend him to anyone.

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1 reply
msherfinski | @msherfinski | Jul 21, 2020
In reply to @birdsforever "Ugh. So sorry. My husband had severe lymphedema and after seeing many specialist we were referred..." + (show)
@birdsforever

Ugh. So sorry. My husband had severe lymphedema and after seeing many specialist we were referred to Cancer Treatment Centers of America - They had us see a lymphedema specialist in Chicago. He did surgery a new surgery and the results have been wonderful. We saw Dr. Daniel Liu CTCA Chicago - again, wonderful. I would recommend him to anyone.

Jump to this post

Was it in the neck?? Thank you for the info!!

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