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Replies to "Hello @michael3319 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see that this is your second post..."
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Jan 3, 2022 | Replies (10)
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Hello @michael3319 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see that this is your second post since joining Connect and I appreciate you sharing your experience about the lumps on your neck. Congratulations on being so proactive in getting to the root of the problem.
It is important to advocate for ourselves and as you said, "get a 2nd or 3rd opinion." This is really important.
As it has been several years since your surgery and radiation, how are you feeling now? How often do you have follow up exams?
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Thanks for asking! Ironically, my surgery was performed 5 years ago on the 4th of Jan, 2017. My followup exams had been every 6months for the first 2 years. At which time they want ed change it to every year. My response was NO and that I will have them every 6 months for as long as I want them. I continually remind that it is me life not theirs and my health is my responsibility so they will do it.t
As far as my 5 year journey, it has certainly had its peaks and valleys. First, 3 years had been the worst but the last 2
have been uneventful, which is a good thing :)! Side effect of radiation in jaw and neck resulted in the lost of 9 of my lower left side of mouth, teeth. I was just fitted for a new partial of removed teeth and it is finally allowed me fully chew my food. I lost 66 lbs but regained 10 so currently at 160. I have gone thru all the effects that high dose radiation can do to the mouth, throat and saliva issues. I have learned to adapt and overcome BUT realize it will never be that same as it was pre-cancer and it is what it is.