1. < Thyroid Cancer

Modified radical neck dissection: What's your experience?

Posted by grandmother2 @grandmother2, Aug 12, 2023

Can someone share with me their experience with modified radical neck dissection? Schedule for surgery Sept. 20th!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Thyroid Cancer Support Group.

marywinona | @marywinona | Sep 6, 2023
In reply to @grandmother2 "I had a total Thyroidectomy done back in September 2005 due to cancer. I had one..." + (show)
@grandmother2

I had a total Thyroidectomy done back in September 2005 due to cancer. I had one RAI treatment. I've been on synthroid ever since. I go to my endocrinologist faithfully. Recently I found a lump on the right side of my neck. I went to my new endocrinologist who told me not to worry about it and that it will go away in a few weeks. The very next day I had an appointment with my primary care doctor for a different issue. When I mentioned the lump on my neck they sent me for a scan immediately. It was then recommended that I see a surgeon and get the lump biopsied. The biopsy came back - METASTATIC PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA. POSITIVE FOR MALIGNANT CELLS. Obviously, not what i wanted to hear. Then met with surgeon who said the cancer was in the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. At this time, the rest of the neck appeared fine. So, I'm scheduled for a modified neck dissection on the right to remove the malignant lymph nodes. I'm curious to know what others who have gone through this prepared for the surgery, how they did after the surgery, and what can I do to hopefully make the entire experience less traumatic.

Jump to this post

I’ve had three modified radical neck dissections.
The first surgery was done with a second surgeon directly after my TT. Recovering was a challenge. I had a few weeks of draining and had to sleep sitting-up. It took a long time for inflammation to come down and it took and about a year to recover nerve damage. Also, I did physical therapy for shoulder pain. The next two neck dissections were relatively easy compared to the first with much shorter recovery times.
Hugs for a good outcome!

REPLY
maryny23 | @maryny23 | Sep 7, 2023
In reply to @planetsunrise "I can’t say that there is anything to prepare yourself except try to be calm.. haha....." + (show)
@planetsunrise

I can’t say that there is anything to prepare yourself except try to be calm.. haha.. not very easy. Know that you are in good hands. I slept in a recliner for several weeks, comfort was not my friend. The only other thing I would mention are the chest drains. When they come to remove them ask for something for pain awhile prior. Mine had been in for 5 days so they hurt like hell coming out. I was not prepared!😢
Best to you!💕 Without going back to your post I can’t remember when you go in.

Jump to this post

Great advice about pain killer before removal of drain. Mine was only in for a little over a day and the removal was very painful. The dr told me it wouldn’t hurt (he was an intern-maybe thought it would be better not to know?), so I was completely unprepared.

REPLY
1 reply
planetsunrise | @planetsunrise | Sep 7, 2023
In reply to @maryny23 "Great advice about pain killer before removal of drain. Mine was only in for a little..." + (show)
@maryny23

Great advice about pain killer before removal of drain. Mine was only in for a little over a day and the removal was very painful. The dr told me it wouldn’t hurt (he was an intern-maybe thought it would be better not to know?), so I was completely unprepared.

Jump to this post

Yes! The Dr has no idea how painful! When mine were removed I almost passed out, it was horrible! The nurse warned me but Dr just barrelled thru. 😢

REPLY
planetsunrise | @planetsunrise | Sep 7, 2023

Hi there. I know you said your surgery is scheduled for Sept 20. Hugs and a big bunch of positive vibes coming your way. 💕

REPLY
grandmother2 | @grandmother2 | Sep 8, 2023

Thank you sooo much. I had a PET scan yesterday just to see if cancer spread elsewhere. I cant decipher the results. Waiting for doctor to call me. Fingers crossed cancer hasn't spread elsewhere.

REPLY
1 reply
planetsunrise | @planetsunrise | Sep 11, 2023
In reply to @grandmother2 "Thank you sooo much. I had a PET scan yesterday just to see if cancer spread..." + (show)
@grandmother2

Thank you sooo much. I had a PET scan yesterday just to see if cancer spread elsewhere. I cant decipher the results. Waiting for doctor to call me. Fingers crossed cancer hasn't spread elsewhere.

Jump to this post

Oh gosh! Me too! PET is amazing. I had one of the first.
Big hug and I pray for good news for you. I know how daunting the waiting game is.

REPLY
planetsunrise | @planetsunrise | Sep 13, 2023
In reply to @grandmother2 "Thank you. Surgery is scheduled for Sept 20th. Not looking forward to this as I know..." + (show)
@grandmother2

Thank you. Surgery is scheduled for Sept 20th. Not looking forward to this as I know you probably felt the same way. I will continue to ask questions of group as they come up. Thank you again.

Jump to this post

Your surgery date is coming close. Good vibes and hugs! You will be ok and if you can relax somewhat, all the better for you. 💕
You are in my thoughts. I know it is not easy.

REPLY
lilyann | @lilyann | Sep 20, 2023
In reply to @grandmother2 "Thank you. Surgery is scheduled for Sept 20th. Not looking forward to this as I know..." + (show)
@grandmother2

Thank you. Surgery is scheduled for Sept 20th. Not looking forward to this as I know you probably felt the same way. I will continue to ask questions of group as they come up. Thank you again.

Jump to this post

lilyann here, thinking about you grandmother2, prayers for you on your surgery day. god bless.

REPLY
planetsunrise | @planetsunrise | Sep 24, 2023

Hi grandmother2,
I hope your surgery went well and you are feeling better each day. ❤️

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.