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Tonsillectomy & neck lymph node removal at the sometime surgery
I had a .09 cm cancer in left tonsil and had both tonsils removed Also was told to remove 1 infected neck 2.0 cm lymph node in the neck area only could do by modified radical neck dissection. If I wanted more non invasive partial neck dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy surgery he would not be able to do at the sometime. I unfortunately went with the modified radical neck dissection which he said was the only way to complete as one surgery. Successfully removed both tonsils and 55 neck lymph nodes with only one being infected and 54 healthy. All clear margins which I am grateful for. I am now compromised moving forward if I need radiation which I am holding off on. Also told me I would have no lymphoma which I currently do not have 5 weeks post surgery. I also have a distinct nasal voice as soft palate has not properly sealed as of yet. A simple surgery and this is the result. I really need my nasal voice to become normal again as I am an outgoing energetic 70 year old with a zest for life that I am affected by. I am beside myself with difficult time getting any sleep or peace as I am constantly on myself for to not having 2 separate surgeries with in all likelihood great results. Anyone with similar experience? Thank you. Fred
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Hello @tomczyfe and welcome to our head and neck group. I read your post and I am astounded by your surgical experience. I am not a doctor, just a patient who has looked at many cases of cancer in the tonsil (of which I had) and a lymph node. In medical school in the study of the lymphatic system, they usually make it quite clear that lymph nodes (of which the tonsils are also) are filters for gathering up the bad stuff in our systems. So by all means, rip out all your filters and they won't get clogged with cancer? Again, this is just my opinion and basic common sense.
Anyway, here you are now with a chopped-up neck by a doctor that somehow forgot there is a human being on his table. What is done is done. Certainly do not blame yourself. You were not advised well. Cancer is a red flag that makes us lose our minds a bit. Hard to make rational decisions with cancer on the line. Let's move forward and make the best of where you are.
Radiation is not a fun trip either, but we know that it is pretty good at destroying any remaining cancers. There are also now medications such as Keytruda which shows great success although we don't know the long-term results. I myself had the surgery and radiation route over twenty years ago. I am your age now with a good life. Let's see who else in this group has more experience with radical neck dissection and getting the filters yanked. In the meantime welcome. Personally I would rather welcome you to a golf course or social event. But here we are. Courage.