I eventually made the decision to have the second surgery - level 2-5 neck dissection to remove 30 lymph nodes. Even though none of the nodes came up positive, I'm still glad I had the surgery as a preventative measure. I realise that its going to be a long recovery.
I won't sugar coat my situation. I am in extreme and constant pain 2 weeks after surgery and still not able to work. the offers of help have kind of died down apart from family involvement and there are days when the pain gets so bad, and i'm on max pain medication that i just put myself to bed and cry myself to sleep.
I have limited movement in my neck and shoulders, so I can't drive or lift or sleep properly. I went for my first physio session yesterday and while it helped somewhat, the after effects were agonising. I'm going again on Friday as I believe in the long term it will help.
I'm hoping I never have to go through this again. For now I'm cancer free. I have been able to avoid chemo and radio but have the horrible scars to prove it.
Wishing you all good health and happiness on your recovery journeys.
