MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
advice recovery time WLE neck dissection
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

advice recovery time WLE neck dissection

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › advice recovery time WLE neck dissection

  • Post
    • November 12, 2016 at 2:10 am
    lmccann2016
    Participant
      Had wle and neck disection to left side of neck removal of all nodes that side. I am getting really concerned it’s been 5 days swelling hasn’t reduced and when u touched the swollen area it is hard. Has anyone had this recently and help me not worry. No fever. Just extremes tightness and swelling
    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • November 12, 2016 at 4:06 am
        miaka618
        Participant

          The swelling takes a while to come down. My neck dissection was back in May, and if I remember correctly, it was almost a month before it looked almost normal again. Also be aware that some of the dissolvable stitches might start working their way out and cause zit like cysts to pop up on your scars. You'll get nerve pain for quite some time, and the numbness will get better over time, but your nerves will do weird things. I touch under my neck and I can feel it on my ear sometimes. The tightness takes many months to ease, but keep moisturizing it and it will definitely soften up. 

          I hope this helps! 

          April 

          • November 12, 2016 at 4:06 am
          miaka618
          Participant

            The swelling takes a while to come down. My neck dissection was back in May, and if I remember correctly, it was almost a month before it looked almost normal again. Also be aware that some of the dissolvable stitches might start working their way out and cause zit like cysts to pop up on your scars. You'll get nerve pain for quite some time, and the numbness will get better over time, but your nerves will do weird things. I touch under my neck and I can feel it on my ear sometimes. The tightness takes many months to ease, but keep moisturizing it and it will definitely soften up. 

            I hope this helps! 

            April 

            • November 12, 2016 at 4:06 am
            miaka618
            Participant

              The swelling takes a while to come down. My neck dissection was back in May, and if I remember correctly, it was almost a month before it looked almost normal again. Also be aware that some of the dissolvable stitches might start working their way out and cause zit like cysts to pop up on your scars. You'll get nerve pain for quite some time, and the numbness will get better over time, but your nerves will do weird things. I touch under my neck and I can feel it on my ear sometimes. The tightness takes many months to ease, but keep moisturizing it and it will definitely soften up. 

              I hope this helps! 

              April 

              • November 12, 2016 at 5:32 am
              Mamapegela
              Participant

                Although the skin will start to heal quickly it takes much longer for the tissue underneath to heal, and there will be a "healing ridge" under the incision which can be firm for quite a long time.  I assume that you will be going to PT (very important for your shoulder and your neck)-after it isn't quite so painful they should help you learn how to knead and stretch the skin and tissue on your neck to help soften and break up the scar tissue.

                5 days isn't long at all- I was still very swollen at that time.  You should probably be having your post-op visit soon?  When you see your surgeon they can assess the situation too.  Also never hesitate to call the surgeon or the nurse when you have questions- that's what they're there for.  But I wouldn't be too worried about the swelling.

                Wishing the best for you and that your recovery goes great-

                Peggy

                 

                  • November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm
                  lmccann2016
                  Participant
                    Thanks Peggy today is a better day xo
                    • November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm
                    lmccann2016
                    Participant
                      Thanks Peggy today is a better day xo
                      • November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm
                      lmccann2016
                      Participant
                        Thanks Peggy today is a better day xo
                      • November 12, 2016 at 5:32 am
                      Mamapegela
                      Participant

                        Although the skin will start to heal quickly it takes much longer for the tissue underneath to heal, and there will be a "healing ridge" under the incision which can be firm for quite a long time.  I assume that you will be going to PT (very important for your shoulder and your neck)-after it isn't quite so painful they should help you learn how to knead and stretch the skin and tissue on your neck to help soften and break up the scar tissue.

                        5 days isn't long at all- I was still very swollen at that time.  You should probably be having your post-op visit soon?  When you see your surgeon they can assess the situation too.  Also never hesitate to call the surgeon or the nurse when you have questions- that's what they're there for.  But I wouldn't be too worried about the swelling.

                        Wishing the best for you and that your recovery goes great-

                        Peggy

                         

                        • November 12, 2016 at 5:32 am
                        Mamapegela
                        Participant

                          Although the skin will start to heal quickly it takes much longer for the tissue underneath to heal, and there will be a "healing ridge" under the incision which can be firm for quite a long time.  I assume that you will be going to PT (very important for your shoulder and your neck)-after it isn't quite so painful they should help you learn how to knead and stretch the skin and tissue on your neck to help soften and break up the scar tissue.

                          5 days isn't long at all- I was still very swollen at that time.  You should probably be having your post-op visit soon?  When you see your surgeon they can assess the situation too.  Also never hesitate to call the surgeon or the nurse when you have questions- that's what they're there for.  But I wouldn't be too worried about the swelling.

                          Wishing the best for you and that your recovery goes great-

                          Peggy

                           

                      Viewing 5 reply threads
                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      About the MRF Patient Forum

                      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                      Popular Topics