buckytom

Hi Tony, had neck dissection at the end of January, then another minor procedure around the clavicle one the same side in late February. I do not have swelling anymore – although it felt swollen until recently. I believe however it was more scar tissue from the surgery then swelling. I do not have full mobility of my shoulder yet – have been going to physical therapy for a couple of months and that is improving. Still numb in a better part of neck, shoulder on the side of the surgery. You may want to go to a couple of sessions of physical therapy – in addition to range of motion in the neck they can show you some massages and excercises to help relieve the scar tissue.

Hope that helps.

Tom

Hi Tony, had neck dissection at the end of January, then another minor procedure around the clavicle one the same side in late February. I do not have swelling anymore – although it felt swollen until recently. I believe however it was more scar tissue from the surgery then swelling. I do not have full mobility of my shoulder yet – have been going to physical therapy for a couple of months and that is improving. Still numb in a better part of neck, shoulder on the side of the surgery. You may want to go to a couple of sessions of physical therapy – in addition to range of motion in the neck they can show you some massages and excercises to help relieve the scar tissue.

Hope that helps.

Tom

Hi Tony, had neck dissection at the end of January, then another minor procedure around the clavicle one the same side in late February. I do not have swelling anymore – although it felt swollen until recently. I believe however it was more scar tissue from the surgery then swelling. I do not have full mobility of my shoulder yet – have been going to physical therapy for a couple of months and that is improving. Still numb in a better part of neck, shoulder on the side of the surgery. You may want to go to a couple of sessions of physical therapy – in addition to range of motion in the neck they can show you some massages and excercises to help relieve the scar tissue.

Hope that helps.

Tom

Steve – I was diagnosed in January of this year – had neck dissection in mid-January. I saw my local medical and radiation oncologist and the radiation onlcologist suggested focused radiation in neck/shoulder area, medical oncologist recommended Interferon. I decided since this was all new to me I needed a second opinion and went to Mayo clinic where I saw Dr. Markovic and Lisa Kottschade, R.N. After a thorough review of my scans etc they did agree with the local radiation – and referenced an MD Anderson Study that demonstrated a very positive effect on LOCAL reoccurence – can't remember the percentages exactly but without there is a 30% chance of reoccurence – with radiation I believe it was less then 5%.

So, there was then two options of radiation – low fraction for 5 weeks/5 days a week or high fraction for 5 treatments of 2 1/2 weeks. Based on the recommendation from Mayo I chose the shorter duration/higher fraction route. I started on March 11 and finished 9 days ago – on March 25. The side effects: my treatments were at 3:00 in the afternoon – by 6:00 I was wiped out and basically slept until 7:00 the next morning. For me (all people are different) – I had naseau for the next day – but felt pretty decent by the 2nd day after treatment. I missed about 2-4 hours of work after each of the 5 treatments. I did not completely lose my taste – but had a very metallic taste in the back of my mouth. Also have dry mouth – but that is not really that bad. My skin got very red – but only mildly sensitive – no peeling etc. 9 days after treatment and I am feeling very good – full appetite – no throat soreness at all. Start losing my hair on the very bottom of my hairline – abut a 2" x 2" patch (was told this would happen) – but again very minor. 

In short – I would recommend the treatment and would do it again. My radiation oncologist was extremely detailed – spent a lot of time developing the plan to limit the side effects. He said he consulted with someone at MD Anderson to get the best treatment plan – with minimal side effects. As for next steps – Mayo does not perscribe Interferon – instead recommend Leukine. I am starting that treatment for 3 years (14 days on/14 days off) in the next two weeks. Suppose to have minimal side effects and has shown to be very effective.

Good luck to you – it is all a lot to absourb. I will pray for the best for you!

Steve – I was diagnosed in January of this year – had neck dissection in mid-January. I saw my local medical and radiation oncologist and the radiation onlcologist suggested focused radiation in neck/shoulder area, medical oncologist recommended Interferon. I decided since this was all new to me I needed a second opinion and went to Mayo clinic where I saw Dr. Markovic and Lisa Kottschade, R.N. After a thorough review of my scans etc they did agree with the local radiation – and referenced an MD Anderson Study that demonstrated a very positive effect on LOCAL reoccurence – can't remember the percentages exactly but without there is a 30% chance of reoccurence – with radiation I believe it was less then 5%.

So, there was then two options of radiation – low fraction for 5 weeks/5 days a week or high fraction for 5 treatments of 2 1/2 weeks. Based on the recommendation from Mayo I chose the shorter duration/higher fraction route. I started on March 11 and finished 9 days ago – on March 25. The side effects: my treatments were at 3:00 in the afternoon – by 6:00 I was wiped out and basically slept until 7:00 the next morning. For me (all people are different) – I had naseau for the next day – but felt pretty decent by the 2nd day after treatment. I missed about 2-4 hours of work after each of the 5 treatments. I did not completely lose my taste – but had a very metallic taste in the back of my mouth. Also have dry mouth – but that is not really that bad. My skin got very red – but only mildly sensitive – no peeling etc. 9 days after treatment and I am feeling very good – full appetite – no throat soreness at all. Start losing my hair on the very bottom of my hairline – abut a 2" x 2" patch (was told this would happen) – but again very minor. 

In short – I would recommend the treatment and would do it again. My radiation oncologist was extremely detailed – spent a lot of time developing the plan to limit the side effects. He said he consulted with someone at MD Anderson to get the best treatment plan – with minimal side effects. As for next steps – Mayo does not perscribe Interferon – instead recommend Leukine. I am starting that treatment for 3 years (14 days on/14 days off) in the next two weeks. Suppose to have minimal side effects and has shown to be very effective.

Good luck to you – it is all a lot to absourb. I will pray for the best for you!

Steve – I was diagnosed in January of this year – had neck dissection in mid-January. I saw my local medical and radiation oncologist and the radiation onlcologist suggested focused radiation in neck/shoulder area, medical oncologist recommended Interferon. I decided since this was all new to me I needed a second opinion and went to Mayo clinic where I saw Dr. Markovic and Lisa Kottschade, R.N. After a thorough review of my scans etc they did agree with the local radiation – and referenced an MD Anderson Study that demonstrated a very positive effect on LOCAL reoccurence – can't remember the percentages exactly but without there is a 30% chance of reoccurence – with radiation I believe it was less then 5%.

So, there was then two options of radiation – low fraction for 5 weeks/5 days a week or high fraction for 5 treatments of 2 1/2 weeks. Based on the recommendation from Mayo I chose the shorter duration/higher fraction route. I started on March 11 and finished 9 days ago – on March 25. The side effects: my treatments were at 3:00 in the afternoon – by 6:00 I was wiped out and basically slept until 7:00 the next morning. For me (all people are different) – I had naseau for the next day – but felt pretty decent by the 2nd day after treatment. I missed about 2-4 hours of work after each of the 5 treatments. I did not completely lose my taste – but had a very metallic taste in the back of my mouth. Also have dry mouth – but that is not really that bad. My skin got very red – but only mildly sensitive – no peeling etc. 9 days after treatment and I am feeling very good – full appetite – no throat soreness at all. Start losing my hair on the very bottom of my hairline – abut a 2" x 2" patch (was told this would happen) – but again very minor. 

In short – I would recommend the treatment and would do it again. My radiation oncologist was extremely detailed – spent a lot of time developing the plan to limit the side effects. He said he consulted with someone at MD Anderson to get the best treatment plan – with minimal side effects. As for next steps – Mayo does not perscribe Interferon – instead recommend Leukine. I am starting that treatment for 3 years (14 days on/14 days off) in the next two weeks. Suppose to have minimal side effects and has shown to be very effective.

Good luck to you – it is all a lot to absourb. I will pray for the best for you!

After seeking a second opinion from Dr. Markovic at Mayo Clinic (he is their Melanoma doc) he recommended Leukin for my 3B diagnosis. His reasoning was the positive effects that they have had with the drug – even if there is a reoccurence it is limited and treatable. There are limited side effects compared to other treatments – and it is self administered. I have not yet started the treatment as I am in the middle of my radiation treatment and can not do both at the same time. I am due to start the Leukin in early April. 

After seeking a second opinion from Dr. Markovic at Mayo Clinic (he is their Melanoma doc) he recommended Leukin for my 3B diagnosis. His reasoning was the positive effects that they have had with the drug – even if there is a reoccurence it is limited and treatable. There are limited side effects compared to other treatments – and it is self administered. I have not yet started the treatment as I am in the middle of my radiation treatment and can not do both at the same time. I am due to start the Leukin in early April. 

After seeking a second opinion from Dr. Markovic at Mayo Clinic (he is their Melanoma doc) he recommended Leukin for my 3B diagnosis. His reasoning was the positive effects that they have had with the drug – even if there is a reoccurence it is limited and treatable. There are limited side effects compared to other treatments – and it is self administered. I have not yet started the treatment as I am in the middle of my radiation treatment and can not do both at the same time. I am due to start the Leukin in early April. 

Thank you for posting! As newly diagnosed it is extremely encouraging to hear about those that are fighting this disease! Good luck – and my prayers are with you!

Thank you for posting! As newly diagnosed it is extremely encouraging to hear about those that are fighting this disease! Good luck – and my prayers are with you!

Thank you for posting! As newly diagnosed it is extremely encouraging to hear about those that are fighting this disease! Good luck – and my prayers are with you!