Healing Process After Mod Rad Neck Dissection

My fiance was diagnosed with cancer of the throat - he had around 30 radiation treatments along with chemo and a modified radical neck dissection. He has a feeding tube and PRAISE GOD he has no more cancer. I would like to know if anyone out there could give me some info or advice on how long the healing process takes. It has been (3) months since the surgery and he still has the feeding tube. The Dr. states his throat is still pretty swollen from the surgery and therefore it's difficult for him to swallow. He is doing great - other than some abnormal bowel problems. The Dr. states it could take up to a year for movement to return to the jaw and to have the ability to eat. He is gaining weight and looks really good. He states there is tightness in the jaw and feels some hearing loss. Has anyone had the same treatments and surgery? I would greatly appreciate a response. God Bless

He needs physical therapy/range of motion excercises for his jaw and neck otherwise it will get Worse.  He should also have a swallowing study done to isolate any mechanical or phyiological reason for the difficulty swallowing.  A speech therapist usually assists in teaching people to swallow if there is abnormality.  It is important to start eating to "keep things open" just like the stretching exercises mentioned abover.

God Bless you and Thank You so much for responding this really helps....

My hubbie had the chemo and radiation - a few little things also like tonsils and teeth out, but not the neck surgery - Hang in there :)

 

On 10/29/2007 Julie21 wrote:

My hubbie had the chemo and radiation - a few little things also like tonsils and teeth out, but not the neck surgery - Hang in there :)

Thank you - hope he is well...

thanks! He is. It's amazing what six months of healing can do - Quality of life is hugely improved and things are .
getting back to before cancer.

That is wonderful to hear..I believe in God and I believe in miracles - I can't wait just to see my fiance eat and eat and eat....