The Turkey Neck

I must be feeling better because I'm thinking about things like how long my turkey neck will last. I lost 15 lbs. during radiation. My wife says I'm too skinny but I think I'm where I want to be with the weight. The problem is, from the radiation I have that turkey neck that I was told to expect, but wasn't told how long it lasts, or does it never go away. It's hard to walk in a cross wind, it's like a sail.

Thanks,

Rick

Rick, get youyrself some Aquafor lotion, it'll help that turkey neck of yours.

Lost only 15 pounds, huh? I lost 43, but I was planning on dropping about 20 anyway, just before I was diagnosed. My wife thinks I'm too skinny, too. I was at 200, dropped to 157, now I'm up to 170, shooting for about 175-180.

You sure seem chipper for just being done with treatment. Glad to see you are doing so well.

Best wishes,

Mike.

My hubbie looked like a bull frog after treatment - and then about 8 wks later it resolved and it looks normal.

Rick- you crack me up.  Everytime I come to this message board I look for you.  I don't have the same kind of cancer as you, but after my throidectomy for thy cancer my neck turned green and swelled up like a bull frog (or at least thats what my kids said I looked like). Just wanted you to know you always put a smile on my face.  Have a great day, and watch out for that wind, I wouldn't want you to blow away.  Skylog

Gobble, gobble

Well I was feeling good today until my wife just explained to me that since I'm so chipper I can go watch some stupid tennis match tonight here in vegas with her! I don't like tennis, or her (just kidding about one of those). But I guess the good side of it will be I'll be turning my head so much left/right/left/right, etc. as they do in tennis that maybe it'll be good for the "neck spoiler". Today it's good to have. The way the wind is blowing here it's working like a wing on a NASCAR, it's keeping me stuck to the ground.

Dear turkey neck- First of all- love the name! Here's another thought. If you had a neck dissection or even just radiation your turkey neck might actually be what is called lymphedema. This is where normal body fluid pools in your neck due to either having your lymph nodes removed (now the fluid has no place to go so it pools) or from changes that happen from radiation. The solution to this problem is to see a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema therapy. It can take a while but eventually the turkey neck will go away with their help. They will prob. teach you techniques to help prevent it in the future as well. There also might be weak muscles in the neck that the physical therapist can help strengthen. Yes it might eventually go away but why not help it along faster? Good luck!

My buddy commented on my turkey neck, just this weekend.  He said I better be careful when riding the motorcycle.  Said I should strap it down so it doesn't beat me to death.  Nice guy...

That's when you carry some nuts and bolts in your pocket then when he is behind you on the highway, you just flip a few over your shoulder.

R

I just have to say.....Isn't it wonderful that no matter how awful or horrible this disease can be.....we can still joke and laugh!!! I loved reading what you all wrote. My dad is dealing with the last stages of his lung cancer and we always made it a point to keep an optomistic outlook on things and laugh about things and joke...even though some might think it's terrible to do so....it just sometimes makes you feel better about things!! Thanks for a smile guys :)