Hi Theresa,
I am so sorry that you have to go through this, but in a weird sort of way, you'll appreciate having gone through it. You'll be surprised at how strong and resilient you really are and know that nothing you ever encounter in life again will ever compare to what you have endured. You'll look at life differently and realize that things that are out of your control are really insignificant and not worth the time it takes to worry about. I hope that makes some sense.
My cancer consisted of two tumors - one located under my left jaw bone and a larger mass deep in my neck below my left collarbone. The larger tumor had completely occluded my jugular vein so the surgeon had to remove it along with the tumor. He also removed the sternocleidomastoid muscle along with 32 lymph nodes, 9 of which were positive for cancer.
I have not experienced any pain as a result of the surgery. The left side of my neck is sometimes stiff, but a few minutes of stretching solves that problem. Occasionally I will have some severe cramping on both sides of my neck. The surgeon says that is because the remaining muscles are having to compensate for the missing muscles and begin to tire sooner. Several nerves were cut or removed during the surgery and as a result I do have some weakness in my left shoulder. It isn't enough to affect anything I want to do, though. I do have a large deformity on the side of my neck, but to me, it's a badge of honor. If anyone asks me about it I tell them that it's a reminder that I kicked cancer's ass.
I never had ultrasound, only MRI's, CT's and PET's. I had the MRI at the time I noticed the lump above my collarbone and CT and PET at the time of diagnosis and then again annually.
I was 48 when I was diagnosed and led a pretty active lifestyle. I live in Idaho and do a lot of boating, fishing and hiking. I still do all the things I did before, maybe even more now. As for advice, I believe that attitude is 90% of the cure. Stay positive and don't allow the situation to control you. Eat well and exercise. Since you live on the Cape, I'd reccomend daily walks and breath that great ocean air. Spend time with friends and family and don't get caught up in the things you can't control, like the economy or all the other doom and gloom. Listen to your doctors and follow their advice. If you're not comfortable with what they're telling you find one that you are comfortable with. I think I was very fortunate with the doctors I had. Everyone of them treated me as though I was the most important person in their life. They all devoted as much time as I needed to have my questions answered and I never felt as though I was being pushed out the door so they could see the next patient.
I hope this has helped you. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help. Good luck and know that you can beat this.
Glenn