BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?

Subject: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 05:16 PM

Wishing to keep this on the QT, I am posting as GUEST. Some of you know who I am, but lets not send any PM's, okay?

My question is this: Anyone have any direct, personal knowledge of this procedure, results, complications, whatever? I am trying to cover all bases before the operation. This is required to remove a cyst which is believed to be benign at present. I am aware of the possibility of nerve damage - my face is tingling as I write. What else might there be that I should be prepared for?

Thanks in advance.

[do you wish to continue anonymously?]

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 05:52 PM

Yikes. If you want this sent to the prayer chain (also on the QT), PM me.

Best of luck!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 06:53 PM

Yes, I do wish to continue anonymously. I apologize for my foul up and I am very, VERY, grateful that my request for deletion was so promptly executed. AND... if you caught that and deleted my foul up before I even requested it by PM.... you are a SAINT. Thank you a thousand times.

[not a saint- just luckily noted the slip and thought it might need editing]

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 07:00 PM

Okay then, I shall try this again.

No... no prayer chain, no support, no sympathy... just the facts Maam. What can I do to be prepared? and for what possible outcomes?

Thanks again. (especially to the Joes who take care of twits like me)

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jimmyt
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 08:45 PM

One Parotidectomy will give you a bit of a dry mouth with some decrease in salivary flow but may not be too big a deal. You still have the other Parotid as well as some other major salivary glands below the tongue. I believe the benefits outweigh the risks and annoyances.

If you would like any additional information send me word and I will call an oral surgeon friend and get the absolute scoop on this. I am curious as to the nature of the lesion. Is it in the parotid or just in the Stinsons's Duct that dumps the salivary flow in the mouth?   anyway. lety me know if I can help. I practice dentistry and although this is not exactly my area it is close! jimmyt!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 12:09 AM

A Google search turns up a lot of information but nothing that your doctor probably hasn't covered. As with all tumors, side effects and recovery depend on the type, size and location of the growth. Sorry -that's as much as I can offer. Good luck with the surgery.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 04:55 AM

I'll remove your parrot for free.

eric

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 09:14 AM

Thanks for the laugh eric; it's appreciated.

jimmyt & SINS... it is in the parotid, toward the rear. By CT, appears round and no outgrowths were detectable, indicating 99% chance benign. Will require removal of about a third of the parotid and cutting the sweat nerve. Muscle from neck will be cut and "flipped over" cut sweat nerve to try to prevent sweat nerve from growing back to skin and stimulating sweating every time I hear the dinner bell. I am aware of the other nerves and the consequences of a "slip" with the slice.

Well, I guess that's all she wrote, really. I just thought someone might know about recovery and such. I figure I'll get some ice cream, yogurt, soup, etc, rather than beef jerky, peanuts, celery, etc. Hmmm, must get some of them there fancy, corrugated straws that you can bend for sipping while semi-prostrate. I wonder what pizza tastes like after you put it through a blender?

Say now. There's a good idea. Let's turn this into a blender recipe thread. C'mon, let's hear some good recipes.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Crystal
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 11:13 AM

Fruit is pretty good when put through a blender! Carrot, Apple and ginger (fresh ginger, not the dry stuff) is pretty yummy and is probably actually good for you too! Ice cream is ok to blend when it hasn't got bits in, but it always goes runny if you blend it. Apparently roast chicken is good when blended, but I've never tried it.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Pied Piper
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 11:31 AM

I know you're not after sympathy, but good luck anyway

PP

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 11:54 AM

information about the surgery.

Good luck. It sounds unpleasant. Take care!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 11:54 AM

When Rick Fielding was so sick, he requested some blender recipes. I am not sure how to find those old posts but they might be helpful.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 12:32 PM

My favorite topping for plain yogurt is blended peaches. Just scoop it on. MUCH better than commercially prepared fruit yogurts. Other fruit toppings are good too- like blackberries, strawberries, rasphberries, even bananas.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 06:04 PM

My ex husband had to have all his teeth out in his mid thirties. Until he got used to the dentures he was on a semi liquid diet, so when we did barbeque one day......

No joke - the burger, sausage and chicken went into the blender and he sunk the lot!

Best of luck - hope things go well. Did you need to lose a few pounds? This sounds like the ideal opportunity.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 05 - 01:56 PM

jacqui.c... "Did you need to lose a few pounds?"

No, I need to lose a lot of pounds. But anyway, I learned something new on Tuesday, less than three days before the op. I got a call from the O.R. nurse to see if I had any questions.

Seems I can't drive (shouldn't even be a passenger unless necessary) for two weeks because of the cut to the neck muscle. And, she told me that I will need someone to "look after" me for at least two days after I get home (one to three days after the op) because of the meds and the danger of weakness and fainting. Not what I was led to believe three weeks ago.

Now ain't that just lovely? Great time to tell someone, eh? I've got it covered, but, ah, er, golly gee gosh darnit!

Looking forward to getting it over with. Slice and dice is scheduled for 12:00h to 14:40h tomorrow. I'll report back next week.

I know I asked you guys not to send PM's but, thanks for the PM's... I really do appreciate them. Special thanks to SINS, jacqui.c, Kendall, and others. Drink lots of cold water and walk slow, eh.

Lumpy

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 May 05 - 02:55 PM

Whenever you have a general anasthetic it is recommended that you don't drive for at least twenty-four hours and that you have someone to keep an eye on you for that time.

Take it easy and let the experts do their job. When they put you under why not start singing 'The first cut is the deepest'? That's what my work mates kept singing at me just before I went in for an op!

Best of luck - we'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 May 05 - 03:16 PM

Say the word and we will recruit a bevie of beauties from the Temple of the Golden Globes to see to your every need. Of course, Nurse Ratchet will supervise. When was your last enema?
Candle lit for you, love.
Stay well.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 05 - 04:41 PM

Last enema? I hope it's not tomorrow. As for the beauties, it's been so long since I have been to the Temple that I think my membership has lapsed. Nurse Ratchet's starting to look pretty good, though.

Thanks again.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 May 05 - 05:48 PM

Membership in the Temple NEVER lapses, especially for those who might be in contention for Mudcat toyboy.....

Nurse Ratchet put your name forward.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Hawker
Date: 12 May 05 - 06:23 PM

Hey, best of luck there friend, sending you love to get you through, Heres to success and less lumps!
Love Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 May 05 - 10:23 PM

Anonymous Guest with lumps for ToyBoy?????? Sounds promising. Membership never lapses but sometimes sags a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jimmyt
Date: 12 May 05 - 11:36 PM

Best of Luck to you. I have great confidence you will be much better after the surgery.   jimmyt

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 May 05 - 05:29 PM

The worst is over, right? How are you?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Bill D
Date: 13 May 05 - 06:53 PM

hope all is better...we will be watching for news....

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 15 May 05 - 11:15 AM

Posting as me. Thanks again to you-know-who.

Just got home. Cyst was up to 3cm and had "growths" so he had to take more of the gland than anticipated. Took out two lymph nodes as well... to get better pathology analysis. Should get the pathology results in two weeks... he says he is sure the results will be benign. No nerve damage except what had to be cut so I still have use of all facial muscles.

Neat incision, so I am told. Many nurses came in just to see his work. Apparently, it's a work of art. Almost six inches long in total, from sideburn to bottom of ear lobe, back up almost as far to rear of ear and then a curve to about an inch from the ear and then down to about where the big lymph node is to the side of the Adam's apple... same as they do for a face lift, but longer. Will grow beard.

At least I'm still good lookin, eh!

Thanks again for the PM's and the thoughts.

g

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 May 05 - 12:10 PM

Ever see pictures of Sir Richard Burton, the explorer? He took a spear to the face and the scar just added to the sex appeal. Create a story about hand to hand combat with cannibals, a spear, a damsel in distress, whatever...and sell it.

Glad all went well, gnu. Welcome back.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 15 May 05 - 12:30 PM

Nah, I am a Canuck, so it had to be a hockey stick. Of course, it could have been a spearing penalty which the ref didn't see. Then, with the championship game at stake, I waited until the SOB came over the blue line, now almost red with my blood (I wouldn't come off the ice), with his head down, skating for all he was worth and I laid "the killer" check on him... when I dumped him on the boards at full speed, he hit the glass so hard, it cut him in two from nuts to nape. That there check made the "slays of the week".

I was supposed to be "in" until tomorrow, but I told Dr. Lemaire that my all-time favourite player was... ICI, Maintenante.... CANADIENNES... NUMERO VINGT-CINQ... JACQUES.... LeMAIRRRRRRRE!!!! And he made sure I was home to watch the big game this afternoon, less than two hours away, for the World Championship. As long as I promised to keep my blood pressure down and not have any beers while watching the game. Yeah, right... I am a Canuck.... I can't promise to keep my blood pressure down... geeeze!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 15 May 05 - 04:15 PM

The best of good fortune to you, wildebeest. (You ARE feeling more beesty at the moment, aren't you?)

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 15 May 05 - 04:55 PM

Kinda. Canada lost. But, they WERE outplayed.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 May 05 - 08:24 PM

A hockey stick? There goes the sex appeal. Feel better anyway.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 May 05 - 09:00 PM

SINS would have preferred it if you were hit with a banjo.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 15 May 05 - 09:16 PM

Okay... This guy at the pub kept cutting in and upsetting every tune at the session. So, in my polite and mannerly Canuck way, I gently requested that he shove his banjo up his ass. When I regained conciousness.... nah, the spear would be more believable.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Another Recent Superficial Parotidectomy Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 11:12 AM

Hi there, I'm glad you made it through and still have a sense of humor. I just recently underwent a superficial parotidectomy on the 11th of May and can't wait to heal up. My doctor has me wearing a pressure bandage right now as a prevention to try and keep the salvia going to where it should go and not get caught in between the skin somewhere. i was wondering if you have to wear this too? The surgeory went well and i didn't suffer much pain, actually had no real pain, just a little discomfort and numbness around the ear. I have movement of my eye and mouth which i'm glad. It's a lot to consider, and it's better to be safe than sorry too. Well good luck and heal well.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:27 PM

HMMMM if he is drooling he has already mastered half the art of banjo playing.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:34 PM

Pat.... No bandage. A mix of self-dissolving and regular sutures (self-dissolving sutures in front of the ear and just behind the ear above the lobe) and staples. I applied Polysporin four times a day to keep the wound clean.

Did you have a blood drain for a couple of days? Mine was removed on the morning of the second day after the day of slice and dice. I spit blood profusely for about ten minutes upon waking in the morning of the third and fourth day, a little on the fifth, but none yesterday or today.

The doc had to cut one nerve, which will result in permanent numbness of at least the earlobe and a small area surrounding the lobe... time will tell the extent of paralysis. In order to prevent this nerve from growing out to the skin and causing me to sweat in one patch on the neck every time I salivate, the doc cut some neck muscle and folded it over the nerve. Plus, it fills in the hole.

That's the only pain that remains and it's gets less each day, although it still hurts like heck if I put any strain on it. The neck muscle should be strong enough to be able to turn my head as usuual in another week. Then, four weeks of strengthening before I can do any heavy work. I still can't lift my head without the aid of my left arm (right parotid was done) and it hurts to turn any more than about thirty degrees either way or to lift my arm above the shoulder.

Now, as long as the pathology on the tumour and lymph nodes come back as benign, I will be a happy camper.

What country do you live in? I am in Canada.

Good luck to you as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:43 PM

SINS... arthritis has taken away my ability to play any stringed instrument, even the mandolin I bought last year through the Mudcat auction. But, I can still thump the old Rhan when I get enough liquid painkiller in me. So, when I drool, I just switch to my synthetic Rhan... sounds the same wet as dry (which is the only thing I like about it.)

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:51 PM

I had normal stitches, which were removed one week after surgeory. I did have a drain, which was removed 2 days after - just before going home. I did notice blood taste in my mouth for a few days. I have an indentation of where the lump was, so I highly doubt my doctor has done the same procedure as yours because I have to continue wearing a pressure bandage for 4 weeks in hopes that saliva will not build up somewhere underneath the skin. I definately don't like the sounds of getting needle stuck in to drain. The pressure bandage is a netting stretching material that goes on my head, it's the mummy look. I too am still waiting for the results from pathology. My tumor was in the saliva gland. I hope you have a positive outcome, wish you well in your recovering. I too am Canadian.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:59 PM

Oops, forgot to include...I had the left side done and i have to clean with peroxside and use polysporn ointment on the incision.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 01:12 PM

I am in Moncton, New Brunswick. Re not being the same procedure, I assume that your removal was small compared to mine, due to the fact that my doc had to cut one of the nerves and, hence, the neck muscle. About half of the gland was removed, as well as two lymph nodes so that a more accurate pathology could be done.

It's the pits about missing out on the long weekend fesivities, eh? All my buddies are heading up country for the big canoing-fishing-camp opening-drinking trip. I won't be able to do any heavy work up at the camp until just about the time that the blackflies and skeeters are on the go.

Again, I hope all goes well for you too.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 01:41 PM

You're right, the procedure is not quite the same, I only had half the gland removed only - lymph nodes are still there as far as I know. Cut in front of the ear, under the the ear lobe, down my neck, then to almost the centre of my neck. The centre of my neck was where the drain was. kinda like a slanted backwards 's' kinda. I am able to turn my neck.

I'm sure there will be plently more camping, fishing, portaging trips for you. Just not this weekend. This weekend is a time to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy some good company - hopefully all your buds aren't on this trip. My boyfriend wanted me to go camping this weekend too, but without the comforts of home I won't be, not this weekend. My brother is also having a big do at his place, so I'll probably be going there tomorrow for awhile, leave before people begin to feel too good.

It's been a pleasure chatting with you, again I wish you well and i look forward to checking this site about your progress.

Keep smiling!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 02:18 PM

Not to be picky, Pat, but, re, "...then to almost the centre of my neck.", did you mean, "then to almost the centre of my 'throat'."? You described my incision exactly, except for "throat". My incision ends about level with Adam's Apple (I know, I know.), about two inches to the right of the centre of the throat. About seven inches long.

The drain was placed as yours and exited at the end of the incision. Did you have as much fun as I did when he yanked it out? I glared at him and asked, "Why didn't you tell me that was going to hurt like a SOB?" He replied, "Sometimes people tense up if they know it's going to hurt." (Some might yank their head backwards in an instinctive response and double the pain upon binding the tube when it's halfway out, too.)

Ah well, at least we're still good lookin, eh?

Re the "do", if I could drive, I'd arrive just as they started to feel too good. My tunes sound best around that time.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 03:18 PM

No doubt...lol. Love'd that last comment! They would have loved that too. You would have fitted right in. My brother is out in the country. It would have been awesome, for sure.

Yes, me being female, to the centre of my throat was the exit wound. I was lucky, I was prewarned about the tube removal. The nurse gave me a tip beforehand to take pain medication. My tube was stitched in. I didn't know about that, I thought my tube was coming out, it was only the stitch. The tube was something else, was very surprise how much was in there. Had to have about at least 2" to 3". It felt awlful coming out, but wasn't lasting pain.

Aren't computers awesome? You can chat with someone who's going through the same experience. I was just searching for all the information on this stuff we're dealing with and stumbled across you. I googled you. Pretty wild!

Well if I was in Moncton, I would most definately pick you up! Nothing like sitting back, having a few and listening to tunes around a big old bonfire.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 03:30 PM

Oh yeah, how's your incision healing? I was concerned about mine. Stitches came out just this Wednesday that passed. My dressing stayed on the whole time, except the part where the drain came out - that was changed. The peice below the ear lobe was kinda black looking, only on one side of the incision, cheek side. I didn't know that until I came home after the stitches came out. I was assured that was normal as long as there is no swelling, fever, hot spots, etc. Today it does look a little better. Slowly, but surely we well recover from this.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:00 PM

Yeah... I would be kinda be suspicious too. But, the nurse didn't seem concerned, right? I would have someone look at it twice daily to make sure the discoloured area is not getting larger. You really can't tell by looking in the mirror. I have been monitoring my temperature by just a hand to the forehead. If I was to feel any heat, I would then use a thermometer under the tongue. At 102F, I would be on the way to the emergency or my doctor.

I gotta learn about that google stuff. I have only ever been to one forum or chat room or whatever and this is it. I searched medical sites and found medical type info, but I wanted the kind of info you and I have discussed. For instance, if I had known better, I would have bought a recliner. Sleeping propped up with pillows so I can't roll to the side in my sleep sucks big time. Pillows ain't no match for a 275 pounder.

Stay well. And careful around the fire with all that pyroxide and gauze.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:31 PM

I'm fine and I have had someone else look at it, just to be sure. Google is another search engine, i know nothing of a forum/chat google, it's at www.google.ca in case you'd like to try that search engine out. I just type in "parotidectomy" in the search box and found all kinds of information on it, some including pictures and other people's stories.

I don't think I would be staying out there that long, it's an all day event. I'm not wearing much of a bandage now, just a little gauze pad over the incision and my elastic hat holds that in place.

You take care and try to soak up some sun. Hey if you have time, check out this site - it's a 3 minute movie and can be found at this internet address www.youarethelight.com A friend of mind sent this link to me, it was very inspiring.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:33 PM

Oops, wrong address above. It should be www.youarethelightmovie.com

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:57 PM

I can't soak up any sun becasue I can't drive. Even if I could, the gas bill would preclude it... it's suppose to rain most of the weekend around here. I understand Beth is out west at the moment. She never stopped in on her way by. I feel slighted.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:02 PM

Hey, you two, I'm glad you found each other. Take care of yourselves. Gotta ask, though, is this just a Canadian kind of thing? :~)

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:07 PM

The up-country campfires, fishin, sessions and partying? Not really. We just get more practice than some. We're a bit rural.... say that after a few.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:16 PM

GNU, I'm sorry about that. It's sunny here in Ontario. I just assumed it would be sunny in News Brunswick. Hopefully the sun will soon shine on you.

Ebbie, we Canadians like to share.