I've been a real slacker with this blog, but I wanted to update with how things have progressed for me. It's now been just about 17 months since my parotid tumor (pleomorphic adenoma) surgery, and I'm finally in a really good place, both physically and emotionally.
It was hard for a while not being able to jump back into my normal workout routine, but by last spring (about 7 months after the surgery) I was back to my normal runs (3-4 miles a few times a week), and normal weightlifting. I also started a few high intensity workout classes at our local Y and loved them. No problems whatsoever from the parotid gland, and no pain in my neck or face.
One thing I just recently realized is that I'm starting to get the feeling back in my lower right ear. I'm not sure when it started happening, but one day last week my kids were asking me about my scar and my neck, and I touched the bottom of my right ear and realized I could feel my hand. I pinched the ear lobe and could feel it too. I have full feeling around the part of the scar where it connects to my ear, and it's not even a little bit painful.
What does hurt still though is the area where my parotid gland is located - just below my ear, at the base of my jaw. It's only painful to the touch though, so I do everything I can to be sure the kids don't bump it. I also don't wear turtlenecks, as the feeling of something pushing against my neck causes some pain and nauseousness.
The incision area is still quite sensitive to the cold air, so I wear a scarf almost at all times during these chilly winter months. The scarf only bothers me when it's pushed up tight against my neck, so I've learned to wrap it lightly to keep it from causing any pain.
Food sensitivities still exist, but are not nearly as painful as before. Lemonade causes immediate shocking pain. As does anything else sour - sour candies and drinks. I like orange juice, but try to keep it on the left side of my mouth before I swallow it. Weird, but it can be done.
Thankfully I do not experience any of the neck sweating I have heard others have had after the surgery. And thankfully the scar has blended in quite well. After my ear you can't even tell... but down my neck is still red, and is very obvious to me, but most people don't even notice. Or they don't ask. Either way, I'm fine with it. I'll post a picture once my husband gets home and snaps one tonight.
