Hello Tracey,

Thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear about your situation.

I am afraid that I don't know if having Lupus or connective tissue disease could affect healing after having the surgery you had. 

I wonder if you have been able to discuss your problems after surgery with the surgical team that treated you.  If you are still been followed up by your cancer team do talk with them about how this scarring is affecting you and ask what can be done to improve it, for example would a referral to the surgical team help. Your GP may also be able to refer you back to to your cancer team if you have been discharged particularly if the scarring is affecting you.

I am not sure if pointing you in the direction about information about massaging the area of scarring would be helpful.  If you already have this information you may want to see if it helps. You could also look at the information about the aftercare after neck dissection is useful to read, scroll down the page for specific information about massaging scars.

Changing faces provides help and support to people with visible scaring, you might find it helpful to contact them.

You may also find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline