Hi Jacied

I had a parotid gland, some minor salivary glands and lymphs in my neck removed about 11 years ago, followed by radiotherapy to the area. The cancer was squamous cell  carcinoma.

The surgeons team will take great care to preserve your facial nerve, by locating the nerve and its branches, hours are spent doing this and it will be left largely intact if the cancer is not too advanced. In my case I did have temporary partial paralysis of my face on one side. I had a numb face, a drooping lip could not smile or open my mouth fully or speak properly. Post operation I saw a speech therapist who showed me mouth, throat and jaw excercises to do 10x each day. Which I followed meticulously. It took around 6 months to be fully recovered and I have had no problems since. Another complication is dry mouth from lack of saliva, buy a water bottle and carry it around with you along with a small spray bottle filled with water to freshen your mouth. I added a single drop of pure orange oil to the spray water. You can buy it in the cake baking sections of supermarkets. It is expensive but the tiny bottle will last a long time as it is so concentrated. I wish you a successful operation and cancer free future.

Ed