Hi there, OK, first things first, try not to worry about the hair, I didn't wash mine for 2 weeks, so yes filthy & yes very itchy, but your main priority is the healing of the scar. If it's natural moisture around the scar you could just dab it with kitchen roll or toilet paper, something that will absorb, but just don't wipe. I didn't get Freys syndrome until a year after the surgery, but was told I might. With the ear, do you have anyone that can maybe help here - moisten a cotton bud & they can gently wipe (not on scar) around or in the ear, to clear the dried blood perhaps? Also, can't stress enough the importance of the cream on the scar, did they give you some or have you read my earlier messages to get your own? How is your movement at the moment in your face? 

Lastly, stay positive, do gentle facial exercises, I also felt small massage movements on my face helped. 

Hope I've answered everything, shout if not x

Okay great thank you. I had nurses apply a gel to my scar about 2-3 times a day for 2 days whilst I was in hospital, just before getting discharged the surgeron asked me how the gel feels and I said "it feels like eletricity" when they apply it and he said not to bother with it, so I left the hospital with literally nothing. So I should buy some Dermatix? If you think so then I'll do it. I just didn't bother because the surgeon made it seem like it wasn't worth the discomfort. But frankly because of the whole wetness of the area because of this freys syndrome I feel like something like that might actually help right now? I too sleep with 3 pillows but on my right side (as my scar is on my left side), but I'm sleeping around an hour at a time before waking up, I'm usually a good sleeper but can't seem to sleep for long periods as of yet. Ofcourse it's only been 5 days so far though. and okay 2 weeks without washing my hair, I'll make that my target haha. I just get so paranoid that the sweat and everything that's in and around the scar is going to be bad for it, but yeah been told to absolutely avoid it which is hard for me because I'm so stressed about it! sorry for the extensive reply haha, appreciate your advice earlier though.

Try not to stress, as that really won't help your healing process & stress is I think what caused mine. Try meditation, something I never really did before. I'm not medically trained, but was very fortunate to have an amazing surgeon who was very informative too & he suggested this Dermatix. My partner put it on 3 times a day & because of the numbness, I felt like he was pushing at the scar, he wasn't, but the feeling is bizarre. I still have numbness but only around the jaw & ear. I slept sitting up & still had the compression tights on for about 10 days. The sleep will be a bit abnormal anyway due to the GA. Are you in any pain? Mine is left side too. I used to get quite upset sometimes too, it's a lot to go through so try not to be too hard on yourself x

Thanks Jools, I really appreciate you and everything you're saying. I have a little pain but sort of almost like a slight ear ache but where the scar is (if that makes sense haha). In regards to getting quite upset, I do but mainly because I want this to be over now, and I'm just impatient in terms of waiting for the 2 weeks for the results to come back from when they examine the tumour, but that's something I need to not focus on, I know that. I've accepted the risks of the surgery before and the fact that freys syndrome, the scar and the numbeness in my left ear and cheek is the only thing that seems to be apparent so far, I'm quite pleased in that aspect. It's the not knowing until the tests on the tumour are revealed when I get my check up which is playing on my mind, but yeah I know it's not something I can control and need to try and not focus on. But yeah I'll order that Dermatix now! Thank you Jools :happy:

It honestly sounds like you're doing pretty well. I had quite bad drooping of the face on my left side for 3 months, a bit like bells palsy, so mentally that took alot out of me, I was grateful I had to wear a mask when I went back to work - never thought I'd say that though lol!

Would love to know how you get on & I'll be thinking of you as I know the 2 week wait is a little like slow torture, but stay positive. 

Hi, I just saw your post and thought I'd make contact. I am due to see my surgeon tomorrow so feeling frightened and emotional at the moment. I didn't even realise I had a lump, it's not visible or palpable, I just thought I had a dodgy jaw following a tooth extraction about 18 months ago. But, due to another health situation, I had an MRI on my piruitary gland as they suspected a tumour there, and that was clear, but they found a nodule on my left lower parotid. Since then I had an ultrasound and the radiologist told me he had no concerns about this lump at all, and it was probably just a lymph node which will go down. However, less than 24 hours later the GP phoned me to tell me that the radiologist report had arrived and I was having an urgent two week referral for suspected head and neck cancer! You can imagine my shock and fear! The following day the hospital rang with my appointment, the one which is tomorrow. They told me it would just be a consultation and nothing more this time, but then the appointment letter came through and that says to allow three hours for the appointment, and that there would be tests and procedures! I am so frightened and so confused but no one seems to be able to help. I also tried to get information about this type of tumour and the tests etc. One of the problems with mine is it can't be felt or seen apart from on a scan. it's under the corner of my jaw. I'm not even sure what I'm asking for from this post, I just saw your post and thought I'd make contact.

Hi Sue, thank you for reaching out & please try not to worry yourself. I can tell that my lump was the same, so deep that the surgeon couldn't even feel it when I was asleep (under GA). The labels they use are quite frightening I know ie; head & neck cancer referral path, but it's for their purposes more than anything. The left side of my face was swollen & I originally thought it was tooth related, then they thought parotitis & then it was the same route as you - ultrasound, MRI & biopsy. Are you taking someone with you tomorrow, if you are great, because they'll probably remember a lot more than you will be able to, as the experience is quite surreal. If not - I had to go alone as it was during Covid times - I recorded everything on my phone with my surgeons consent, it's just hard to take it all in. Go prepared with any questions you have & remember they work wonders these days, so don't conclude anything now or you will just worry more. Tomorrow might be the biopsy, doesn't hurt though & everyone will be so reassuring. 

I don't know if I've helped, but please let me know how you get on & sending you a big hug x

Hi, was just wondering how you're getting on?x

Hi Jools. I just wanted to update you and also ask a quick question. Firstly, I got my result back yesterday and it's pleomorphic adenoma with no sign of malignant thankfully. So I'm currently feeling very lucky at the moment. My daily routine is basically back to normal now (I.E Work, showering, etc). I'm 4 weeks since the surgery now and my scars look like they've healed quite well. I currently do have swelling around my scars tho, and when I look at the pictures from weeks ago it looks like the swelling isn't new or getting better. I saw my surgeon today and he told me the swelling should go down over the next few months. I'm just curious if you experienced any sort of swelling 4+ weeks after the surgery? I just got the impression that my surgeon wasn't entirely sure at the time (although he very well could've been and I'm just being overly negative haha). If you did I'd love to know if that went down afterward and if you did anything to help it? Thanks for everything Jools.