Damn, so sorry to hear Cliff! I too had this procedure, including them harvesting some of my hip bone, which I chose instead of cadaver bone. My hip hurt tons more post-op than did my neck. I did have to wear the hard collar for a month, and the scariest incident after this procedure, was when the site swole and really freaked me when I could barely swallow. Some ice chips on the exterior saved the day, reducing swelling. Only sharing this much in case you get surprised by a collar, when you wake from the procedure. Oh, we also purchased an electrically controlled recliner specifically for post-op, and it saved the day. I slept in it for the first month.
Best of luck with your surgery and recovery!
Lee