Hi, Group, I'm headed for a total glossectomy in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and scheduled for reconstruction the same day. How many of you have reconstructions that function? I have heard of a friend of a friend who could speak after this, which was encouraging, but my direct question to the doc received a "fuzzy" reply - something about a woman last week that he could ALMOST understand... So, while I've been trying to avoid this site to calm myself, I think I need now to tap into all or you who may have had this done for feedback as to outcome. May I? Thanks for your help.

And, please don't chastise me if this has been covered before -I just can't bear wading thought the thousands of responses to "tongue."

Will I ever sing again?

1998 1 Amalgam replaced->oral lichen planus R lat tongue; 1999 biopsy "no cancer-looks like uses smokeless tobacco"; 5/08 allergy testing pos to filling & crown metal; 9/08 replace amalgam fillings; 1/09 Partial glossectomy; 5/09 total glossectomy & free flap; rad & chemo just completed.