Hi Bette, make sure you ask exactly what surgery is planned. How much of the tongue they will have to take for clear margins. Will any other structures be removed? What reconstruction will they do in his mouth//oropharynx? Where will they take the flap from to refashion the tongue? Will he need a neck dissection? What will the postop period involve? How long will he likely be in hospital.
Is Reggie a candidate for further radiation? How will he be fed, will they insert a PEG tube?
Of course having already had a laryngectomy his airway will be secure so shouldnt need a trachy tube inserted.
Once you get all your questions answered you will feel more confident and will cope better with it all.
Thinking of you both.
Tammy