Hello Melissa, I want to tell you that there certainly is good living after a total Glossectomy.
My Husband Kris is now coming up for 3 years since he had his Total Glossectomy in March 2012.
Kris learnt very quickly how to swallow and by 6 weeks post surgery was swallowing all his nutrition.
There is no reason for Eric not to speak either. As he still has his voice box he will indeed speak. Try it yourself, hold your tongue still and talk. It is still easily understandable isn't it? A Speech Language Therapist will help Eric with this.
Always be positive and stay strong. Your attitude will matter a lot to Eric.
My Kris lives a good and active life. Eric is much younger so I know his recovery will go well.
If you have any questions at all , please just ask.
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!