Hi Nurse, you will get through this. I know that it is very scary right now. Try and keep busy these next few weeks while you are waiting. How about filling the freezer with meals for your family now while you have the time. This might take 1 worry away from you.
Someone who has been through this surgery should come along soon with some advice for you.
You will get through this.
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!