Jeff -

Restating what Christine said above about each recovery is individualized. But I'll add my experiences just as information for you to consider. First diagnosis with partial glossectomy - approximately 25% of total tongue volume ranging from just behind the tip extending along the right side of my tongue towards the rear of my mouth. Speech returned to almost 100% of pre-surgical range. (Same, vary minor issue of dragging a T or slight slurring of S's when tired) six to eight weeks after completing radiation and chemo treatments.)

Rather than wait and see. Be proactive and set up an appointment with a speech therapist to generate a baseline. They may be able to provide some exorcises to strengthen your tongue.


Good Luck


1997 SCC Tumor on tongue - Partial Gloss
1997 Met to Lymph
Radical Neck Dissection / 2nd Partial Gloss
6 weeks chemo and radiation
Brachytherapy
2011 Stroke
2014 Recurrence SCC at Base of Tongue / Hemi-gloss
Free Flap reconstr from thigh
PEG Tube
Radiation
Permanent Issues with speech and swallowing
2018 - Bleeding throat / mouth
2019 - Bleeding throat / mouth
2019 - 3rd diag Cancer SCC Base of mouth / jawbone
2019 - Aug remove portion of jaw / right pec det / free flap closure and tongue