I forgot to mention that I had my submandibular salvary gland on the left side removed during siurgery as well. So I did have some drymouth (and was managing it fine with Biotene gum and moutwash) even before radiation.

I have always wondered if that is standard procedure for surgery when you have the tumor on the tongue and goes along with the neck dissection. Does anyone know? I didn't even realize that the submandibular was a large salivary gland that was removed until I went for my second opinion. I assume he removed it because there was some chance that the cancer had spread there?