Hi Tonya,

Just wanted you and David to know that talking without a tongue is possible! I had a total glossectomy, left and right neck dissection in July of 2003. I also had a feeding tube and a trach. I had both of these removed after 8 1/2 months and also worked with a speech therapist once a week for about 4 months. I have a palatal drop mouth prosthesis which helps me to speak pretty darn clear! I work full-time and people seem to understand me just fine. Although eating is a challenge, it's very doable as I'm able to eat just about anything I set my mind to (chicken, steak, seafood, pasta, etc.). So all in all I just wanted you and David to know that it is possible to eat and speak after extensive surgery to the tongue. I won't kid you, it's a long, hard and often rocky road but it's very doable with some determination. Tell David to hang in there, it does get better!

Hugs, Nancy