Having had the same surgeries, I know that the majority of posters here will never truly understand just how hard you have it. I know I thought I did the first time around, but it wasn't until after I was left with an unresponsive tongue made of wrist skin, a petrified neck and left arm weakness that I realized I had had no idea of just how bad this all feels.
For what it is worth, the taste did come back almost fully on one side of my tongue around a year after surgery. Not much comfort to me as I can't swallow so have to spit out the teeny tiny portion I taste then spend half hour trying to get it out of my mouth and off my teeth. But if you can eat, you will probably be able to enjoy taste again with what's left of your tongue.
Glad you are starting the anti-depressants and hope they work for you. Take a look at our coping with anger/fear forum and the thread: "don't you just hate it" for some comic relief. I'd be surprised if you don't recognize some of the complaints.
As for being a realist, I always agreed with Lily Tomlin
[quote]Reality is a crutch for people who can't cope with drugs.[/quote]and Jane Wagner [quote]Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it.[/quote]
Charm