my mother had lichen planus that also developed into cancer.
in her first surgery they removed a part of her tongue as well as lymph nodes - she was able to talk again but never regained her normal voice. she also had a trach and suciton machine. the suction machine we only had to use for a couple of weeks after surgery. i think the trach stayed in for at least 3 or 4 months. i wouldnt rush to take that out - in case something happens and you have to go back to the hospital, its good to have that in (not to scare you, just being honest)