Thank you so much for answering so fast - Ineed a sounding board or someone who has gone thru tis!! -- When I left the hospital I still have a trach because of immedint swelling. I have a apt with the surgeon Tues the 21st. Also they did a swallow test before I left and could not swallow. My tongue was taken from my forearm, it is still so large in my mouth and I can swallow some spit and even a little sip of water but with difficulty. So it is to keep my nutrition up. I can't wait o be able to at least swallow -- they want me to have a swallow test before the attempt! -- Did you have a free flap? - How long before eating? - I still talk thru trach but I can talk some but with swelled tongue it is hard. I wonder if I will be more legible in my speaxch and when - I am not rushing, just want to see into my future?