My speech is OK sometimes, and other times not so much. I notice that if I am tired my speech is worse - it's almost like a lisp. Also, when I am out in the dry air it seems to effect my speech as well. I have been back to work since November of 2009, and I communicate pretty well. Sometimes talking on the phone can be a problem.
I do agree with espressochick's observations. I friggin' hate my cancer, too! I had someone say that they looked upon their cancer as an adventure, but I look at it as a pain in the you know what!

Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.