My cancer was stage IV as well, starting with my tongue as also spreading to my lymph nodes. A little less than half my tongue was removed and also the lymph nodes. I had my surgery about one week after diagnosis on a Wednesday and went home on Saturday. Will he have radiation and chemo as well? I actually had more problems w/the radiation and chemo than I did with the surgery. The surgeon gave me a prescription for pain to take at home (liquid) I had pain but it was manageable. Good luck to your husband. I am glad you found this site. I wish that I had found it when I was going through my treatments.

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.