I had a neck dissection as well, and didn't think that it was nearly as bad as the radiation and chemo. I also had a good part of my tongue removed. Right now, my teeth are my most annoying problems, and I do have some eating issues. And, yes, I do lisp a bit. You have come to the right place for support. These people here are amazing!

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.