Hello!! I am a dental hygienist who has worked with a very courageous woman over the last few years who had her entire tongue removed over 10 years ago. She is able to speak, with some difficulty, and has lived with this for the past 10 years. I encourage your son to speak to a specialist--however overwhelming the outcome may seem. Time is crucial, as you already know. I do cancer screenings on every patient I see since I met this woman. She has made me so much more aware of the reality of oral cancer!!
I wish your entire family Godspeed!!
T. Hall