The first surgery they took about half of my tongue - left side- and did a flap - using my left thigh (new technique instead of using arm tissue). I too have my tonge tied down somewhere near the gum on the left side. My second surgery they could not do a flap as they could not tether the tongue on both sides so they removed about 3/8ths of what was left and just did a skin graft - right side this time.

I call people who stick their tongues out, lick envelopes and whistle 'SHOW OFFS". All of those things are in my past. I was able to save my bottom front 8 teeth and through my dental plan I was able to get them crowned - one or two a year through my dental plan. Having these means I can wear an upper denture (although I have no back teeth) but they are good "company teeth". I do not wear them at home, nor do I wear them when I eat. My speech now would be similar to someone who is deaf. This has produced some extremely funny moments. Because I have the upper denture they were able to add a piece to my denture to allow what is left of my tongue to touch my upper palate and make certain sounds - previously impossible.

Sounds to me your husband should be able to get an upper denture? I've never looked into it but I doubt I can get a lower denture - but given technology these days - who knows - maybe a partial is possible. As your CancerCare who they work with for dental issues. Ours is linked to the University of Manitoba and it was one of the professors there that created my speech aide for my denture. You never know what help is out there until you ask!

Good luck. Its really amazing what you can get used to!


Donna