If you end up needing surgery, get a referral for a Speech-Language Pathologist who has experience with head and neck cancer and have a pre-surgical consult. He/she will be privvy to the surgical plan and be able to tell you what to expect and give you some exercises and tips to see you through the surgery portion - then afterwards, if necessary, you're already hooked up with someone who knows you, your case and your goals to help you get back to where you need to be!

Best of luck Coach!