Welcome, Gail. I cannot answer even one of your questions, but I am sure there will be someone here who can. Keep checking back. A couple of weeks ago I read about a tongue transplant, which seems to be successful, so there is always that option down the road (grin). If we live long enough, there will be a cure for whatever ails us. Stay strong, Gail. You won the first round, and I am sure you will survive this in good shape too.
Joanna