JJ-
Your experience so far sounds similar to mine. My tumor was under the right side of my tongue. I had a biopsy done by an oral surgeon. The margins weren't clear, and he referred me to an otolaryngologist (ENT oncologist)who did further surgery on my tongue and floor of my mouth. The area was grafted with Alloderm so I wouldn't be tongue tied. The graft is incredible. He stitched a bolus (packing) over the graft to protect it. The bolus was like a pillow between my tongue and the floor of my mouth. It wasn't bad... I could talk, eat a full liquid diet, swallow, etc with it in. It was removed one week after surgery along with the drains from the neck dissection.

My tumor was small, the lymph nodes came back all clear. I was staged T1,N0,M0 so I did not have radiation. I see the ENT every other month for a check, so far all has gone well. My next appointment is in March, after that visit he will schedule chest xray, ct and lab.

As someone who had it relatively easy, I have to say healing took a long time. It was frustrating to have difficulty talking, and I still tire of talking and sound different when I am tired. Pain was tolerable with liquid roxycodone the first two weeks I was home, I was able to take lortab after that. I was off work for four weeks, worked half time for 3 weeks, three quarter time for 1 week, then full time as tolerated. Some weeks I made it all week, others I would take off a day mid week to catch up. I had a ton of sick leave, had never used any of it in 15 years, so I didn't push myself too hard. I am glad I took the time to heal, I am also glad to be back to work in my "new normal."

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,
Lisa