Hi Carol, I too could speak well after surgery, it was the radiation that caused a lot of pain for me, I couldn't speak, eat or hardly drink. Things do get better tho....I will be praying for you and your sister. I am so sorry she has to go thru all of this.....God Bless, Carol

Diagnosed May 2002 with Stage IV tongue cancer, two lymph nodes positive. Surgery to remove 1/2 tongue, neck dissection, 35 radiation treatments. 11/2007, diagnosed with cancer of soft palate, surgery 12/14/07, jaw split. 3/24/10, cancer on tongue behind flap, need petscan, surgery scheduled 4/16/10
---update passed away 8-27-11---