Hi Bette, I had about 60% of my oral tongue removed (including a small part of my base and half of the tip). It was probably about 9 days about before I was able to be somewhat understood, but still continued to use the dry erase board for the first 2 weeks. I understand Reggie's frustration, both of my parents need reading glasses yet never seem to have them on hand, so every time I wrote something they were always struggling to read it and would have to scramble to try and a pair of glasses... it was somewhat commical, but very frustrating when you are trying to communicate something quickly!

I was discharged from the hospital after 8 days, but had to stay locally for another week for daily check-ups. Those first few days in the hospital were by far the worst for me out of everything I went through during this ordeal. I would definitely recommend him getting on some anti-depressants, I never had taken any before and kind of felt like I didn't need them because the depression and fear i was feeling were completely rational; however, they helped a lot non-the-less!

Eating took a while to get good at, so you have to be patient. I remember the first several months after surgery I was constantly using my finger to move the food over to the "good" side of my mouth. Every now and then food will still get stuck, however, I feel like I can eat out in public and no one will notice I have any issues eating. I have to eat much much slower, but thats ok.

I know speech functioning and taste is different for everyone. My taste is back nearly 100%, as far as I can tell, and i'd say my speech is around 85%.

Anyway, you and your husband will be in my prayers!