Hello Nocam, I am pleased that you have not completely discounted surgery. Of course, said surgery would depend entirely on where your cancer is and extends to.
Kris used the speakit app on his iPad for communication for the first 8 months postop.
He now has a TEP ( trains oesophageal puncture ) prosthesis. In essence this is a 1 way valve that sits between the trachea and the oesophagus. The user blocks the tracheal hole on the neck and breathes out through the valve and sound is made. This has made a huge difference. Of course, not having a tongue does make speech more difficult, but, I understand most of what he says. Most of the time his speech is relatively clear. Maybe the fact that I live with him enables me to understand better than others. But it's early days yet. Otherwise Kris is doing great. He goes to the gym 3 days a week, weight is stable, he swallows all his nutrition and he is taking over the yard chores again. ( though I do a neater job ) Life is good, different, but good.
Don't let the thought of this type of surgery not be an option if it will be a lifesaver.
I sincerely wish that you do quickly find the answers you are looking for, whatever that may be,
Tammy