My husband just had about 1/3 of his tongue removed and a free forearm flap repair in July. His least favorite part was the tracheotomy after the surgery which was in for a couple of weeks. They followed surgery with radiation and chemo which we finished in September.

It was hard (really, really hard some days) but, the swelling is coming down now and he is speaking and eating well. Some taste is coming back too. His speech is different, but I have no trouble understanding him. He takes longer to eat than he used to as well.

I know when you are looking ahead it seems overwhelming, but just take it one day at a time...and sometimes one hour at a time. Soon you will be looking back at it and on you way to recovery.