"OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Hi... firstly there are people who've had total glossectomies who are able to eat via their mouth. It will take time and likely some training. Secondly the secretions are very normal. It's the body's way of dealing with the trauma of the surgery. He will take a while to heal, likely about 6 weeks then he will have to try and relearn how to eat and speak. There are a few members here who've had glossectomies or are family members of those who've had them. They will be along to try and answer some more questions. But for now it is very likely that he will be able to talk and eat again to what degree no one knows, maybe just soft foods maybe everything. His speech will probably be a little hard to understand but it should improve. It will just take time and therapy. Hugs and welcome.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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