Hi Delly, you are correct. The tongue flap is just to fill the space. It is sewn into the floor of the mouth. It is not connected to anything else. So, it doesn't move and it doesn't taste. The good news is that we have taste"buds" all over our mouths and the roof of the mouth. Kris is still able to taste, although it is not very strong. But he does taste.
I think your Dad is doing great. He will soon be home. How fantastic are you guys to brighten up his home.
Tammy.

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!