Hello again.
I do not think that information on speaking is correct.
Kris has also had his entire tongue removed. Our team always told us he would speak again. He does speak.
An Electrolarynx does not work in this type of patient. But a TEP does have value. This was inserted 6 months post surgery to give the tissues time to heal. Kris was able to make sound immediately this was inserted. He then worked with a speech therapist to help him get clearer speech. We understand about 90% of what he says and this method of speech has proved invaluable for us both. Yes, sometimes he does resort to pen and paper, but mostly he speaks. It is gravelly and gurgly, but it works.
Do ask the team specifically about the TEP for the future.
Is your Mum being treated at a Comprehensive Cancer Centre? A CCC? These hospitals have the experience of dealing with complicated patients like your Mum on a daily basis and research proves that they have better outcomes and quality of life for their Patients.
I would not be happy if the team said speech would not be possible. It most definitely is.
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!