Hi Cathy, Kris had a total Laryngectomy too, so he has no voice box. This makes speech much more difficult. But he does talk. his family and close friend understand him, but for strangers it is like listening to a very thick accent and they don't get it . Many don't even try.
With only a total Glossectomy speech is much more understandable as you still have your voice box.
Yes, he tastes, and this has developed more as time has passed. Does he enjoy food? Not especially, but he has never been a foodie like me. But, yes, he does enjoy tasting . Different drinks, soups, blended foods. As he has no voice box he has no sense of smell either, which doesn't help. You will be able to smell.
You will get through this,
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!