 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Dan, welcome to OCF! You have found a great resource to help you get thru this rough spell.
After having the glossectomy 8 days ago, swelling and numbness are completely normal. Most patients will have their swelling subside in a few weeks. If I had to pinpoint a timeframe, I would say expect to see significant improvement in about 4-6 weeks. It takes a long time to completely heal from this type of major surgery. As the swelling goes down you will also notice the other side effects dissipate. If you havent already sought out a speech pathologist, I would suggest you make an appointment. They will be able to help you with your speech and any other issues you may experience. I would also seek out a physical therapist to help with any range of motion issues you may have with the neck dissection.
Will you be having any other treatment?
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
