Welcome to OCF! Im sorry to hear about your husband! You are in the best place for up to date, correct medical info and support.
I have seen many of our members who have had partial glossectomies speak after their surgery. Those with a full glossectomy and laryngetomy arent as fortunate. With the voice box removed it takes away the ability to speak using vocal cords. Your husband may need an obturator which is a mouth prostethis used to cover a hole in his palate. Your husband might be able to speak using esophageal speech, I dont know if this would be possible. The Web Whispers organization has more info on this. I also would ask your husbands doctor. One important thing to remember is everyone is different. Every patient is an individual and will respond in their own way to medications, medical procedures and recovery.
Patients recovering from a full glossectomy/laryngectomy can have a long road. Many have considerable swelling and pain. Theres also the mental aspect to coping with such a major lifestyle change. Many patients will benefit from having a professional help them come to terms with finding their new normal. Ive included a couple links at the bottom you may find helpful.
As a caregiver, you also have a very difficult task. Make sure to take time for yourself even if its just a walk around the block to clear your head. You may find its helpful to read thru hundreds of posts related to what your husband has been thru.
Best wishes to both you and your husband.
Main OCF site --- Understanding Oral Cancer, complications of treatment Web Whispers 
