Susan,
Thank you for your reply. I am encouraged by all of those who have had surgery and still are able to talk. Time will tell what my results will be, but I am trying hard to stay optimistic. I will mention the liquid pain medication when I go in for my surgery. I will also make sure to bring up exercises with the surgeon during follow up. Thank you for taking a moment to reach out, I will keep this thread updated with questions/results.

Thanks,
Sara

42 years old, past smoker and social drinker
Lesion on left lateral of tongue identified and biopsied August 2016
Incisional biopsy outpatient surgery scheduled October 31, 2018
All biopsy results have been negative for cancer