I have stage 4 tongue cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) & underwent a hemiglossectomy of the right side of my tongue back in December. I'm also 43. Non smoker. Light drinker. My cancer developed from a white lesion on the bottom of my tongue (oral lichen planus).

A third of my tongue was removed because of a tumor growing on the side. My tongue was reconstructed with donor muscle tissue from my forearm. A skin graft from my bicep covered the donor site. A feeding tube in my nose is how I got nutrition. Lymph nodes were also removed on the same side with 1 of them testing positive for cancer (hence the stage 4 metastasis).

I spent 5 or 6 days in the hospital after surgery with a tracheostomy tube for breathing & was unable to talk (resorting to writing on an erase board) until the tube came out on the last day. Then I had to cover the hole to talk.

I spent 2 and half weeks in a rehab home choosing to stay there until the feeding tube came out. I then went home for a few weeks to fatten up for phase 2 of treatment: radiation & chemotherapy. Which I'm undergoing right now.

Almost a third of the way done. I'm scheduled for 30 radiation sessions & 3 rounds of chemo. I've completed 8 sessions & 1 round of chemo as of this posting.

Now as for your concerns regarding a lisp, your speech will improve over time as your tongue swelling goes down. You should also have speech & tongue exercises to do, which will help with clarity. Most people can understand me when I talk. I do have weakness on the right side of my mouth because of nerves being moved around, but my surgeon expects it to get better with time & exercises.