Hi Laurie,
I’ve just joined, and so thankful I have found this forum. I was diagnosed in May 2021 with tongue cancer. Surgery, lymph nodes removed, graphs, half of tongue removed. I did have to go through 6 weeks of radiation which ended August 30th, 2021. I still have to eat puréed foods, or drink smoothies and protein drinks to reach my daily calories. I did not think it would take this long to be able to eat normal (cannot manipulate food with tongue, and still not easy to chew. Possibly due to radiation)? Areas of my neck are still numb, and tight, and my surgeon said as of a couple days ago, that everything is looking good. I have retained a positive attitude, and keep thinking that ‘normal’ will come soon.

In regards to friends/relatives, I have two brothers who have really distanced themselves from me since my surgery. They may not know what to say or do, but I have gotten past that. It’s important to focus on yourself, and find one positive/happy thing per day to get you through. You can do it!