Kymmi,

Welcome to the forum. Glad your surgery went well and your recovery is going well. As Brian said, would be good to understand any followup treatment they plan. I had a very similar diagnosis and surgery in April of 2020. They found cancer in one node but it was still inside the node. They recommended and I received radiation to my mouth and neck areas to kill all the remaining cancer. I received 30 radiation treatments totally 60 Gray Units to my mouth/tongue. They waited about 7-8 weeks after my surgery so I had time to gain back some weight and strength.

General note on surgery vs radiation. I found recovery from surgery to be faster than that from radiation. I felt noticeable improvement from surgery nearly every day. But, after radiation ended, I had to learn to judge my recovery in weeks and months. I still, 2+ years later, have some flavors that are whacky. I can eat most everything but nothing too spicy and alcohol tastes bad. And due to radiation treatment, I have many dental issues, cavities, crowns, root canals, receding gums, slow recovery to damage on gums, etc. Majorly worth it for the statistical recurrence improvements my oncologist quoted but still good to share.

Also, I suggest you insist a doctor answer all your questions. I used to keep a written list of questions for all my doctors visits (daily rounds in the hospital, follow ups, etc). I also kept that book next to me and learned to write down every question as they popped into my mind and I would have a good list for every face to face.

Stay safe and keep the faith.

Nels