For what it`s worth, I had total laryngectomy, total glossectomy, subtotal mandibulectomy. bilateral modified radical neck dissection, pectoral muscle flap, and last, but not least, fibular free flap reconstrution..........in surgery about 16 hrs........by then my bp was low, and microsurgery was posponed........the following day, I was awake and alert, spent 3 days in ICU, and was ready for discharge in 7 days. The night before surgery was the hardest on both of us, because we knew I would never speak again.............I have surgery coming up on the 30th, cause I`m still a work in progress...........My surgery was in Boston and my wife couldn`t be with me..........as a Buddhist, she hung onto her rosary all day, and burned incense........she`s already laid in 500 sticks for my next adventure......and the reconstruction stuff does take a lot longer than removing everything........My or record is mindboggling............and I think partners should also be sedated through the whole thing! We will keep you in our prayers