Hi Dan......My husband(also named Dan) had stage 4 tonsil cancer, it was inside the tonsil into three nodes.
He used vaseline, no pain and easy to apply, I also had him put on some neosporin at times.
His bottom lip healed in about 3 weeks.
Did you have your bottom lip cut into? I forget what it is called, My husband had the lip cut and jaw broke so they could get the tonsil out in one piece. Mandola something or another.
Good Luck and I am glad you are home!!

Sherrie