Hi Susie,
Sorry I missed your post before. I had a total laryngectomy and left neck dissection in August 2001 at Univ. of Penna hospital. Surgery was also my only option as I had had 36 rad treatments in 1997 for an unknown primary. I can actually eat much better since the surgery since I no longer choke on food and nothing can go down the wrong pipe. My voice box was removed but I have a TEP and speak very well. I had no tongue involvement. My tumor was on the larynx. I was lucky and they didn't have to take any veins from my arm as I have no flap. While I can no longer go swimming or sing, the surgery hasn't had any real impact on my normal life, but mine was quite successful. I know several people with failed TEPs. If I were given a choice between a partail and never eating again or a total and being able to eat, I would opt for the later, but everyone and every operation is different. It might be a question you want to ask the doctor. He may not know exactly what he has to remove until he gets in there to do it.

Take care,
Eileen