Kathleen,

My mother had surgery similar to your mom's in July 2002, came through the surgery well, and is now doing fine. You can't even tell that a part of her tongue is missing, nor does she notice it. She did not have any major problems eating nor with her speech. (Her doctors used artificial skin for the graft.)

The neck dissection was the easiest part of it all, according to my mother.

Best wishes to your Mum. We will be thinking about her!

P.S. As has been mentioned elsewhere in the forum, Xanax is helpful, both for the patient and the caregiver!