Dear Doreen and James, Don't know that John's situation will be of much help to yall, but his surgery involved removing a chunk[that's a medical term-don't ya know]which shortened his tongue 1 to 2 inches we think. It will no longer lift so we are guessing that it is sutured down also. John is finally getting up his nerve to ask the surgeon just exactly what he did, so maybe we will know more next week. Swallowing was easier for him a week after surgery than it is now after rad #18. Now he is having a difficult time. We'll just have to wait and see. I encourage you to stay in touch with this forum. It is the place to be for encouragement and support. Amy