Thank you Darrell.
I will be very interested to know what this rubber device is. I am told that I cannot have a bridge due to the damage it will cause to existing healthy teeth. I am not sure if we have these items you mention here in the UK, but if you can find out what it is called I can ask my surgeon.

Debbie T, from Southampton, UK. Cancer of tongue - stage 2(diagnosed 04/03). 45% tongue removed and reconstructed from left forearm, plus radical neck dissection (06/03). All followed by 33 sessions of radiotherapy (ended 09/03). Diagnosed at 43. Non -smoker, social drinker, don't know why!