Vin, I too have numbness on one side of my tongue and that side of my mouth. It has been that way since a surgery to remove a large tumor from the area where wisdom teeth are. It has not changed in five years, but I have become so used to it that I no longer consider it a problem.

Like Jim, the nerves were rearranged to the point where dentists have no idea where to start the numbing process. I also have some painful flossing areas, but at 5 years out, I am so happy to be alive and having a great time with no limitations that I just consider it the price I paid for what I have now.

Another OC survivor and I once sat down to make a list of all the ways in which we were changed physically. It was hard to do because we both feel so normal, not "new normal" but pre-cancer normal. I write about this because it just takes time to get used to changes, and then adapt in whatever manner may be necessary, then just get on with life.

If it turns out that your wife's numbness is permanent, please assure her that when some time has passed, it will become much less irritating. If she would like to talk to me, send a message through this site and I will be happy to call.