I had mine taken out in November. Felt like they were ripping my insides out with it!! I have a significant little scar there (my kids call it my second belly button). But my doc just had me keep it clean and covered. I didn't have any problems with infection or anything. In fact I traveled internationally three days after having it removed and had no trouble....

best of luck

Age 41 - Stage 2 SCC tongue Dx 2/06. Cisplatin x3, IMRT x35. Mets to neck node discovered 7/07. RND 40 nodes removed, margins not clear. Cisplatin, Taxotere, 5-FU Fall 07, then IMXT/Erbitux for 7 wks. Inoperable mets to both lungs and pleura Dx Oct'08. 4 cycles Carboplatin, Erbitux, 5-FU so far.