I hate pain meds too but you will need meds for the pain. Don't put yourself through unneccesary torture. I got of them after I got out of the hospital though. Accupuncture really helped with my pain management/ nausea etc. I went to a clinic associated with the UCSF Cancer Center which was great. I didn't have to go back on the meds until towards the end of my chemo and radiation. Then I got off them again completely about 2 months later.

The fentynyl patch was the best for taking the edge off the pain. I could function SO much better on it because it doesn't make you tired and spaced out like the other pain meds (vicodin percacet dillodid etc). I was in so much pain before my surgery it was the only thing that really helped me.

Anyways- if they take alot of your tongue don't get discouraged - everything will turn out OK. They have to take what they have to take for clean margins.