Hi Nick. I had a free flap surgery in March of 07.I had almost all of my tongue removed and I'm doing well now. My tongue was rebuilt but it doesn't move. You tongue will and you will get most of your speech and taste back- will take a bit of rehab though. Another woman has stage one and the free flap and her speech is near perfect now- 6months out...Her tongue is still very swollen form radiation but its going down. Its a tough recovery- I won't lie but you will get through it... I can eat most everything and taste most everything. A lot of of taste has to do with your sense of smell-- which mine is very very strong..so I guess I'm lucky. It will take a while to recover and everyone's body is a little different but you will do great.

This disease spreads very very fast and is very difficult to control and or cure if it is left to metastisize which is why your Drs. want you to be aggressive. I don't mean to frighten you but the most aggressive treatment to eradicate the cancer from your body is the wisest choice.

Please contact me if you have questions!

Good luck with everythinga dn I'm so sorry you are going through this!