I also had the forearem free flap. Graph from my leg to cover the arm. I am now almost a year and a half out from treatment. I can speak very close to normally. It is still hard to chew some things, but can eat close to normally. I think it would be even better if I had saliva. Still hasn't come back from radiation. I too am pleased with the results as said in the previous post. My surgeon also said to be aggresive. We were going for the cure. Just remember to take one step at a time. Things really do get better, it just may take a little longer than you had hoped. I really live just about like I did before the big C hit my life.