Welcome to Connect @lyndal. My father had that same surgery back in the early 90s when it was considered a new procedure. He recovered well from it, but it was a tough time. Others on this link have also had that surgery if you check through the list. Do you have a stomach tube for nutrition or are you able to take liquids and soft diet orally? I don't remember how long my dad had his stomach tube after surgery. Will you have any followup radiation or chemo?
I have metastatic squamous cell carcinoma but from ear canal origin, not oral. For 12 years I have had treatment at Mayo Clinic Rochester MN and feel blessed to be alive today. My last met was treated with a newer immunotherapy drug infusions for two years and has been controlled for 3 years now. There are new treatments now that were not available 30 years ago for my dad.
How is your recovery going?