I’m wishing you the best island girl. I can’t comment to your question as I was stage IV and didn’t undergo surgery.
Stay positive and keep a survivor attitude!
Jody

Hi @islandgirl63 I understand "scared" as most of us here on Connect have similar experiences with cancer and the surgeries involved. As I understand for the tongue, the tissue is often replaced from elsewhere on your body such as the forearm. All of this of course will lead to many changes in your normal life and routine. However, this is not a unique surgery so there is plenty of help out there. You need only to ask. I encourage you to start your own discussion here on Connect, which can be as simple as a question such as "How do I deal with this recovery from cancer of the tongue"?
Sir Winston often said "Courage." I second that sentiment. Worry won't change a thing. Tough times never last but tough people do. All good phrases to remember.
When are you scheduled for a this surgery?

Hi @islandgirl63,
I was diagnosed with Tongue cancer on my left side of my mouth on March 1, 2024, and had a left partial glossectomy with a radical forearm free flap surgery on April 3, 2024. It also included a modified radical neck dissection taking out some lymph nodes. This one was not caused by HPV and was most likely from too much radiation from my first cancer which was on my left tonsil (2008) as it is literally adjacent to it.

As others have said here is get a second opinion and make sure it is from a cancer clinic. In addition, I would choose the nose feeding tube which is temporary 10-14 days and get a swallowing/speech therapist now. You will also have to be very aware of the higher chances of getting aspiration pneumonia and lymphedema after the surgery.

Best of luck on your journey.