Free flap surgery (release surgery) after partial glossectomy

Posted by jeffvalvassori @jeffvalvassori, Aug 21, 2025

I had a partial glossectomy to remove squamous cell carcinoma from my tongue and then 30 radiation treatments almost 2 years ago. I’m talking with my surgeon about release surgery ( free flap ) and wondering if anyone can share their experience

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jeffvalvassori | @jeffvalvassori | Nov 2, 2025

In reply to @zenren14 "@sandy8043 I was given a choice in thigh or forearm. Just to clarify, you had both?" + (show)

@zenren14 I haven’t had the surgery yet. And I’m definitely worried about having it. I have to make the choice of staying where I’m at with everything… speech, swallow, chewing, opening my mouth, etc.. I’m going to go for the surgery likely in January. But my understanding is that they use forearm muscle to replace the tissue in my mouth and then they take tissue from my leg to repair the donor location of my forearm. I’m definitely Full of Anxiety just thinking about basically starting over again but this time the entire process should theoretically go easier because they’re replacing radiated tissue with healthy non radiated tissue.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 2, 2025

In reply to @zenren14 "@sandy8043 I was given a choice in thigh or forearm. Just to clarify, you had both?" + (show)

@zenren14 Yes, both. The forearm went to my mouth and the thigh went to patch my forearm. It worked great for me. ,

jeffvalvassori | @jeffvalvassori | Nov 3, 2025

In reply to @sandy8043 "I had the flap surgery at the same time I had the surgery for my tongue..." + (show)

@sandy8043 did the tongue reconstruction help with speech.. proper annunciation.. being able to speak relatively normal ?

zenren14 | @zenren14 | Nov 3, 2025

Hi @jeffvalvassori @sandy8043

If I may chime in. Working with an SLP is a benefit. They will provide exercises to help with speech. I follow thru with them everyday. It's a tedious act but over time it works if you work it.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 5, 2025

In reply to @jeffvalvassori "@sandy8043 did the tongue reconstruction help with speech.. proper annunciation.. being able to speak relatively normal..." + (show)

@jeffvalvassori My speech is pretty good most days. Everyone says they have no trouble understanding me. It takes more energy to say some sounds/ words. But there are days when my tongue feels swollen and my speech is difficult. The first time it happened I felt defeated. My surgeon explained that this will come and go and not to worry about it. He was right. Over the 2 years I've had bad times usually lasting a day or two. But the more you talk the better your speech gets. Keep up with your tongue exercises.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 5, 2025

In reply to @zenren14 "Hi @jeffvalvassori @sandy8043 If I may chime in. Working with an SLP is a benefit. They..." + (show)

@zenren14 You are right about the exercises. Once my swallowing, eating, and speaking were good I pretty much stopped the exercises. WRONG! I've restarted and every day I stretch my tongue and try to regain its full movement. Wish I had not stopped but I'm making progress.