@kamrin I think pain meds are completely up to the patient and doctor. Personally I prefer not to take any addictive meds for more than two or three days, resorting to OTC such as ibuprofen.
We all face pain differently. I don't mind some discomfort as long as I can get some rest whilst others want no pain whatsoever. With TORS, likely less invasive so likely less pain over a long period of time seems to be the general rule.
Nervous? That is human. Sometimes when we must go though hell, we should go quickly. We take life as it comes and we hope and pray for the best. Sometimes life is beyond our control. Courage. In a month hopefully this is all behind you.
And by the way, Welcome to Connect and our Head and Neck group.

@kamrin I had it in October 2024 and really didn’t take much. The pain wasn’t really that bad believe it or not. It was just a challenge to eat for the first few weeks. It wasn’t from pain but from the chocking feeling. I started with mashed potatoes, oatmeal, soup, etc. watermelon was really my friend for two weeks (a little food but it kept me hydrated). Mine was for a base of toungue tumor. Not much problem eating now but the food can kind of “sit in the divot” that was left so having a liquid to use after chewing is needed at times. Luckily I did not need and chemo or radiation and just had another PET scan and all was clear. Gods speed to you!

@kamrin I had TORS surgery for base of tongue SCC. The first few days after surgery were rough and I did take Oxy to relieve the pain and High dose Tynel which I alternated. I winged off the Oxy after 10 days with no issues. I found it very difficult to even swallow a pill and Eating was out of the question . However, Today 2 years out I am back to 95%. Hang in there it will not be a fun few months but you will be back soon. God Speed.