I had a partial glossectomy with free flap reconstruction 5 weeks ago. I spent 7 days in the hospital, 6 of which were in ICU and then I went to a rehab facility for 3 weeks because we were not comfortable dealing with my feeding tube, tracheostomy and wound care on my arm at home. I had the feeding tube and trach for just short of a month and then I came home. My tongue is still very very swollen which makes speaking and eating quite difficult. I can swallow fine with liquids and soft foods, but my tongue gets in the way when trying to eat anything more solid. I am pureeing some foods which is hit or miss. Two days ago I saw my swallowing therapist who gave me several exercises to do every day and wants 1/4 of each meal now to be a "challenge" - something not pureed. The swelling could take months to reduce to where it should be and this is what is most frustrating to me. There is very little pain in my tongue, but it just feels uncomfortable like there is a foreign object in my mouth that shouldn't be there.