@jadwyer They operated on the small palate through his mouth but also slit his throat to pull out all the lymph nodes to be sure nothing was left behind. Throat scar has healed very well. Yes, he speaks well, but they warned it would be more nasal voice and it is more nasal (due to the 2 cm hole in the back of his mouth) . Hopefully the device will stop the aspiration with liquids and from what they say will help correct the more nasal sound. What is frustrating is when drinks more than small sips some of the liquid runs down his nose, therefore won't drink anything without having a paper towel nearby.....Hoping your surgery goes well!