Hi @earlenhaven

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. This one was not caused by HPV and was most likely from too much radiation from my first cancer (tonsil- 2008) as it is literally adjacent to it. That being said, I too had a lot of excess salvia/mucus but with Swallowing/ Speech Therapy and specialized Head & Neck PT, it definitely helped some and now that I am over 2 yrs. out and it is way better, however, still get some occasional if talking a lot and I don't keep my head level or up.

In addition, I chose 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. I ended up in the ICU for 7 days 2-3 months later for having Aspiration Pneumonia- took 7 liters of infection out of my lung cavity.

I honestly don't remember much pain as at most I took only Advil or Tylenol and that was enough. I went out on disability at work for 32 weeks as I have to talk for the majority of my occupation.

You will get better.
Best,
Rob

@earlenhaven, do you have your treatment plan now? What's next for you?

@earlenhaven my pain was beyond painfull with tounge cancer,was on heavy pain meds for 2 months until Surgery. I was also concerned about added pain after.My doctor told me the pain from surgery will be a relief. She was right!!!! Nothing like before. Didn't need pain meds just Tylenol.