What is recovery like after tongue cancer surgery and treatment?

Recovery from tongue surgery can vary significantly depending on the extent of the procedure, but many community members have shared that having a clear understanding of what to expect helps with the emotional preparation. The medical team will walk through all the specifics about reconstruction options, feeding tubes if needed, and the timeline for any additional treatments, as each situation is unique. This waiting period is incredibly challenging, especially with visible changes happening, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about processing what lies ahead - many others in this community have found strength in sharing their experiences and supporting each other through similar journeys.

I see you posted this in May, so I hope you got your surgery and beginning to heal. I had a partial glossectomy and reconstruction 14 months ago. It’s interesting that tongues actually grow (heal). The first one I had removed was just at the oral dental surgeon. He cut it out and left it. About 15 years later, as soon as I first saw the tiny lesion, I knew what it was. I had 2/3 of the bottom of the left side of my tongue removed. He reconstructed using tissue from the bottom of my mouth. I had stitches from the top of my tongue to almost my throat. I don’t think there is anything anybody could tell you that would make a huge difference in what you should expect but I sure do wish somebody had told me basically anything. All our experiences are different. The one thing I can say for sure is that the good days do start outnumbering the bad ones. My biggest struggle right now is food. Nothing tastes the same. Many things just taste like salt and chemicals. I still can’t chew on that side of my mouth because it doesn’t really work right. Textures are really weird and I have to force myself through the first few bites of everything. But I’m still here. I’m still spending time with my grandkids. That’s much better than the alternative. Hang in there.