Hi Khushi
I remember those days all too well. I drank lots of soup--provided everything in it was mushed beyond recognition. I also lived for a while pre-surgery on nutrition drinks (Boost, Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast) for quite a while. I also used them a lot after surgery before I was fully back on "grown up" food. Tell him to avoid spices, and make sure that whatever he eats is as wet as possible. I quit coffee for a while before my surgery and switched to chai (or what passes for chai here in America), and replaced cow milk with soy milk. Also, I know it's difficult to keep your teeth clean in a situation like this, but he should use the smallest, softest toothbrush he can find (like a baby's toothbrush) and rinse thoroughly but delicately.
For the alleviation of his pain, there's not much I can tell you. I was seen in a free clinic and the strongest they could give me was Vicodin and tranquilizers. He should discuss that with his doctor.
The prospect of losing your tongue--even part of it--is scary as hell. I was one of the extremely lucky ones. All I needed was surgery. I am now cancer free three years after the lower left side of my mouth was rather drastically reconstructed. The left side of my tongue, along with the floor of my mouth on that side, was removed and replaced with a filet from my right arm (hair and all).
I hope that everything goes well with your friend.
Howdilly doodilly, survivorinos!
