I have a friend who had the same surgery about three years ago. At his best he can whisper, but there is no sign of cancer ever since. It was a hard journey, they will push you away, say hurtful things (they don't mean them, they just don't want you to be around to see how angry, hurt, in denial they are). I will pray for you all that you will have wonderful results as well. A whisper is better than a chalkboard, but a chalkboard is better than the alternative because at least they are still with you, which they will be!
love, hugs and prayers,
Shannon