Another update for my adoring public:
Today the pain levels were down--I feel basically like I have strep throat, so I can manage. I haven't taken any pain medication since 10:30 this morning and I'm doing mostly fine. I felt well enough to go to the grocery store and buy some Spaghetti-O's with meatballs. I can eat a couple bites at a time, but too many and my throat starts to really hurt. I still don't have complete functionality in my tongue; I've been chewing gum a lot, since that seems to give it a workout. The good news is I can do a clear uvular trill, so my French skills just improved a tiny notch.