Totally agree ! Even though I had a clear CT... And MRI - my dr. Said ND and hemiglossectory - I was happy to have it done... And they found one lymph node involve despited 2 clear scans. Time between original diagnosis and surgery 6 weeks! The MRI and my surgery were 3-4 weeks apart. The node was there before the MRI as I could palpate it before hand And my original path was well differentiated (told now it is well to moderate). All in all I'm glad I had the ND - you never know... And definitely better safe than sorry. I'm 6 weeks post op yesterday and my neck is numb, but far less stiff than it was - I have probably 80 percent range of motion back in both my arm/shoulder and neck. Tongue is still a little swollen but I'm eating well, and t,d, and s are my trouble lettlers but once the swelling goes away it should improve.

It's not an easy surgery but a lot of people here have gone through it. My diagnosis was similar to yours...

Sorry you have to be here but its a great support network.

Take care and good luck with whatever you decide.