[quote=morgan44]I've been told that surgery could involve removal of a third of my tongue, and I should be prepared to need speech therapy among other possible repercussions that, frankly, are worse options than radiation/chemo. [/quote]

My dad had a left partial glossectomy (about half of tongue removed, remaining folded to construct) along with SND followed by Chemo-Radiation. For him surgery was much easier than radiation/chemo.

It took a whole year to recover from Radiation and now he has to undergo treatment again for recurrent disease.

Trust your doctor and let them do what they feel is right for you. Sharing your experience helps other to plan or probably ask their doctors.