I'm sure he would have mentioned your throat if it was something untoward. Sounds like full-on surgery with trache and grafts. Your tongue will probably be built up with a flap so, yes, there will still be a tongue:)

Wishing you all the best for the surgery.

1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.