Lgh, There are two lingual nerves (left and right). If the nerve was removed then that side of her tongue would lose mobility. Taste may also be affected. The other half of the tongue will take care of things pretty well. In other words she probably won't have problems with that.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.