Susan

Yes, I think he meant that was standard for base of tongue. But don't be too hasty on the surgery. I am proof that you can always do that later if need be. As for the comment that the location is bad, what he probaby meant is what every one of my doctors, the RO, MO and ENT (even the Plastic surgeon who did the flap) were very clear about: that while they were very very good at taking a tongue and base of tongue apart to get at the cancer, they were not so good at putting it all back together. But again, surgery might not be needed.
Sloan will give you their recommended treatment