Hi claire, welcome and sorry you have to be here. I too had a tumor on the left side of my tongue. Had a partial glossectomy with a reconstruction of my tongue with skin from my wrist - your's doesn't sound that involved so it is likely smaller - mine was 2.5 cm with a depth of 1.5 cm. I also had a neck dissection and nodes removed - I don't know how many but i will find out today as I have my post op appointment - the surgery was upwards of 10 hours because of the reconstruction but healing went well. My neck and shoulder are still a little stiff and my range of motion is still somewhat limited but I've had no real pain. Mostly numbness. for the most part the neck dissection has been the least of my issues - the scar on my wrist is just nasty not really painful - just ugly - and since you will be avoiding this you'll be fine. It may take a month or two to recover but you are young and that's in your favor. I am 3.5 weeks post op and feeling better daily. Best of luck with your surgery.