Disabled vet.....April of '97 I had a hemmiglossectomy (removed over 2/3 of my tongue) and a radical neck. Also had 38 radiation treatments along with 3 rounds or chemo and like you I was never so scared in my entire life. The surgery is invasive and certianly not a "walk in the park" but very do-able. Since you have already completeed both Rad and Chemo without a good success rate, I would encourage you to move swiftly with the surgery. You will be uncomfortable at the beginning as with any surgery, but with time to heal you will be back to your new life within a matter of months. Within in a matter of weeks after surgery I was eating ground food, and TALKING; five years later I can eat most anything I desire and you can't shut me up! I do have a slight speech impediment but am clearly understandable unless I am extremely tired and then my speech is just a bit slurred. For me, the treatments to fight the disease were more disabeling than the surgery its self. If I can be of further help, please don't hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Donna