Thank you everyone for your support! Last night was a long night. There is a lot whirling around in our minds. I've directed my wife to this thread as well.

After reading more, I'm starting to think the diagnosis of T1N0M0 might be premature, since I haven't had any sort of scan yet. That was based upon the ENT's observations of the cyst, and I guess feel of surrounding lymph nodes. My PCP also did a pre-op physical and did not discover any abnormal lymph nodes by hand. My ENT did also discuss with me the fact that there are some studies about TORS, to remove more of the tongue by laser, but they are still early. At the time, I told him I wanted to go the route that has the most proven success, so he directed me to 2 particular oncologists at the Cancer Center of Lake Manassas (in Virginia).

I was in shock as he was telling me. I think the shock is over, and the reality has set in on us. The first clue I had was that when he was telling me about the removal of the cyst, he said it was breaking apart funny instead of sort of vaporizing as a coblation would normally accomplish. He already had suspicions as he was removing the cyst.

Looks like I won't have an accurate diagnosis until after seeing an oncologist. I'm eager to take the first few steps to get a more accurate diagnosis. I may want to go to a larger cancer center for a second opinion. Sounds like we only get 1 shot at this if we go radiation route, so I want to make sure it counts.

Here I was just a few days ago saying that I was undergoing the most pain I had ever felt. I guess I'm in for another challenge. Bring it on.

edit: I will likely create a new thread in the appropriate forum after I get the first scan.