Dear SJones,
If you can, try to get a second opinion from another ENT. All doctors are not the same!! Some have much more experience when it comes to oral cancers than others. There may be other options besides surgery, like IMRT on the affected area. Don't forget to ask how surgery will affect your quality of life since surgery on the tongue can cause problems with swallowing and talking. Please keep us posted with you decision and treatments.
Wendy