Hi there and welcome - your story is my story right down to the letter (except I'm a veg head too.- I gather the tumor is small if they aren't reconstructing your tongue. Thats a plus. (i lost a 3rd and had it rebuilt with skin from my wrist - they did an amazing job!!! They should and will likely take out more than one node - the average is around 30 my dr was super careful and took out 40. It's not too bad a surgery - rads and Chemo if you should have them aren't easy but they are doable, and we're here to support you! Take care!