Hi, Bob
So, oddly enough, although the surgery sounds pretty wretched, it doesn't generate late effects in the same way that radiation and chemo do. If you haven't already done so, look at the NCCN Treatment guidelines available on this site - surgery is the primary treatment for anterior tongue cancers.

By the way - if you are a smoker, probably the best thing you can do for yourself is to quit now.

Best wishes,
Maria