Thanks all! I'm am being treated at a CCC in San Diego. And yes HPV doesn't usually get the lateral tongue but it has been reported. Weird, I know. Yes he did do laryngoscopy during the case and didn't see anything. And had completely neg PET and MRI prior (even the primary wasn't seen). But multiple bxs (I just got my path back yesterday) are pos for SCC in the lesion so we are sure (this was my second opinion). The sentinel node technology is very interesting and I opted for it bc of the literature I read. Although imperfect for oral cancer, and not yet standard of care, there are great studies showing it has a high neg predictive value (95-100% depending on your T number and experience of your surgeon). I am certain it will eventually become standard for pts with a clinically neg neck (neg imaging and exam) to avoid SND for many. Like it is already for melanoma and breast. If you come across other new T 1-2 tongue pts, I'm happy to discuss w them what I've learned. Well see if it works for me long term. I'm thrilled to be cancer free but of course worried about recurrence already - lol. Thank u for all the input, my tongue is feeling better this morning :-)