Firstly di66 - I know you've had your treatment at this point but I have to tell you for future use - no medical establishment will ever offer you a second opinion (you are in a country where medicine is socialized - I'm Canadian ours is modeled after yours so we are very similar - a second opinion means more cost to the government and frankly most drs figure they're good at what they do so they know best and family drs. /GPs always refer within their group of peers) If you are uncertain about a dr. Or what they offer you as treatment go back to your family dr. (Or the person who refered you)- and request a referral to someone else. Want to up your chance of getting a really good dr? Do some research. Look up who is the best of the best in the UK for treating your kind of cancer - chances are this person will already be connected to a top cancer hospital - this is who you need to see. Request to be refered to that person specifically - in fact this refers to Chris86 as well. You've had a recurrence at this point you need to make sure you're being seen by the best of the best - they can likely do rads again but I think the first route hey gave you is the best way to go - provided they can operate quickly - chances are this is NON HPV - based a on your age and location so surgery should be your first option - with regards to what you will and won't be able to do after - no one can tell you. However there are people here who've had your surgery (total glossectomies too) and can do it all - speak, taste and breathe normally. My advice - a second opinion FAST - do a bit of homework and find out who the TOP surgeon for its type of cancer (an ENT - obviously) is in Ireland and be prepared to travel if necessary - this is your life. You are young, and you want to have the best quality of life possible after treatment is done. Hugs and welcome to the group.