Hello Hellion. Yes, this is indeed a scary time for you. It's scary for all us especially when we are first diagnosed.
Most cancers at the base of the tongue are HPV positive and you are correct , that does give you a survival advantage as these cancers are supposed to respond very well to chemo and radiation . So your treatment plan sounds correct and you will find many here who have gone this exact same path.
This treatment is no walk in the park and can be brutal at times. Others who have been there will come along soon with advice for you.
My advice is to stay strong and get your fighting hat on. I'm of the opinion that attitude makes a difference. Tell yourself that you can do this and that you will survive. Don't worry about statistics, they don't apply to you. You will either be a survivor, or not. At 44 you are young and I'm guessing healthy so that gives you better odds too. Your Family will be your greatest support, especially your Wife and children. For now, take it 1 day at a time.
Christine will be along shortly to give you advice on nutrition and eating lots.
Read these forums. They gave me lots of strength and excellent advice.
You will get through this,
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!