Niecy... is your cancer oral (inside the mouth ?) or down the throat) base of tongue? Many confuse the two. If it is an actual tumor in or on your oral tongue (usually under on the side) It's generally best treated with surgery. There was an interesting video the other day about the standard treatment and covers all the standards of treatment. If it's related to HPV - base of tongue or tonsillar then rads and chemo is your best bet right out of the gate as this type of cancer (HPV related) responds best to Rads and chemo. However non HPV oral tongue, oral mucosa cancer is usually treated surgery first and then follow up with rads and chemo. That is the standard.

Hope this clarifies things. Hugs.