I had similar surgery after a cancer diagnosis. I had the leukoplakia on my right lateral tongue for 3 years before it developed a sore that was cancer. I understand how you feel! I took a Xanax before going into the hospital for surgery so I was pretty calm. I'm glad you are getting rid of it now and hopefully there is no cancer. Have you had a PET scan? Having this helped relieve some of my anxiety as it was normal, meaning nothing had spread. As for after the surgery, you will have dissolving sutures and a lot of swelling, I think I told you before about the text to speech app for your phone that will help you communicate for a while. You can talk afterward but with a swollen tongue and the pain, the app may help. A week after my surgery I saw my primary doctor and he said my speech was fine and he could tell no difference. I think that with two weeks off to heal you should be fine back at school. Your tongue may get sore from talking but otherwise you should be fine. Or you could take 3 weeks and come back after Thanksgiving. I had my surgery in February and there is no difference in my speech, I did not need therapy. Good luck, we are here to cheer you on!