Amy,
What the statistics don't make really clear is that most people who contract H&N cancer are in their mid 50's and persons getting it at an earlier age tend to have much more aggressive types. We have had others here in their late 20's, initially dx'd with stage I and they died. They too were non smokers and moderate to non drinkers. Some of them chose treatment plans that were on the "lite" side wishing to avoid radiation and the effects. I hope am not scaring you but this disease is relentless, ruthless and unforgiving. Tongue cancer recurrence can be extremely dangerous as well. I would carefully re-read and consider Brian's post if it were me.

Stage II is on the border of recommended radiation according to the NCCN oncology practice guidelines. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/head-and-neck.pdf