Thank you all for your responses. I have been assured by the surgeon that he is NOT going to have to remove a lot of my tongue so, it will not affect my speech or my ability to talk. I’m super scared about the neck dissection & the drainage tube afterwards!!! I learned the hard way, to stay on top of the pain and take the pain meds as prescribed especially the first few days. After my biopsy I didn’t take pain meds at first because I didn’t think I needed them. Then of course late one night the pain kicked in and I was in so much pain!!! It took hours for the pain meds to kick in, big mistake. I was told that I am going to have a 2-3 day hospital stay because of the drainage tube placement after the surgery. I’m determined to remain strong & on top.,,. My kids need me!!!