I will not sugarcoat this for you. I had a T1N0 diagnosis and had a partial glossectomy on the right side of my tongue. The swelling will go down, your speech should improve once it does, if not, make an appointment with a speech therapist. I used a speech app on my phone for about a week after surgery until I could speak without pain. I have no speech problems at all now, two years out from surgery. My surgeon gave me a 50/50 opinion about radiation so he presented to the tumor board. They recommended radiation. You should wait until you are healed from surgery before starting. I do not regret having radiation, yes, it was extremely unpleasant, yes, the side effects are bad, but I do not regret it. Especially after reading about recurrences here, I wouldn't want to go through this again, if possible. Radiation treatments are brutal and some of the side effects may be permanent. I had mouth sores and mucositis, lidocaine helped with that, to be able to swallow anything. I did not go out except to go to radiation for about 4 weeks. Percocet became about a 24/7 drug by the end and for a couple weeks after, do not be afraid to ask for, and use, pain medication. My radiation oncologist prescribed two 60 pill prescriptions for me, I thought that seemed extreme but I used almost all of them. I lost 35 pounds, I tried to find high calorie fluids but being lactose intolerant and lack of wanting to eat took it's toll. Really, the mucositis was the worst, I had a spit bottle always at hand for that, not pleasant. After treatment, in time, things improved but I am not back to pre radiation condition. For a while my taste buds were off, they did improve but I still don't enjoy chocolate, fresh fruit, sweets in general don't taste as good. Saltiness is a good flavor and I can eat anything except for things that cause my mouth to dry out like acidic things, most fresh fruits and nuts. Salad isn't good either. Saliva has not come back to normal, I am still really dry and have to always carry water around with me, this may be permanent also. It's entirely up to you to decide whether or not to endure this treatment, it's rough, you will need help to get back and forth to appointments and help at home, my husband and I are retired so that was easy for me. You will not be as you were before, but you can learn to live with the changes. You may not want to go out during treatment or for a few weeks after. On my last day of treatment I flew to Texas, not a good plan, to then drive back home over 5 days. I had trouble finding things to eat that tasted good while my family were eating steak! It will just take time to recover and time will tell what the side effects will remain permanent. If I were in your shoes, with your diagnosis, I would still go with radiation. It will be the hardest thing you will endure in your life, but depend on your medical team to get you through it, they have all the tips. Best to you whatever you decide! Feel free to pm me if you wish.