Hi Mike,
I was diagnosed with CC last year, at 39. It sucked. I understand how you feel about the surgery. I was in so much pain and talking so badly that I couldn't wait to be pain and (hopefully) cancer free. The treatment and healing process is tough and slow, but your positive attitude will help massively.

F 39 x-smoker no alcohol
05/20/19 T4aN1/N2bM0 SCC a whopper of a tumour at 8cm long & 4cm wide
Pembro pre & post surgery
RIG
Glossectomy ND RFFR 08/13/19
RT x33
2x cispltin
So far, no evidence of disease
Now an author of a recipe book for mouth cancer patients