Kyle,

Don't be afraid of the radiation. If you have to do it for a better chance to survive and never face it again, it is a good thing. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it survivable? Yes.

I had the same surgery as you but on my right side. Lost 1/3 of the tongue and did radiation on both side of the neck and from the front. I am 4 years out from the end of my radiation TX and still cancer free. I would do it all over again too if I had to!

The numbness faded with time for me and I have all sensation back.

Jim

T3N2aM0 SCC right oral tongue. Partial Glosectomy, Modified Neck disection for 1 Lymph Node. Dec. 2002. 35 IMRT 2003.