Ronnie, What surgery are they suggesting? Partial glossectomy, radical neck dissection, both?

I can tell you that the current trend is toward radiation and chemo without surgery. It seems the survival rate is about the same (perhaps slightly better) than with surgery. There are many variables, however.

The above surgeries have risks and leave some long term effects. One benefit of surgery is that lymph nodes can be examined for evidence of microscopic spread. If none is found, perhaps no radiation is needed.

This decision should be made with your doctors in agreement. If they can't then get that second opinion.