Gary - All in all sounds good. Couple of questions. Are you seeking a second opinion for the speific plan of action. I am a huge proponenet for a second opnion as it gives you piece of mind and fresh perspective. Even if you sought multiple opinons initialy, you now have new data for review by different doctors. Second line of qestions is on neck disection and partial glossectomy. Neck disection should be non-controversial so prety sure all docs will recommend removal of any affected nodes and perhaps add'l removal of nodes close by affected nodes. ASk for a drainage tube to be inserted if they can as it really reduceses swelling. On the base of tongue, this seems more complicated to me and could involve reconstructive surgery depending on size and location. Given that they have already radiated this area it will be that much more important that they remove the cancer with ample margins. I worry aout doctor's ability to plan a very complex and quality of life important surgery on the fly. You may very well want to have input in the ultimate decision. 2nd opinion key here as well and if he plans to do it all in one surgry there would be no ability to seek second opinion.

Gary - I know you have been through a great deal up to this point and its very human nature to choose the path of least resistance and just get this thing finished up without doing alot of challenging. I'm far from an expert on base of tongue issues so keep that in mind. We are all here to help you gt through this last bit. Send me a private message and we can talk.

Good luck buddy and the finish line is approacing