Just like you I had a diagnosis of HPV-16 SCC in The base of my tongue. As well, it had spread to a lymph node in my neck. This was in December if 2022. My doctor recommended a 6 week treatment of Cisplatin once a week to shrink the lymph node carcinoma (the tongue cancer was very small to begin with). After that I had a regimen of Carboplatin Chemo once a week with 5 radiation sessions a week for 6 weeks. Bottom line is that the side effects were not fun, particularly the radiation. Be prepared for swallowing difficulties. I ended up with a G-tube, but honestly it was the best thing I did. Don’t fear it if you have to go that route. The great news is in the end, is that I am in total remission with no traces of cancer. I have little, if any, residual effects from treatment. I pray it goes as well for you. Hang in there. Success rate is very high.