Bruce, Excellent description of your diagnosis. I just went through this exactly. (April 13, 2023) I had TORS surgery to remove base of tongue tumor ( negative margins during surgery). The lymph nodes on one side of Neck were remove and sent off to Pathology. I was considered State 2/ minor Stage 3. ( June 1, 2023) I had 30 rounds of Proton Radiation to "cleanup" any cancer that may have been left behind from HPV16 base of tongue and Few Lymph nodes on one side of Neck . l was very worried about going on a feed tubing , Dysphagia and Not being about to swallow (eat or drink). I started doing mouth,Neck, tongue and swallowing exercises prior to proton Radiation. If you have a Speech therapist they can help you with this. Also, There are tons of Youtube videos on the subject. It was a struggle to eat during radiation and I FORCED myself. You will lose appetite and everything has no taste. Today 2.5 months out of radiation treatment. I can eat and drink about anything I wish. However I still have no appetite or taste much at all. During Treatment I was eating very soft diet. Think eggs, cottage cheese, Milk, Smoothies, bologna, Boost,Shakes, soups, etc. My taste buds are about 20% and seem to be coming back some. My mucositis has just about gone away and My saliva production is slowly getting better. My hair has stopped falling out. Beard hair I lost has not returned. Mouth Sores and Neck skin burns healed within weeks of final treatment. My stamina is back to about 80% but Some days only 60%. Head and Neck Radiation is a real tough deal. If I where you I would research Proton VS Photon Radiation and side effects. I my opinion Proton is more targeted with less side effects. However, It is a battle as insurance companies do not want to pay for Proton when Photon is much cheaper. In closing you are facing a very winnable battle but make no mistake it is a difficult journey. I see you have faith in God which is why I am typing today. I firmly believe it you have faith the Good Lord will get you through anything..Good luck to you. You can and will make it!